Support Mentor

SEMH School | Lewes | Full-Time | Term Time Only

Support Mentor – Lewes

Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, School Hours
Contract: Long-Term with Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
Pay: From £14.25 per hour (depending on experience)

About the Role

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential?

We are recruiting a Support Mentor to join a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) setting in the Lewes area. This rewarding role involves working closely with children and young people who may display challenging behaviours, have experienced trauma, or require additional emotional and behavioural support to engage successfully in education.

You will build positive relationships, promote emotional wellbeing, and help students develop the confidence, resilience, and life skills needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Transferable Experience We Welcome

You do not need previous school experience to apply. We would love to hear from candidates with backgrounds in:

• Youth Work
• Residential Childcare
• Support Work
• Care Work
• Mental Health Support
• Sports Coaching
• Behaviour Mentoring
• Outreach Work
• Community Support
• Prison or Probation Services
• Armed Forces
• Police or Security Services
• Social Care
• Family Support Work
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Roles

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting students with SEMH needs throughout the school day
• Building trusted relationships with young people
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Assisting students during lessons and structured activities
• Using de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations
• Encouraging attendance, engagement, and personal development
• Supporting individual learning and wellbeing plans
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families
• Acting as a positive role model at all times

Skills and Qualities Required

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Calm, resilient, and patient approach
• Ability to remain professional under pressure
• Strong behaviour management or de-escalation skills
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches is desirable
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Flexible and proactive attitude
• Full UK driving licence desirable but not essential

What We Offer

• Competitive weekly pay
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position
• Rewarding role making a genuine difference to young people’s lives
• Experience within a highly respected specialist SEMH setting

If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can positively impact the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you.