Pastoral Mentor at St Josephs Catholic High School, Workington

Are you a resourceful, resilient and confident individual with experience in sports coaching, mentoring, training, instructing or the Armed Forces? We are seeking a positive and highly motivated person to join our pastoral team, supporting students aged 11-16 to develop the confidence, resilience and positive behaviours they need to succeed. This rewarding role would suit someone who has worked as a sports coach, youth mentor, trainer, instructor, community practitioner or member of the Armed Forces and is ready to transfer their leadership, teamwork and communication skills into a school environment.

You will be a visible and positive role model who can build strong relationships with students, establish clear boundaries and remain calm and professional when managing challenging situations.

The role combines pastoral support, behaviour management, student mentoring and cover lesson supervision. You will work closely with our Pastoral and Senior Leadership Teams to improve student engagement, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing. You will also supervise classes completing pre-set work during the short-term absence of their usual teacher.

Mentoring and Role Modelling

• Build trusted and supportive relationships with students, particularly those who may be disengaged or experiencing social, emotional and mental health challenges.
• Act as a positive and consistent role model, encouraging students to develop confidence, resilience, self-discipline and respect for others.

Behaviour Support

• Confidently and consistently implement the school's behaviour policy.
• Use effective de-escalation techniques and structured strategies to manage challenging situations both in and outside the classroom.
• Support students to reflect on their behaviour, make positive choices and successfully re-engage with learning.

Individual and Group Support

• Deliver one-to-one mentoring and small-group sessions focused on developing important life skills, including:
• Resilience and confidence
• Teamwork and leadership
• Self-discipline and personal responsibility
• Punctuality and organisation
• Respect and positive communication

Student Engagement

• Support students to improve their attendance, engagement, behaviour, uniform standards and readiness to learn.
• Encourage students to take pride in themselves, their achievements and their school community.

Cover Lesson Supervision

• Supervise classes undertaking pre-set work during the absence of their normal teacher.
• Maintain a calm and purposeful classroom environment, ensuring students remain focused, behave appropriately and complete the work provided.

What You Will Bring

• Experience of coaching, mentoring, training, instructing, leading others or supporting young people.
• The ability to act as a positive and professional role model.
• Strong leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The confidence to establish clear boundaries and maintain high expectations.
• The ability to remain calm and authoritative in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Experience of resolving conflict or using effective de-escalation techniques.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build rapport and trust with young people.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing.
• A willingness to undertake professional development in areas such as behaviour management, restorative practice and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Applications are particularly welcomed from:

• Sports coaches
• Youth workers and community mentors
• Trainers and workplace instructors
• Teaching assistants and pastoral staff
• Former members of the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines
• Individuals with experience of leading teams or supporting people in challenging environments

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience of working with secondary-aged students or young people.
• Experience of delivering structured sports, fitness, training or personal-development sessions.
• Experience of providing one-to-one or small-group mentoring.
• Experience of working in a school, youth, community, training or military environment.
• Knowledge of local services, sports clubs or community organisations in the Workington area.
• Relevant qualifications or training, such as sports coaching awards, Team Teach, First Aid or Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Immediate Difference: Use your experience and skills to improve student confidence, engagement, behaviour and readiness to learn.
• Purposeful and Rewarding Work: Help young people overcome barriers, develop valuable life skills and achieve their potential.
• Transfer Your Skills into Education: Whether your background is in sport, training, mentoring, youth work or the Armed Forces, this role provides an opportunity to use your experience in a new and meaningful way.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Receive specialist training and support in areas including safeguarding, restorative practice, behaviour management and SEMH.
• A Supportive Working Environment: Join a brilliant and committed team within a welcoming school community.

We offer:

• Ample opportunities for personal and career development
• A comprehensive staff wellbeing service
• Online GP access
• Free use of our on-site gym facilities

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:15am-4:15pm, Friday: 8:15am-4:00pm. We are happy to consider alternative working patterns or hours. The role is term-time only, working 38 weeks per year plus one week of INSET training days.

St. Joseph's has been serving the local community for over 90 years and was one of the founding schools of the growing Mater Christi Multi Academy Trust. The Mater Christi MAT is a family of primary and secondary schools living and learning together for the common good of our children, families and communities.

Further information about the school can be found at www.sjchs.uk. We are ideally located for easy access to the Lake District and everything the National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer. It is also within easy commuting distance from the popular market town of Cockermouth.