Student Support Mentor - ROOTS

Join us as a Student Support Mentor within the Adult & Community Learning department and play a key role in helping learners overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. In this rewarding role, you'll work closely with teaching staff to identify and support students who may be facing challenges with their studies or wellbeing, including those with diagnoses such as Dyslexia or ADHD, as well as learners experiencing short-term disruptions due to illness or personal circumstances. You'll deliver targeted interventions such as drop-in support, one-to-one coaching and small-group study sessions, ensuring every learner receives the guidance they need to stay on track and succeed by the end of the academic year.

The role will also support learners within the College's ROOTS provision, a specialist programme designed to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) build confidence, develop personal and employability skills, and progress into further learning, apprenticeships or employment. Through a proactive and learner-centred approach, you will help students develop the confidence, resilience and study skills needed to achieve their goals and progress successfully into their chosen next steps.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Curriculum teams to identify student needs, and contribute to the planning and implementation of strategies, coaching, and interventions that support engagement, wellbeing, and achievement.
• Plan and deliver a range of targeted interventions, drawing on vocationally specific expertise from teaching staff where appropriate.
• Prioritise support for High Needs students as required, ensuring timely and effective intervention.
• Attend regular training and CPD sessions delivered by the ALS Department to maintain and develop the skills required for the role.
• Participate in At‑Risk meetings and other relevant departmental meetings, providing insight into student progress and the impact of interventions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the department to ensure timely and accurate monitoring of attendance, retention, and achievement for students with Additional Support Needs.
• Work with the ALS Department to identify emerging support needs and prioritise provision in line with the ALS Deployment Pyramid.
• Record all interventions and their outcomes using College and departmental systems, ensuring accurate and consistent documentation.
• Track the intent, implementation, and impact of interventions through Digital Learning Logs and One Page Profiles.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• An appropriate Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in supporting students with learning difficulties/care, or a commitment to achieving this within an agreed timescale.
• Grade 4/C or above in Maths and English or equivalent.
• A willingness to undertake any mandatory training relevant to the role.
• Risk Assessment qualification – Desirable.
• First Aid qualification – Desirable.
• Understanding of health and safety matters.
• Knowledge of risk assessment processes.
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with staff and students at all levels.

Why Join Us?

• Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family.
• Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
• Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.
• College benefit scheme – College Extras: Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants.
• Discounted gift cards for big brands.
• Home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted onsite car parking.

Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. If you’re successful, you’ll be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All roles within the College carry safeguarding responsibilities, including promoting student welfare, reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and modelling safe and appropriate conduct in line with College policies.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make recruitment decisions based on skills and experience. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively support applicants with disabilities.