Student Support Mentor

Now Education are looking for a full time, passionate Student Support Mentor for a new Alternate Provision in Derby. The role will mainly be based at the provisions site in Darley Abbey but you may be required to do some home visits also.

The main focus of the role is to support students to attend school through developing an in-depth understanding of needs and barriers. The mentor will advocate for students and is responsible for all student-related matters including academic, safeguarding and pastoral issues. This position will work collaboratively and in full partnership with the head teacher and other leaders to design, refine, and nurture a student experience that meets the unique needs of the students.

To be considered for this role you must be experienced at working with teenagers with challenging behaviour, be a strong and pro active person with a positive, engaging personality. The ability to engage and build rapport with young people is essential, people with a background in Youth or Social work have historically been successful in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Mission

● Embrace the mission, philosophy, and culture of Include.

● Demonstrate a visible, active presence in the daily life of the school, including during the daily routines of arrival, dismissal, lunch, and break times.

● Demonstrate alignment with the school’s core purpose, values, and strategic priorities.

● Work collaboratively to support students, parents, and leadership.

●     Provide support in the execution of individual student plans, including interventions for emotional needs where required.

School Community

● Identify proactive approaches to keep our community strong.

● Utilise inclusive processes and make informed decisions based on input.

● Provide direction, implementation, and communication about all facets of student life using research and best practices to inform this work.

● Work in a way that demonstrates the core values of the school which incorporates diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social-emotional learning.

● Implement and support student leadership training throughout the academic year.

● Communicate frequently with both leadership and parents about students’ experiences.

●     Provide input on small-scale changes or adjustments to the daily schedule.

Working with Leadership and Staff

● Establish and support respectful relationships with Leadership and staff.

● Work closely and communicate regularly with wider school staff.

● Work to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for both academic and social development.

● Serve as a conduit between students and Leadership by providing important feedback to staff about the student experience and mediating conversations between students and adults.

● Serve as a point person in supporting students facing significant challenges.

●     Collaborate with the head in leading new student onboarding and plan new student events throughout the school year.

Working with Students

● Build trusting relationships with students.

● Create and oversee student leadership opportunities.

● Ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to all aspects of student life, with the belief that these ideals are critical to engendering a true sense of belonging.

● Identify priorities and allocate resources to support the emotional and mental health of students.

● Oversee the student experience and foster a school climate that enhances community and student growth.

● Be present and visible in the school community by frequently connecting with students in common areas, dining hall, co-curricular spaces, hallways, and other spaces students gather.

● Nurture and coach student leaders.

● Provide proactive and responsive one-on-one and group-based Student Support.

● Commitment to student-centred learning and student-centred leadership.

● Foster a caring, positive, and engaging learning environment.

● Encourage student enthusiasm for, and sense of community in the school by generating Student Support for school activities.

● Develop programs that support students’ developing identities, build resilience, and instill confidence.

●     Work outside of the School, including at students homes, in order to develop relationships that enable students to access Include.

Attendance

● Work with individual students and families to understand barriers to attendance.

●     Use graduated exposure approaches to supporting students attend the school, this will include some outreach work where required, including home visits.

Qualification and Experience Requirements

● Experience in a support role in a school setting.

● Knowledge and understanding of adolescent development.

● Proven success working collaboratively

● Proven experience in working with young people.

●     ELSA training would be an advantage.

Skills

● Demonstrate the qualities of compassion, empathy, and openness, while utilising excellent active listening and communication skills.

● Commitment to collaboration with students, parents, and Leaders.

● Possess a sense of perspective and a sense of humour.

● Ability to build community with equity, and inclusion.

● Timeliness and follow-through.

● Display a contagious sense of enthusiasm and joy.

● Passionate advocate for children.

● Amplify student voices and support student empowerment.

● Patience, patience, patience.

● High level of energy and enthusiasm.

●     Display good judgment, time management, and an ability to prioritise.