At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform young lives through sport and education as a Learning Mentor.
- Company: Join SWAAY, a supportive independent school dedicated to vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Receive specialist training, private healthcare, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy a child-centred approach in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in the lives of young people while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is a plus; resilience and adaptability are key.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Transform young lives through sport and education in a role that creates genuine, lasting change.
At SWAAY, we're looking for an enthusiastic, resilient and caring Learning Mentor to join our Education team.
This is an incredibly rewarding role for someone who is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and has a genuine interest in sport and physical activity.
About SWAAY
Our small independent school offers secondary education to young males aged 11-17 who have experienced significant trauma and displayed harmful sexual behaviour.
We are committed to delivering an Education for Life, enabling every pupil to achieve their full potential.
Through our therapeutic, trauma-informed approach, we provide a safe and supportive environment where each pupil is respected as an individual, their strengths are recognised and they are empowered to develop the confidence and skills to prepare them for further education, work and life.
What you’ll do as a Learning Mentor
- Develop positive, therapeutic relationships with pupils
- Support pupils’ learning within the classroom and during sports activities
- Encourage positive behaviour through consistent, trauma-informed practice
- Supervise and participate in daily sports and outdoor activities
- Work collaboratively with Teachers, Therapists and Therapeutic Residential Workers to achieve the best outcomes for young people
- Assist with educational visits
- Promote safeguarding, inclusion and positive outcomes for all students
You’ll make a great Learning Mentor if you
- Have previous experience working with children and young people (desirable)
- Are resilient, calm and able to respond with patience
- Have flexibility to adapt to changing needs
- Want a career with purpose and impact
- Hold a full UK driving licence (desirable)
- Many of our team members joined us from careers in retail, hospitality, the armed forces, education, mental health support and youth work – bringing valuable life experience that helps our young people feel understood and supported.
Why work with us?
- Specialist therapeutic training including trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice (DDP)
- Private Healthcare
- Health Cash Scheme
- Confidential Employee Advice Programme – providing wellbeing support, financial and legal advice, coaching and more
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Death in Service benefit
- Access to Blue Light Discount
- Length of Service Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Free on-site parking
At SWAAY, we are proud of our child-centred approach and commitment to trauma-informed practice.
For over 30 years, we have delivered specialist residential care, education and therapy for young males aged 11-18 who have experienced significant trauma and displayed harmful sexual behaviour.
Our work focuses on reducing risk, addressing complex needs and empowering young people to move forward into safe, responsible and fulfilling adult lives.
SWAAY is committed to safeguarding children. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.
Our success is built on those who work with us!
SWAAY is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce, celebrating each individual's uniqueness.
SWAAY have a zero tolerance to any form of discrimination and harassment.
Learning Mentor in Binfield employer: SWAAY
At SWAAY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our young residents and our staff. Located in Farnborough, our 5-bed children's home offers a supportive work culture that emphasises professional growth through fully funded training opportunities, including the NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a stable work schedule with a rolling rota that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Mentor in Binfield
✨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 SWAAY.
✨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 SWAAY!
✨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 SWAAY, 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 SWAAY 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 Learning Mentor in Binfield
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 SWAAY:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SWAAY! 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 SWAAY
✨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.
