Mental Health & Alternative Provision Lead

Guardian Ballers UK; Coventry; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

A community interest company in Coventry is seeking a passionate Mental Health & Alternative Provision Lead to work part-time. The role involves delivering mental health interventions through basketball, providing mentoring support, and creating engaging environments for young people at risk of exclusion. Candidates should have experience with youth development, strong communication skills, and a commitment to empowering youth. This position offers hybrid working and a salary ranging from £15,000 to £17,400, based on experience.

Benefits

Wellbeing Weeks

Hybrid working arrangement

Access to Guardian Ballers kit

Qualifications

• Experience delivering mental health or wellbeing interventions.
• Ability to lead engaging sports sessions.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Alternative Provision sessions using basketball and wellbeing teaching.
• Facilitate Mental Health Intervention sessions.
• Create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments.

Skills

Experience working with young people

Behaviour management skills

Communication skills

Ability to connect with diverse young people

Strong de-escalation skills

Passion for youth development

Education

Qualifications in sport, youth work, counselling, or education

Basketball coaching qualifications

Job description

About Guardian Ballers

Guardian Ballers CIC is a community interest company that uses basketball and holistic personal development to engage, empower, and equip young people to grow in self‑awareness, wellbeing, and purpose. We work across schools, community settings, and events to deliver impactful, values‑driven programmes that build confident individuals and stronger communities.

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about seeing young people thrive. You’ll be in a purpose‑driven environment and enjoy being part of a close‑knit team that values authenticity, growth, and fun. If you’re energised by helping others reach their potential and want your work to make a real difference, you’ll feel right at home at Guardian Ballers.

Role Purpose

The Mental Health & Alternative Provision Lead is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating high‑quality mental health intervention sessions and alternative provision sessions for young people who are disengaged or at risk of exclusion. This role blends wellbeing educating, basketball coaching and personal development mentoring to help young people improve their wellbeing, behaviour, confidence, and sense of belonging.

You will lead sessions that combine:

• Practical basketball‑based activities
• Wellbeing and life‑skill development
• Community and character‑building experiences
• Individual and small‑group support

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

• Lead Alternative Provision sessions using basketball, wellbeing teaching, and relational youth work.
• Facilitate Mental Health Intervention sessions to young people with low‑level Mental Health needs.
• Create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for all participants.
• Deliver structured curriculum content aligned with Guardian Ballers’ values and competency framework.
• Adapt delivery to meet individual needs, including those with behavioural, SEND, or social‑emotional needs.
• Engage and plan with delivery partners and external venues to facilitate enriching trips and experiences

Mentoring & Pastoral Support

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide informal mentoring, encouragement, and behaviour support.
• Model and promote emotional regulation, resilience, and community values.
• Monitor student wellbeing and progress weekly.

Planning & Administration

• Plan weekly curriculum sessions and practical activities.
• Complete risk assessments and safeguarding documentation.
• Record and report on attendance, progress notes, and impact data.
• Collaborate with the referring adults (staff / parents / carers) and Guardian Ballers colleagues.
• Coordinate assisting Guardian Ballers staff and volunteers to strengthen delivery.

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

• Champion safeguarding and follow all relevant policies.
• Report concerns promptly through appropriate channels.
• Uphold professional boundaries and organisational values.
• Maintain a reflective practice mindset, participating in supervision and training.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with young people facing barriers to learning, exclusion risk, or social / emotional challenges.
• Experience delivering mental health or wellbeing interventions
• Ability to lead engaging sports or physical activity sessions (basketball experience preferred but not essential with willingness to learn).
• Strong behaviour management and de‑escalation skills.
• Passion for youth development, wellbeing, and character‑building.
• Ability to connect with diverse young people and build rapport.
• Good communication, organisation, and reliability.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

Desirable

• Basketball coaching qualifications (e.g., Basketball England Level 1 or above).
• Youth work, mentoring, or alternative provision experience.
• Experience supporting SEND or SEMH students.
• Qualifications in sport, youth work, counselling, or education.
• First Aid qualification.

Values & Competencies

• Commitment to empowering young people to become community‑transformers.
• Reflective, growth‑focused attitude.
• Empathy, patience, and resilience.
• Ability to deliver both technical basketball activities and wellbeing / personal development content.
• Professional integrity and consistency.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check (required).
• Ability to travel to different sites.
• Evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.

Some of the benefits of joining us

• 2 x Wellbeing Weeks (Christmas + Summer Shutdown)
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Regular staff socials and development days
• Access to Guardian Ballers kit and equipment
• A varied working environment across office, school, and community settings
• Enhanced DBS check processed by us

Final details...

Job Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE), Permanent

Salary: £25,000.00-£29,000.00 per year (pro rata £15,000- £17,400)

Expected hours: 24 per week

Work Location: In person

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a 1-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation to join Guardian Ballers CIC to [e-mail] by Friday 9th January 2026 .

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

If you have any questions, or would like to chat with our Founder & CEO Kieran Joseph before you apply, please contact [e-mail].