At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable learners with SEMH needs, building confidence and resilience.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Join a nurturing environment with opportunities for long-term positions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people, especially those with SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32500 £ per year.
Location: Redbridge
Pay Rate: £100-£130 per day
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: Sept 2026
Milk Education is recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEMH provision for a dedicated and resilient SEMH Learning Mentor to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting vulnerable learners and helping them overcome barriers to education. Whether your experience comes from education, youth work, care, mentoring, sports coaching or a similar background, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
- As an SEMH Learning Mentor, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both academically and emotionally.
- You will build positive relationships, provide guidance and encouragement, and help young people develop the confidence, resilience and self-regulation skills needed to succeed.
- Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals, you will support pupils with a range of additional needs and challenging behaviours, helping to create a safe and engaging learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Build strong, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
- Support students in accessing learning within the classroom and through targeted interventions.
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
- Help pupils develop coping strategies, resilience and social skills.
- Support the implementation of behaviour and support plans.
- Act as a positive role model and mentor for young people.
- Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral teams.
- Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
- Support pupils during unstructured times and educational activities.
The Ideal Candidate
- We are looking for someone who has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with SEMH needs, SEND or behavioural challenges.
- Is patient, empathetic and able to build positive relationships quickly.
- Remains calm and professional when faced with challenging situations.
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable Experience
- SEMH, SEND or Alternative Provision settings.
- Youth work, residential care, mentoring or support work.
- Behaviour support and de-escalation techniques.
- Trauma-informed practice, attachment awareness or restorative approaches.
Why Work Through Milk Education?
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
- Opportunities for long‑term and permanent positions.
- The chance to make a genuine impact on the lives of young people.
Safeguarding Statement
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks and all relevant compliance procedures in line with safer recruitment practices. If you are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential and want to be part of a rewarding specialist setting, we would love to hear from you.
SEMH Learning Mentor employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for SEMH Learning Mentors in Redbridge. With competitive pay rates and a strong commitment to ongoing professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The collaborative culture fosters positive relationships among staff and students alike, ensuring that every mentor can thrive in their role and contribute to a safe and engaging learning atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Mentor
✨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 Milk 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 Milk 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 Milk 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 Milk 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 Learning Mentor
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 Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk 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 Milk 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.
