At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in schools.
- Company: Leader Education, dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full training provided; no previous school experience required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work, care, or mental health support is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Behaviour Mentor / Mental Health Support Assistant
Leeds, Wakefield & Pontefract
Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity | September Starts Available
Help Young People Overcome Barriers and Reach Their Potential
Are you passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs? Do you have experience in youth work, care, residential support, coaching, mental health support, or working with vulnerable young people? Leader Education is recruiting Behaviour Mentors and Mental Health Support Assistants to work within supportive mainstream and specialist schools across Leeds, Wakefield and Pontefract.
This is a highly rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people who require additional support to engage in education, regulate their emotions, and build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Whether you're already working in education or looking to transfer your skills from a care, support, youth work, or mental health background, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
As a Behaviour Mentor, you'll work closely with pupils who may experience:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
- Behavioural challenges
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD
- Communication and interaction needs
- Trauma and attachment-related needs
You will play a key role in helping pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1, small-group and classroom-based support
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
- Helping pupils engage with learning and achieve their individual goals
- Encouraging independence, resilience and self-confidence
- Supporting pupils' mental health and overall well-being
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, SENCOs and external professionals
- Contributing to a safe, structured and nurturing school environment
- Adapting your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil
Who We're Looking For
- Patient, resilient and empathetic
- Passionate about supporting young people
- Confident building positive relationships and maintaining boundaries
- Calm under pressure and able to respond to challenging situations professionally
- Committed to making a long‐term impact in a school setting
We Welcome Applications From
- Behaviour Mentors
- Youth Workers
- Residential Childcare Workers
- Support Workers
- Mental Health Support Workers
- Care Workers
- Sports Coaches
- Psychology Graduates
- Health & Social Care Professionals
- Prison and Rehabilitation Staff
- Creative Arts Practitioners
- Armed Forces and Cadet Instructors
Previous school experience is desirable but not essential. Full support and training will be provided for the right candidates.
Why Work with Leader Education
- Weekly pay through compliant umbrella payroll
- Free Team Teach and SEND‐specific training
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Dedicated support from an experienced education consultant
- Long‐term, temporary placements with temp‐to‐perm opportunities
- Full AWR compliance, ensuring fair pay and working conditions
- Opportunities to gain valuable experience within SEND, SEMH and alternative provision settings
About Leader Education
Leader Education partners with inclusive mainstream schools, specialist SEND provisions and alternative education settings across West Yorkshire. We are committed to connecting exceptional people with rewarding opportunities that positively impact the lives of children and young people.
All roles are subject to safer recruitment and compliance checks. An Enhanced Child & Adult Workforce DBS is required. If you do not currently hold one, Leader Education can support you with the application process.
If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, support young people's mental health, and make a lasting difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
SEMH Behaviour Mentor - Leeds in Bradford employer: Leader Education
Leader Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Behaviour Mentors in Leeds, Wakefield, and Pontefract. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training, weekly pay, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Join a passionate team that values resilience, empathy, and collaboration, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Behaviour Mentor - Leeds in Bradford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Leader Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Leader Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Leader Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Leader Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Behaviour Mentor - Leeds in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Leader Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leader Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
