Specialist Mental Health and Wellbeing Mentor

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Specialist Mental Health and Wellbeing Mentor to join our Safeguarding department at Hammersmith campus.

The Mental Health Liaison Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing mental health and wellbeing provision within the Further Education (FE) context, supporting both students and staff through early intervention, targeted support, and preventative strategies. This post will strengthen the College's whole-college approach to mental health, ensuring alignment with the Youth Trailblazer Scheme and national best practice.

The post holder will be an experienced mental health practitioner with a strong understanding of adolescent and young adult mental health, including the complex needs of diverse FE learners. You will provide one-to-one and group interventions, deliver staff training and CPD, support safeguarding processes, and act as a key link between external mental health services and the College.

You will work proactively across multi‑disciplinary teams including curriculum staff, safeguarding, SEND, pastoral services and external partners such as CAMHS, NHS services, GPs, social care and voluntary sector organisations. You will act as a calm, professional and compassionate presence in supporting students experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges or crisis situations.

This role requires strong leadership qualities, resilience, and the ability to influence and embed a culture of wellbeing and psychologically‑informed practice across the College.

Full‑Time – Fixed Term (Until 31/03/2027)

Student Mental Health Support

• Manage a caseload of learners requiring targeted mental health intervention and support.
• Deliver 1:1 and group wellbeing sessions using evidence‑based approaches (e.g. CBT informed strategies, solution‑focused interventions, trauma‑informed practice).
• Undertake holistic mental health assessments and risk assessments, including suicide ideation, self‑harm and safeguarding concerns.
• Develop, implement and review individual wellbeing support plans in collaboration with students and relevant staff.
• Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation support where required.
• Support learners to develop coping strategies, resilience and positive mental health habits.
• Facilitate transition support for vulnerable learners, including those with SEND or entering FE from school.

Staff Support & CPD

• Deliver mental health awareness training and CPD for teaching and support staff.
• Provide professional guidance and consultation to staff on managing student mental health concerns.
• Support staff wellbeing through advice, signposting and workshops.
• Contribute to the development of staff mental health toolkits and resources.
• Promote psychologically safe environments in the classroom and across college spaces.

Safeguarding & Multi‑Agency Working

• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and safeguarding team to support vulnerable learners.
• Attend case conferences, TAC/TAF meetings and multi‑agency planning meetings.
• Liaise with CAMHS, NHS services, social services and community mental health teams.
• Support referrals to external agencies and track outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, mental health protocols and GDPR regulations.

Strategic & Development Work

• Support the implementation of the College's mental health and wellbeing strategy.
• Contribute to the evaluation of the Youth Trailblazer programme and impact reporting.
• Support whole‑college wellbeing events and initiatives.

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all employment offers are subject to employment checks. These may include Enhanced DBS, Children's Barred List check, DfE teaching/management Barred List check, online searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity, Right to Work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history.

The College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects its staff to share this commitment. You will be required to become familiar with the College's policies, and comply with the requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are asked to complete mandatory training in relation to KCSIE and other key areas, and to read the relevant policies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The College has a strong commitment to working towards the implementation of equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment. The College's mission and strategic objectives directly support this aim. All employees are required to actively support the development, dissemination and implementation of this aim and related policies.