At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people by managing challenging behaviour and implementing positive strategies.
- Company: Specialised SEN school in Bury St Edmunds with a focus on stability and consistency.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly pay, long-term role, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and receive guidance from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enhancing your CV with specialist experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH, ADHD, or Autism; resilience and calmness are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Opportunity
Working Hours: Monday to Friday (Term-Time Only)
Salary: Competitive daily rate, paid weekly (reflective of experience)
Are you a resilient, calm, and proactive individual with a talent for managing challenging behaviour and supporting vulnerable young people? We are seeking a dedicated Behaviour Support Mentor for a full-time, long-term placement at a specialised SEN school in Bury St Edmunds. This role is specifically designed for someone who thrives in high-pressure environments and understands that behind challenging behaviour is often an unmet communication or emotional need. By joining this specialist school on a long-term basis, you will provide the vital consistency and stability these pupils require to safely engage with their education.
Key Responsibilities
- De-escalation and Crisis Intervention: Proactively spot behavioural triggers, implement positive handling/de-escalation strategies, and support pupils back to a calm state.
- 1:1 Behaviour Mentoring: Target and support specific pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, or trauma, helping them develop robust emotional regulation tools.
- Implement Behaviour Plans: Work strictly in line with individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and school positive behaviour policies.
- Re-engage Learners: Assist class teachers by keeping pupils focused during lessons, breaking down tasks, and building their confidence through positive reinforcement.
- Provide Positive Role Modelling: Establish firm, fair boundaries built on mutual respect, patience, and absolute consistency.
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience managing challenging behaviour or supporting young people with SEMH, ADHD, Autism (ASC), or severe emotional difficulties.
- Backgrounds in youth work, residential care, ex-military, sports coaching, or pupil referral units (PRUs) are highly valued.
- De-escalation training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or StepOn) is highly advantageous, though a calm, unflappable attitude is essential.
- Exceptional resilience: the ability to handle high-anxiety situations and difficult behaviours without taking them personally.
- A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete a new check immediately).
Professional Benefits
- Long-Term Consistency: A stable, full-time role within one dedicated school environment, allowing you to see true behavioural transformation over time.
- Competitive Weekly Pay: Excellent daily rates processed reliably every week.
- Specialist Experience: Enhance your CV by working alongside expert SENDCos, therapists, and specialised educational teams.
- Dedicated Local Consultant: Support from a specialist consultant with extensive knowledge of the West Suffolk specialist education sector.
Be the Turning Point in a Child's Education. Please forward your current CV and a brief professional summary detailing your behaviour support experience to or contact our office for a confidential discussion regarding this vacancy in Bury St Edmunds. We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Behaviour Support Mentor employer: TipTopJob
At TipTopJob, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in the serene surroundings of Thatcham, Berkshire, our mental health hospital provides extensive benefits, including a competitive salary and opportunities for continuous development, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
