Pastoral Support Advisor - Cambridge

Randstad Education; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Job summary

Randstad Education is recruiting a Pastoral Support Advisor for a further education college, delivering central pastoral support for students with EHCPs and High Needs. The role collaborates with curriculum teams to help learners build independence, resilience, and successful educational journeys.

You will provide 1:1 and group support, crisis mentoring, and assist with transitions such as induction days. A DBS check and relevant SEN experience are required.

Qualifications

• GCSEs English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Recent SEN support experience in FE, school, healthcare or social services.
• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills; able to work independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Enhanced DBS check or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-needs learners requiring additional support and deliver structured 1:1 interventions using mindfulness and emotional literacy techniques.
• Facilitate daily 1:1 drop-ins and lead group lunch clubs/pastoral social programmes.
• Provide emotional crisis intervention, mentoring and coaching to help students navigate adulthood.
• Support students and families during transition phases, including EHCP induction days.
• Manage targeted caseload and maintain confidential records while coordinating with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Independent working

Education

GCSEs English and Maths

Job description

Pay Rate: £22.13 - £23.59 per hour

Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time Only (38 weeks per year)

Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role

Are you a dedicated wellbeing or education professional passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning?

Randstad Education is currently recruiting a Pastoral Support Advisor to join a vibrant Further Education college's Student Services team. In this rewarding role, you will provide vital, central pastoral support to students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and High Needs (including ASD and complex needs).

You will work closely with curriculum delivery teams, empowering students to build independence, develop mental resilience, and navigate their educational journey successfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted Interventions: Identify high-needs learners requiring additional support and deliver structured, 1:1, short-term mental health intervention plans using evidence-based mindfulness and emotional literacy strategies.
• Daily Support & Social Groups: Facilitate a daily 1:1 drop-in service and lead group lunch clubs/pastoral social programmes to offer a safe, structured environment during unstructured times.
• Crisis Response & Mentoring: Provide responsive emotional crisis intervention, mentoring, and coaching to help students make informed, ethical decisions for adulthood.
• Transition & Orientation: Support students and parents/carers during key transition phases, including curriculum induction and EHCP orientation days.
• Multi-Agency & Casework Management: Manage a targeted caseload, maintaining confidential records via college systems while collaborating with parents, internal teams, and external support agencies.

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential Criteria:

• Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Experience: Recent, demonstrable experience supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in a wellbeing capacity within an FE setting, school, healthcare, or social services environment.
• Skills: Strong empathy, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• DBS: Must hold (or be prepared to undergo) an Enhanced DBS check clear for working with vulnerable groups.

Desirable / Advantageous:

• Mental Health First Aid qualification.
• Qualification in Moving and Handling / Assisting People to Move.
• Experience developing "walk and talk" therapies or alternative pastoral strategies.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Term Time Only schedule (38 weeks per year), perfect for aligning with school terms.
• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional Growth: Ongoing staff development, formal training, and networking opportunities within the sector.