School Cover Mentor (Behaviour & Inclusion)

School Cover Mentor (Behaviour and Inclusion) is a rewarding term-time only education role with a starting salary of £25,000-£27,000 Actual (£27,896 - £30,128 FTE) and mileage included, supporting young people who are disengaged from education to build social and emotional resilience, improve behaviour, and achieve positive academic and personal outcomes through targeted mentoring and inclusion support.

About School Cover Mentors: Think for the Future’s mission is to engage, educate and empower young people to have social and emotional resilience and independence in order to achieve their potential. The pupils we work with are often disengaged from education, close to exclusion or have low aspirations. We offer the opportunity for them to strive and succeed in both their academic and non-academic outcomes, through improvements in resilience, aspirations, behaviour and academic success.

To deliver our interventions, we employ relatable individuals who can create strong and lasting rapport with these young people and confidently deliver our comprehensive social and emotional resilience programme. Mentors deliver sessions in both group and one-to-one settings, tailored to target improvements in educational outcomes for the pupils they work with. Cover Mentors ensure continuity and high-quality provision by covering absences and responding to additional support needs across our services.

Role Details:

• Contract: Term-Time Only, Permanent
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Working pattern: 8am–4pm, Monday–Friday
• Weeks per year: 41 (term-time only + training days)
• Start date: Rolling recruitment with multiple entry points
• Salary: £25,000-£27,000 Actual (£27,896 - £30,128 FTE) + mileage paid

What you'll do as a School Cover Mentor:

• Delivering Think for the Future’s educational programmes across schools where cover or additional session delivery is required.
• Responding to cover needs wherever needed across Think for the Future provisions.
• Supporting pupils through 1:1 and small group mentoring to improve behaviour, attitudes to learning, life skills and aspirations.
• Tailoring mentoring sessions to meet the individual needs of pupils.
• Building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with school staff.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share good practice.
• Working closely with your Manager to regularly reflect on practice and develop your skills.

Progression matters to us — and to you: At TFTF we strongly believe in the importance of providing progression and development opportunities. We provide clear, transparent salary bandings and multiple progression pathways to advance your career and achieve your long-term goals.

You should apply if:

• You enjoy being adaptable and flexible to respond to various needs across the organisation.
• You have willingness to travel distances across the geography that you’re covering.
• You love working with young people and can build rapport quickly.
• You can manage challenging behaviour, both one-to-one and in groups.
• You have experience in behaviour support, youth mentoring, learning support, sports coaching, inclusion/pastoral roles or similar.
• You’re positive, energetic and passionate about making a difference.
• You’re adaptable and resilient in challenging environments.
• You’re confident communicating with a diverse range of pupils and professionals.
• You have good written and admin skills and can manage your own time and workload.

It’s a bonus if:

• You have direct experience working within schools or alternative provisions.
• You hold related mentoring, coaching or teaching qualifications.
• You have knowledge of relevant policies such as safeguarding, health and safety, data protection etc.

What you’ll get at Think for the Future:

• Positive and supportive team culture.
• Induction training: fully-paid for induction training for all new staff.
• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Commitment to your health and wellbeing.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Work-life balance.
• Career progression opportunities.

A rewarding, meaningful role shaping young people’s future.

Our Recruitment Process typically takes 2-4 weeks and includes a Discovery Call, Core Interview & Presentation Task, and Role Offer / Waiting List.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and a secure social media check.

Diversity & Inclusion: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every staff member can thrive.