PRU Student Engagement Mentor

Teaching Personnel; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel are recruiting for a Student Engagement Mentor to join a welcoming Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Manchester City Centre. The role supports pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs to engage with education and develop resilience.

You will build positive relationships, support emotional wellbeing and assist with behaviour management. Experience in education or youth work is valued and enhanced DBS checks are desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to SEMH students.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Build strong relationships to encourage engagement and attendance.
• Support during lessons, interventions, and activities.
• Assist with behaviour management per school policies.
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly and proactively.
• Encourage social skills, resilience and independence.
• Collaborate with teachers and external agencies on progress.
• Record and report on wellbeing and engagement when required.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Resilience and adaptability

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Education/Youth-work background

Job description

Student Engagement Mentor
Location: Manchester City Centre
Pay: Competitive and based on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Start Date: Immediate Start Available

Teaching Personnel are currently recruiting for a Student Engagement Mentor to join a welcoming and supportive Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) located in Manchester City Centre.

This specialist provision supports students aged 11-16 who have been unable to access mainstream education due to a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Students may present with needs such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma, attachment difficulties, low self-esteem, anger management challenges, school refusal, and behaviours that challenge. Many pupils require consistent support, positive role models, and structured interventions to help them achieve both academically and personally.

The successful Student Engagement Mentor will play a key role in building positive relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, and helping students engage positively within education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to students with SEMH needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and support students in managing emotions effectively.
• Build strong, professional relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and attendance.
• Support students during lessons, interventions, and extracurricular activities.
• Assist with behaviour management strategies in line with school policies.
• Help de-escalate challenging situations using a calm and proactive approach.
• Encourage the development of social skills, resilience, confidence, and independence.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and external agencies to support student progress.
• Record and report on behaviour, wellbeing, and academic engagement where required.

Requirements

• Experience working with young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, or additional needs is desirable.
• Backgrounds in education, youth work, support work, care work, coaching, mentoring, psychology, or residential care are highly transferable.
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills.
• Resilient, patient, and adaptable approach to supporting young people.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with students who may have experienced barriers to learning.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one through Teaching Personnel.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive weekly pay through PAYE.
• Dedicated personal consultant providing ongoing support.
• Access to a wide range of free CPD courses and specialist training, including behaviour management and safeguarding qualifications.
• Opportunities for long-term, permanent, and temporary positions.
• Flexible working opportunities across Greater Manchester.
• Refer a friend bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience within specialist educational settings.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a genuine difference to the lives of students who need additional guidance, encouragement, and stability within their education.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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