At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people by managing challenging behaviour and implementing positive strategies.
- Company: Specialised SEN school in Bury St Edmunds with a focus on student welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly pay, long-term stability, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work alongside expert teams and enjoy a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH, ADHD, or Autism; resilience and calmness are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Opportunity
Working Hours: Monday to Friday (Term-Time Only)
Salary: Competitive daily rate, paid weekly (reflective of experience)
Are you a resilient, calm, and proactive individual with a talent for managing challenging behaviour and supporting vulnerable young people? We are seeking a dedicated Behaviour Support Mentor for a full-time, long-term placement at a specialised SEN school in Bury St Edmunds. This role is specifically designed for someone who thrives in high-pressure environments and understands that behind challenging behaviour is often an unmet communication or emotional need. By joining this specialist school on a long-term basis, you will provide the vital consistency and stability these pupils require to safely engage with their education.
Key Responsibilities:
- De-escalation & Crisis Intervention: Proactively spot behavioural triggers, implement positive handling/de-escalation strategies, and support pupils back to a calm state.
- 1:1 Behaviour Mentoring: Target and support specific pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, or trauma, helping them develop robust emotional regulation tools.
- Implement Behaviour Plans: Work strictly in line with individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and school positive behaviour policies.
- Re-engage Learners: Assist class teachers by keeping pupils focused during lessons, breaking down tasks, and building their confidence through positive reinforcement.
- Provide Positive Role Modelling: Establish firm, fair boundaries built on mutual respect, patience, and absolute consistency.
Candidate Requirements:
- Proven experience managing challenging behaviour or supporting young people with SEMH, ADHD, Autism (ASC), or severe emotional difficulties.
- Backgrounds in youth work, residential care, ex-military, sports coaching, or pupil referral units (PRUs) are highly valued.
- De-escalation training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or StepOn) is highly advantageous, though a calm, unflappable attitude is essential.
- Exceptional resilience - the ability to handle high-anxiety situations and difficult behaviours without taking them personally.
- A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete a new check immediately).
Professional Benefits:
- Long-Term Consistency: A stable, full-time role within one dedicated school environment, allowing you to see true behavioural transformation over time.
- Competitive Weekly Pay: Excellent daily rates processed reliably every week.
- Specialist Experience: Enhance your CV by working alongside expert SENDCos, therapists, and specialised educational teams.
- Dedicated Local Consultant: Support from a specialist consultant with extensive knowledge of the West Suffolk specialist education sector.
We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Behaviour Support Mentor employer: Randstad Education
Randstad Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Lingfield, UK. With a focus on employee growth through ongoing training and development, staff are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals with severe needs. The modern educational setting provides excellent facilities, ensuring that employees have the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support 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 Randstad 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 Randstad 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 Randstad 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 Randstad 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 Behaviour Support 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 Randstad Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Randstad 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 Randstad 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.
