Higher Education Specialist Mental Health Mentor

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College; West of England; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A higher education institution in the West of England is seeking a Higher Education Specialist Mental Health Mentor. This role involves providing personalized support to students navigating mental health challenges and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate will have accreditation from a recognized mental health body and experience in supporting young adults. This part-time position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, including a competitive pension scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive Pension Scheme

Generous Annual leave entitlement

Professional development support

Flexible working practices

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Professionally accredited with a recognised mental health or counselling body.
• Experienced in supporting young adults or students, especially in crisis situations.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-centred environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalized, one-to-one support to students navigating mental health challenges.
• Facilitate wellbeing workshops and campaigns to reduce stigma.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service development.

Skills

Empathetic and emotionally intelligent

Strong active listening skills

Experienced in supporting young adults or students

Committed to inclusive practice

Skilled in building trusting relationships

Education

Professionally accredited with a recognised mental health or counselling body

Job description

Overview

Higher Education Specialist Mental Health Mentor

Role Information:
Reference: REQ001343
Location: WISE Campus with travel to other campuses
FTE Salary: Up to £31,317.00 (Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience)
Actual Salary: Up to £14,388.89
Contract Type: Part time, Permanent
Working Hours: 17 hours per week

SGS is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College has an excellent reputation for delivering further education and work-based programmes in a range of subjects – from business to sport, construction to media, GCSEs and A Levels to Honour Degree level programmes.

Our experienced and passionate staff work hard to help students and colleagues achieve their personal challenges and career goals. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the College the best it can be. We are currently working hard to achieve “Outstanding” status after being classified as “Good” in our last inspection. For more information, please visit https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/

Are you passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for students navigating mental health challenges? Do you believe in the power of compassionate, trauma-informed support to unlock potential and transform lives?

At SGS College, we’re looking for a HE Specialist Mental Health Mentor to join our dynamic Wellbeing Services team.

Role Purpose

As a trusted HE Specialist Mental Health mentor, you’ll provide personalised, one-to-one support to students, helping them build resilience, develop coping strategies, and thrive both academically and personally. You’ll work collaboratively across departments and with external agencies to ensure students receive holistic, strengths-based support.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Delivering trauma-informed, needs-led interventions that empower students to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
• Supporting students with stress, anxiety, time management, and goal setting.
• Facilitating wellbeing workshops and campaigns that promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
• Contributing to safeguarding and risk management processes with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to service development through data analysis and reporting.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

• Empathetic and emotionally intelligent, with strong active listening skills.
• Professionally accredited with a recognised mental health or counselling body (e.g., BACP, HCPC, NMC, BABCP).
• Experienced in supporting young adults or students, especially in crisis situations.
• Committed to inclusive practice and passionate about equity, diversity, and belonging.
• Skilled in building trusting relationships while maintaining clear boundaries and confidentiality.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-centred environment.

Application Details

Please apply online by: Monday 13th October

Expected Interview Date: To be confirmed

If you have any queries please contact [e-mail]

Safeguarding and Compliance

SGS College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and any offer of employment will be subject to a number of conditions including a requirement for providing satisfactory references. In line with KCSIE and having regard to all relevant guidance, a range of checks and online searches will also be conducted for successful candidates, and a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure will need to be obtained as a requirement of the job.

Financial Rewards and Benefits

• Opportunity to make a positive impact within the community and on learners’ lives
• Competitive Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), flexible and pension accessible from age 55, with generous employer contributions of 17.9%
• Generous Annual leave entitlement plus the 8 bank holidays - 25 days for corporate and support functions, increasing to 30 days after 5 academic years’ service (Full-Time Equivalent)
• Two weeks leave during the Christmas closedown period largely supported by discretionary closure days
• Extensive professional development with ongoing support for your personal & professional development, including 25% tuition discount for immediate family of SGS employees
• Family friendly policies and a commitment to flexible working practices
• Access to ‘My Lifestyle’ discounted shopping benefits, cycle to work scheme and a Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Free Annual Eye test
• All staff members can buy a TOTUM card (formerly NUS Extra) as part of being an affiliate member of the Students' Union
• Staff access to inclusive or sustainable networks and communities
• Free car parking at all campuses (Except Queens Road Art School)
• Access to external health and wellbeing resources
• Subsidised onsite catering services including Costa Coffee