At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students by providing emotional guidance and developing coping strategies.
- Company: Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth, a caring school with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Looked After Children and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or youth work, with a focus on SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 23990 - 29321 £ per year.
Role: SEMH Mentor (Looked After Children / LAC Focus)
Academy: Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth (Stockton-on-Tees)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: £25,744 (Actual Salary)
Working Pattern: 32.5 Hours Per Week, Term Time + 5 Days (1-Year Fixed Term)
Become a reliable anchor for a young person who needs it most. Being a Key Adult for a Looked After Child (LAC) is far more than an administrative title; it is about becoming a consistent, safe harbour in a world that has often been unstable.
In partnership with the Stockton Virtual School, Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth is seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated SEMH Mentor. In this role, you will not just support academic progress, you will offer unconditional positive regard, help repair relational trauma, and build the secure attachment necessary for young people to thrive at GCSE level and beyond.
What you will do:
- Be a Daily Safe Harbour: Meet key students at the start of the day, provide emotional regulation support, celebrate small victories, and offer a quiet space when things become overwhelming.
- Build Targeted Strategies: Work directly with vulnerable students to develop regulating and coping mechanisms that remove barriers to learning.
- Advocate and Collaborate: Act as a fierce advocate for Looked After Children, coordinating closely with teachers, Stockton Virtual School, and external stakeholders to ensure bespoke adaptations are in place.
- Track Impact: Keep track of attendance and progress, using simple data insights to showcase how targeted interventions are helping students succeed.
What we are looking for:
- Empathy and Resilience: A deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, relational boundaries, and the invisible burdens vulnerable children carry into the classroom every day.
- Relevant Experience: A background in mentoring, youth work, pastoral care, or supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
- High Expectations: A firm belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to transform their life through a quality education.
Why join Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth?
- Located near key commuting routes in Stockton-on-Tees, Bishopsgarth is an improving school with a massive heart. We serve our local community with a relentless moral purpose.
- Invested Leadership: We invest heavily in our staff's workload, wellbeing, and professional development.
- Strong Relationships: Our staff know our students and families well, fostering a supportive community where you will feel valued from day one.
How to apply and next steps:
Want to see our school in action or discuss the role before applying? We would love to welcome you for a visit!
Questions or School Visits: Please contact Abigail Davies at a.davies@bishopsgarth.outwood.com
Responsibilities: As a SEMH Mentor, you will drive student success by providing tailored guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Working with pupils, you will help them navigate complex barriers to learning—focusing on developing emotional regulation and coping strategies, boosting motivation, and inspiring higher aspirations.
Qualifications: Candidates must be knowledgeable of the needs of students with learning difficulties and disabilities and the SEND Code of Practice. An understanding of Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed practice would be desirable.
Specialist Teaching Assistant - SEMH Mentor employer: Outwood
Outwood Academy Kirkby is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising the professional development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation in education. Located in a vibrant community, the academy offers a unique chance to contribute to the success of diverse learners, particularly those with SEND and EAL needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant - SEMH Mentor
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Outwood, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant - SEMH Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Outwood. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Outwood. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Outwood.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Specialist Teaching Assistant - SEMH Mentor role at Outwood, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Outwood that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
