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- Tasks: Support and mentor young people with challenging behaviours in a non-traditional learning environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of local youth.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, fixed hours, and access to specialist training.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on young lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth and strong resilience required.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 26000 £ per year.
Specialist Youth Mentor / SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Preston (PR1)
Salary: £95.00 - £125.00 per day
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent / Long-term Contract
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:45 - 15:45 (Term Time)
About the Role
Are you a resilient individual with a background in youth work, sports coaching, or SEN support? We are looking for a confident Teaching Assistant / Youth Worker to join an Alternative Provision in Preston. You will be supporting children and young people (ages 11-16) who have been excluded from mainstream education. These students often display challenging behaviour and have complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Your goal is to provide stability, build trust, and help them engage with their learning in a non-traditional setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and de-escalate challenging situations using professional, calm techniques.
- Act as a 1:1 mentor to help students navigate their emotions and social interactions.
- Support the delivery of a bespoke curriculum designed for students with SEN/SEMH.
- Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure a safe and positive environment for all.
What we are looking for:
- Resilience: You must be able to handle verbal aggression and challenging physical behaviours without taking it personally.
- Experience: Previous experience working with vulnerable youth (Youth Clubs, PRUs, Residential Care, or SEN Schools).
- Strong Character: A firm but fair approach with the ability to build rapport quickly.
- Commitment: Reliable individuals who understand that consistency is vital for our students.
- Location: Based in or able to commute easily to Preston.
Benefits:
- Competitive daily rate (£95-£125) paid weekly.
- Fixed school hours (08:45 - 15:45) providing an excellent work-life balance.
- The opportunity to make a genuine, life-changing impact on local Preston youth.
- Access to specialist training (e.g., Team-Teach, Safeguarding Level 2).
Schedule: Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends
Experience: Working with children/young people: 1 year (Preferred) Challenging behaviour: 1 year (Preferred)
How to Apply: Click 'Apply Now' to be considered for this position in Preston. For more information, contact the Tradewind Recruitment team today.
Youth Mentor in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tradewind Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Mentor in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, so don’t just memorise answers. Think about how your experiences relate to the role of a Youth Mentor and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your resilience and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully managed difficult behaviours or built rapport with young people. This is key for a role like this!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Mentor in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! Share any relevant experiences in youth work or SEN support that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you can meet the unique needs of our students!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Youth Mentor.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Youth Mentor and the specific needs of students with SEMH challenges. Familiarise yourself with techniques for managing challenging behaviour and how to build rapport with young people.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences in youth work or SEN support. Highlight situations where you successfully managed difficult behaviours or helped a young person engage with their learning.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
During the interview, convey your ability to remain calm under pressure. Share stories that illustrate your resilience and how you handle verbal aggression or challenging situations without taking it personally.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values.
