Behaviour Mentor

Coleman James; Shildon; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Coleman James in Durham is seeking a Behaviour Support Worker to support teenagers who face barriers to learning in an alternative provision.

The role emphasises building trusting relationships, helping students regulate emotions and engage with education in a safe, inclusive environment.

We value a patient, empathetic attitude, a good sense of humour and commitment to young people’s development.

Qualifications

• Patience, empathy and willingness to learn are essential.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with teenagers who face barriers to learning.
• Emotion management and responding calmly to challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with teenagers who may have struggled in mainstream education.
• Support young people to manage their emotions, behaviour and responses to challenging situations.
• Help pupils overcome barriers to learning and engage positively with education.
• Provide consistent boundaries, encouragement and positive role modelling.
• Support students during lessons, activities and less structured parts of the day.
• Help young people develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills.
• Work closely with colleagues to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Respond calmly and constructively when situations become challenging.
• Celebrate progress, no matter how big or small.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Humour

Relationship building

Emotional regulation

Calm under pressure

Communication

Job description

Do you have patience, empathy, a good sense of humour and a passion for helping young people succeed?

We’re looking for a Behaviour Support Worker to join our team in an alternative provision based in Durham, supporting teenagers who face barriers to learning and may have had a difficult or disrupted experience of education.

Our young people may not always find school easy. They may struggle with emotional regulation, engagement, relationships or trusting adults. We believe that with the right support, understanding and encouragement, every young person has the potential to make positive changes and achieve their goals.

We’re looking for someone who can see beyond behaviour, build meaningful relationships and help our young people recognise their strengths and potential.

What will the role involve?

• Building positive, trusting relationships with teenagers who may have struggled in mainstream education.
• Supporting young people to manage their emotions, behaviour and responses to challenging situations.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and engage positively with education.
• Providing consistent boundaries, encouragement and positive role modelling.
• Supporting students during lessons, activities and less structured parts of the day.
• Helping young people develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills.
• Working closely with colleagues to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Responding calmly and constructively when situations become challenging.
• Celebrating progress, no matter how big or small.

The person we’re looking for

You don't necessarily need to have all the answers, but you do need the right attitude, values and willingness to learn.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a great sense of humour! The ability to laugh, share a joke and bring positivity to the day is important.
• Is patient, approachable, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
• Can remain calm when faced with challenging behaviour.
• Understands that behaviour is often a form of communication.
• Can build rapport with teenagers who may be reluctant to engage or trust adults.
• Is fair, consistent and confident in maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Can think on their feet and adapt to the changing needs of young people.
• Believes in second chances and recognises that progress looks different for everyone.
• Is a team player who is willing to get stuck in and support wherever needed.

Experience working with young people, particularly in education, youth work, alternative provision, pastoral support or similar settings, would be an advantage. However, the right personality, attitude and commitment to young people are just as important as previous experience.

What we can offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• A supportive team that understands the challenges and celebrates the successes.
• The chance to help young people rebuild confidence, develop skills and experience positive relationships.
• Opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in behaviour support and alternative education.

Hours and working pattern

This is a part-time position of 27.5 hours per week, worked across five days, Monday to Friday. Daily working hours and salary will be discussed with suitable applicants.

Ready to make a difference?

We're not looking for someone who expects every day to be easy. We're looking for someone who understands that making a difference isn't always straightforward, but is always worth it.

Appointment will be subject to the appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, in line with the requirements of the role.