Speech and Language Therapist

FIRSTGROUP PLC; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community interest company is seeking a Mental Health & Alternative Provision Lead to deliver impactful basketball-based intervention sessions and support for young people facing challenges. This role involves engaging young participants through sports and wellbeing education to foster their confidence, behaviour, and sense of belonging. Ideal candidates should possess experience in youth development and strong communication skills. Additional responsibilities include mentoring, planning sessions, and conducting risk assessments. Enjoy working in a supportive, mission-driven team environment at Guardian Ballers.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people facing barriers to learning.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to lead engaging sports or physical activity sessions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver mental health intervention sessions.
• Provide informal mentoring and support to young people.
• Conduct risk assessments and safeguarding documentation.

Skills

Youth development

Behaviour management

Communication

Sports facilitation

Empathy

Education

Qualifications in sport, youth work, or education

Tools

Basketball coaching qualifications

Job description

Job Description

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 education, 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, 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 or 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

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

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.