Behaviour Support Mentor

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Opportunity

Working Hours: Monday to Friday (Term-Time Only)

Salary: Competitive daily rate, paid weekly (reflective of experience)

Are you a resilient, calm, and proactive individual with a talent for managing challenging behaviour and supporting vulnerable young people? We are seeking a dedicated Behaviour Support Mentor for a full-time, long-term placement at a specialised SEN school in Bury St Edmunds.

This role is specifically designed for someone who thrives in high-pressure environments and understands that behind challenging behaviour is often an unmet communication or emotional need. By joining this specialist school on a long-term basis, you will provide the vital consistency and stability these pupils require to safely engage with their education.

• De-escalation & Crisis Intervention: Proactively spot behavioural triggers, implement positive handling/de-escalation strategies, and support pupils back to a calm state.

• 1:1 Behaviour Mentoring: Target and support specific pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, or trauma, helping them develop robust emotional regulation tools.

• Implement Behaviour Plans: Work strictly in line with individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and school positive behaviour policies.

• Re-engage Learners: Assist class teachers by keeping pupils focused during lessons, breaking down tasks, and building their confidence through positive reinforcement.

• Provide Positive Role Modelling: Establish firm, fair boundaries built on mutual respect, patience, and absolute consistency.

• Proven experience managing challenging behaviour or supporting young people with SEMH, ADHD, Autism (ASC), or severe emotional difficulties.

• Backgrounds in youth work, residential care, ex-military, sports coaching, or pupil referral units (PRUs) are highly valued.

• De-escalation training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or StepOn) is highly advantageous, though a calm, unflappable attitude is essential.

• Exceptional resilience-the ability to handle high-anxiety situations and difficult behaviours without taking them personally.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete a new check immediately).

• Long-Term Consistency: A stable, full-time role within one dedicated school environment, allowing you to see true behavioural transformation over time.

• Competitive Weekly Pay: Excellent daily rates processed reliably every week.

• Specialist Experience: Enhance your CV by working alongside expert SENDCos, therapists, and specialised educational teams.

• Dedicated Local Consultant: Support from a specialist consultant with extensive knowledge of the West Suffolk specialist education sector.

If you have the patience, strength of character, and dedication to guide young people through their toughest moments, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply: Please forward your current CV and a brief professional summary detailing your behaviour support experience to [email removed] or contact our office on [phone removed] for a confidential discussion regarding this vacancy in Bury St Edmunds.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

experience

Teaching

skills

ability to track progression in attainment,background in youth work,behaviour management,building relationships,classroom management,communication,de-escalation techniques,empathy,experience in administering medication,experience in managing challenging behaviour,experience with autism spectrum disorders,experience with learning difficulties,experience with social emotional mental health,inclusiveness,manual handling,marking,mentor experience,personal care experience,planning,resilience,restraint training,speech and language therapy experience