SEMH Learning Mentor

Local Education; Basildon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Education is recruiting SEMH Learning Mentors to support young people across specialist provisions, alternative education, inclusion settings and mainstream schools in South Essex. You will help pupils re-engage with learning in calm, boundary-driven environments.

We seek candidates who can build trusted relationships, reinforce safeguarding practices and collaborate with teachers, families and external professionals to support attendance and learning transitions.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEMH or similar settings is advantageous.
• Right to work in the UK and eligibility for DBS checks.
• Experience in youth work, education or safeguarding is useful.

Responsibilities

• Building consistent professional relationships
• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis
• Helping young people regulate emotions and return to learning
• Reinforcing behaviour plans and school expectations
• Supporting attendance, engagement and reintegration
• Delivering mentoring or intervention activities
• Recording incidents, progress and concerns accurately
• Working alongside teachers, pastoral teams, families and external professionals
• Supporting pupils during lessons, transitions and social times

Skills

Calm under pressure

Boundary setting

Relationship building

Job description

SEMH Learning Mentor

Some young people do not need another adult telling them what they have done wrong. They need a calm, consistent professional who can build trust, hold boundaries and help them re‑engage with education.

Local Education is recruiting SEMH Learning Mentors and Behaviour Support staff for September roles across specialist provisions, alternative education, inclusion settings and mainstream schools in South Essex.

As an independent Essex agency and GCA‑approved supplier, Local Education is developing more partnerships with schools and trusts that support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

We are looking for people who understand that strong relationships and clear expectations must work together.

What does an SEMH Learning Mentor do?

You may support pupils who have experienced disrupted education, trauma, anxiety, exclusion, challenging behaviour or difficulty regulating emotions.

The role is not to punish or “fix” a young person. It is to provide reliable support, maintain safe boundaries and help pupils access learning successfully.

Responsibilities

• Building consistent professional relationships
• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small‑group basis
• Helping young people regulate emotions and return to learning
• Reinforcing behaviour plans and school expectations
• Supporting attendance, engagement and reintegration
• Delivering mentoring or intervention activities
• Recording incidents, progress and concerns accurately
• Working alongside teachers, pastoral teams, families and external professionals
• Supporting pupils during lessons, transitions and social times

Why join Local Education?

SEMH work can be highly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. We therefore focus on preparation, realistic role information and continued support rather than simply filling a booking.

Our candidate support includes:

• Safeguarding and behaviour management training
• Guidance on de‑escalation and professional boundaries
• School‑specific induction where information is available
• Clear briefings before placements
• Ongoing contact and honest feedback
• Weekly PAYE pay with transparent payslip information
• Long‑term and potential temp‑to‑permanent opportunities
• Access to an expanding network of GCA partner schools and trusts

Relevant backgrounds

We would like to hear from experienced Behaviour Mentors, SEMH Teaching Assistants and Learning Mentors, as well as applicants with transferable experience in:

• Youth work
• Residential children’s services
• Sports coaching
• Mental health support
• Family support
• Social care
• Probation or rehabilitation services
• Armed forces or emergency services
• Alternative provision
• Community outreach
• Psychology, criminology or education graduates

What matters most

What matters most is your ability to stay calm, communicate respectfully, follow safeguarding procedures and maintain boundaries when a young person is dysregulated or resistant.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to complete an enhanced DBS, references and all required safer recruitment checks. Relevant qualifications are helpful, but experience, judgement and attitude are equally important.

Career prospects

For the right person, an SEMH Learning Mentor role can lead to long‑term work, permanent school employment, pastoral leadership, teaching assistance or further professional training.