At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional well-being and manage disruptive behaviours in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Highfields College, a dedicated alternative education provision in Stockport.
- Benefits: Supportive work culture, professional development, and local government benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for pre-visit tours to experience our vibrant school atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a positive team.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 21485 - 21485 £ per year.
Highfields College is an alternative education provision dedicated to supporting young people when they need it most. As part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, we provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for students facing challenges with school engagement and emotional well-being. We are a team driven by energy, positivity, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
The Role
We are seeking a Pastoral Mentor for De‑Escalation & Engagement to act as a champion for emotional well‑being and mental health across our school. You will be a visible, grounding presence for our students, working day-to-day to defuse high‑agitation, navigate disruptive behaviours, and provide practical guidance to both students and staff. This role isn’t about sitting in an office; it’s about being on the frontline of student engagement—building deep, trusting relationships with young people and their families to help them succeed.
Who We Are Looking For
- Empathetic & Understanding: You can see past defiant behaviour to the root cause, providing a supportive anchor when a young person is struggling with school.
- Energetic & Positive: You bring infectious enthusiasm and resilience to the school day, keeping morale high even during challenging situations.
- Reliable & Team‑Oriented: You are a rock for your colleagues. You understand that pastoral care is a team sport and are ready to support, collaborate, and step up when needed.
- Utterly Professional: You maintain naturally high standards of safeguarding, professional boundaries, and confidentiality at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- De‑Escalation & Mentoring: Use specialized verbal techniques (primarily based on the Team Teach model) to lower agitation, manage disruptive behaviours, and guide students toward positive choices.
- Staff Support: Act as an "on‑call" contact for behavioural support, model effective management techniques, and deliver Team Teach training.
- Leadership & Deputising: Step up to deputise for the Pastoral Manager when they are off‑site, leading on higher‑level incidents, deploying staff, and consulting with the Senior Leadership Team.
- Family & Community Liaison: Build honest, diplomatic, and supportive relationships with parents and carers, celebrating successes and navigating difficult conversations with tact.
- Enrichment & Intervention: Plan, cost, and lead reward trips, as well as specialised interventions like Forest Schools and group mentoring sessions.
Skills & Requirements
- A natural ability to build mutual respect and rapport with vulnerable or disaffected young people.
- Excellent diplomatic and communication skills—able to advise teaching staff on strategies and communicate effectively with families.
- Analytical skills to observe behavioural triggers and contribute accurately to individual risk assessments, positive handling plans, and SIMS logging.
- An unwavering commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and data privacy.
- Willingness to train as a certified Team Teach tutor (fully funded by the school).
Benefits
In return for your dedication and reliability, we offer an incredibly supportive work environment where your voice is valued. You will work alongside a passionate Senior Leadership Team focused on creating a culture of belonging for both staff and students. As part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, you will have access to excellent professional development opportunities and local government benefits.
Visit Us
We would love to show you around our school before you submit your application. We are very happy to host pre‑visits and tours so you can see our energetic and positive environment first‑hand. To request a visit, please contact our Main Reception on 0161 406 7922.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant's appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Pastoral Mentor – Engagement and De-escalation in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
Highfields College is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. As part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, employees benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to engage directly with students in meaningful ways. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Mentor – Engagement and De-escalation in Stockport
✨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 Stockport Council.
✨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 Stockport Council!
✨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 Stockport Council, 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 Stockport Council 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 Pastoral Mentor – Engagement and De-escalation in Stockport
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 Stockport Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockport Council! 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 Stockport Council
✨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.
