At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students in navigating challenges and re-engaging with education.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time only schedule, and access to free CPD courses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Psychology, Social Sciences, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Wandsworth
Pay: £108 per day
Start Date: June 1st or September 2026
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, term time only
Are you a Psychology or Social Science graduate looking to understand how vulnerable young people become involved in criminal exploitation, gangs, and harmful online ideologies? Do you want to work at the sharp end of youth intervention – inside an Alternative Provision setting where county lines and manosphere influence are real, daily challenges?
Milk Education – a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly agency – is recruiting passionate graduates to work within an Alternative Provision (AP) unit inside a secondary school in Wandsworth. In this Student Support Mentor role, you will support pupils who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion, helping them navigate exploitation, ideological influence, and re‑engage with education.
This AP unit supports students who struggle to access mainstream education. Many are involved in or at risk of county lines, criminal exploitation, gang association, and have been exposed to manosphere content (online misogyny, toxic masculinity, incel culture, radicalisation). These pupils often present with:
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Trauma, neglect, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- County lines involvement – criminal exploitation, cuckooing, money mules, debt bondage
- Manosphere influence – Andrew Tate–style ideology, anti‑authority attitudes, extreme misogyny
- Emotionally driven, aggressive, or controlling behaviour
- Persistent absence, exclusion history, or dual vulnerability (victim and perpetrator)
- Resistance to female staff or authority figures
- Chaotic home lives with safeguarding concerns
You will work closely with pastoral leads, behaviour hubs, safeguarding teams, and external youth offending services to disrupt exploitation pathways and challenge harmful ideologies.
Your Experience Will Include:
- 1:1 mentoring focusing on county lines awareness, grooming signs, and safety planning
- Challenging manosphere narratives through critical thinking and relational practice
- Supporting emotional regulation, de‑escalation, and pro‑social identity building
- Rebuilding trust with adults after experiences of exploitation or exclusion
- Implementing personalised behaviour and safety plans
- Using trauma‑informed, restorative, and gender‑aware approaches
- Working alongside police, youth workers, and early intervention teams
- Helping students re‑engage with learning, attendance, and future pathways
This role is exceptional experience for graduates considering careers in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Youth Justice, Criminal Exploitation, Social Work, or Gang Intervention.
Why This Role Is Valuable Experience for a Graduate
- Deep understanding of county lines – how grooming, control, and debt work
- Awareness of the manosphere and its impact on school culture and safeguarding
- Skills in mentoring high‑risk, justice‑involved, or ideologically vulnerable youth
- Practical experience in Alternative Provision – the most challenging but rewarding educational setting
- Knowledge of multi‑agency work (schools, police, social care, youth offending)
Why Join Milk Education?
- Training & CPD (Including specialist modules)
- Free CPD: County Lines & Criminal Exploitation, Manosphere Awareness, Trauma‑Informed Practice, Behaviour & De‑escalation, Safeguarding
- Career‑focused development aligned with forensic and clinical psychology pathways
Wellbeing & Support
- Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
- A dedicated consultant who understands your long‑term career goals
Benefits for You
- Competitive daily pay (£108 per day)
- Fast‑track registration and compliance
- Term‑time only schedule
- 5‑star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
- Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)
- FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials
- 24/7 consultant support
- Work with the UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency
- Nationwide network of schools and trusts
Who We’re Looking For
- Graduates in Psychology, Social Sciences, Criminology, or related fields
- Aspiring Forensic Psychologists, Youth Justice Officers, Exploitation Lead Workers, or Social Workers
- Calm, resilient, and non‑judgemental individuals
- People who understand that behind the behaviour is often a victim
- Those motivated to work with the UK’s most vulnerable young people
- Confidence in challenging harmful ideologies while building trust
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
Student Support Mentor – Wandsworth employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people. With a strong focus on wellbeing and professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training, access to mental health resources, and a supportive work culture that values resilience and understanding. Located in Wandsworth, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with challenging yet rewarding educational settings, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about youth intervention and social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Mentor – Wandsworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Student Support Mentor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a mate to throw some common questions your way or use mock interviews. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine when it comes to discussing your passion for supporting vulnerable youth.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for education and youth support shine through. Share your ideas on how to tackle issues like county lines and harmful ideologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, we’re all about supporting graduates like you in making a real difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Mentor – Wandsworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable young people. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for the Student Support Mentor role. We want to know why this position matters to you!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific challenges mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand the unique needs of our students.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key issues surrounding county lines and the manosphere. Understanding these topics will not only show your commitment but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Resilience
Demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable young people. Share examples from your experience where you've shown empathy, resilience, or a non-judgemental attitude. This is crucial for a role that involves supporting students with complex backgrounds.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face as a Student Support Mentor. Think about how you would handle challenging behaviours or difficult conversations, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how they approach multi-agency work. This shows you're serious about making a positive impact.
