Student Engagement Mentor in Newport, Wales

39 hours per week | 40 weeks per year (Term Time + Transition/Planning Weeks)

Salary: £26,100 - £28,228 per annum

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic, passionate and student-centred Student Engagement Mentor to join our growing team and make a genuine impact on the lives of young people at The Isle of Wight College. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with students who may face a range of personal, social, emotional or educational challenges. You will play a vital part in helping them overcome barriers, build confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and succeed both in college and beyond. Working as part of an established and supportive team of Student Engagement Mentors, you will champion student voice, nurture positive relationships, and provide timely, meaningful interventions that make a real difference.

If you are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment where no two days are the same — this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Support & Wellbeing: Provide one-to-one and small-group support to students to help them overcome barriers to learning, engagement, attendance and participation. Build trusted relationships with students, offering a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for them to talk and seek help. Work proactively with students who have additional needs (including those with EHCPs and high needs) to ensure they receive consistent pastoral and SEMH support.
• Advocacy & Empowerment: Advocate for students by helping them express their needs, strengths and concerns to teaching staff, curriculum teams and external agencies. Promote student inclusion, belonging, confidence and resilience through supportive conversations, tailored action plans and restorative approaches.
• Safeguarding & Risk Awareness: Identify concerns early and elevate appropriately in line with safeguarding procedures, KCSIE and college policy. Maintain accurate, timely and professional records of interventions, concerns and actions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the Student Engagement Mentor team, Safeguarding Team, Inclusion colleagues, curriculum staff and external professionals to provide consistent, high-quality support. Contribute to transition planning for new students, including those with EHCPs moving into Foundation and Pathways programmes. Engage with families and carers where appropriate to support student success.
• Attendance, Engagement & Behaviour: Support students with strategies to improve attendance, punctuality and engagement in learning. Use a coaching and relationship-based approach to promote positive behaviour and resolve low-level conflict or concerns.

What We’re Looking For

You will be a positive, proactive and emotionally intelligent individual who is passionate about supporting young people. You will bring:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A calm, empathetic and resilient approach.
• The ability to quickly build trust with young people who may be anxious, disengaged or experiencing complex circumstances.
• Understanding of safeguarding, SEND and high needs, mental health and inclusion (training provided).
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy, varied caseload.

Experience working with young people in education, youth work, social care or community settings is desirable, but not essential — the right attitude, motivation and commitment is what matters most.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a passionate and supportive team who are dedicated to student wellbeing and success. Make a direct, daily impact on the lives of young people across Foundation Learning and Pathways. Access to high-quality CPD, including mental health, safeguarding and SEND training. Be involved in exciting transition work, enrichment activities, events and student-led initiatives. Work in a role where your creativity, insight and compassion are genuinely valued.

What we can offer

Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work-life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to 30 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays and benefit from a Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long-term financial security. For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on-site gym. Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on-site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs. Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources. Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well-being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

How to apply

To join us here at The Isle of Wight College hit ‘Apply’ now! You can also forward your CV to The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high-quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education. Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly. The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.