We are recruiting a dedicated, resilient 1:1 Behaviour Support Mentor / Teaching Assistant to join an established Alternative Provision in Blackpool. You will be working on a direct 1:1 basis with a secondary-aged pupil presenting with complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated challenging behaviours.
Traditional classroom experience is not required. We are actively seeking individuals with strong life experience, calm authority, and natural mentoring ability who can build trust, establish boundaries, and help a disengaged learner re-access education.
This role is ideal for candidates from backgrounds such as:
Ex-Military / Armed Forces: Bringing structure, disciplined calm, reliability, and natural presence.
Youth Work / Community Outreach: Skilled in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and connecting with teenagers who feel let down by the system.
Children's Residential Care: Experienced with trauma-informed care, high safeguarding standards, and remaining composed during crisis points.
Sports Coaching / Behaviour Mentoring: Able to use practical engagement and routine to redirect frustration into positive focus.
Key Responsibilities
Provide consistent 1:1 emotional, behavioural, and pastoral support throughout the school day.
Build a rapport based on mutual respect, consistency, and clear daily expectations.
Implement proactive de-escalation strategies to manage deregulated behaviour safely.
Support the pupil in vocational sessions, practical activities, and core lessons.
Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo, and pastoral team to track progress.
What We Are Looking For
A patient, firm, and non-judgemental mindset-someone who doesn't take behaviour personally and treats every day as a clean slate.
Proven experience supporting vulnerable, at-risk, or challenging young people or working in high-structure team environments.
Strong communication skills with an instinctive ability to de-escalate heightened situations.
Team Teach, MAPA/Price, or physical intervention training is an advantage (ongoing accredited CPD can be provided).
Enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
What the Provision Offers
Sociable, term-time-only hours (no evenings or weekends).
A supportive, tight-knit specialist staff team with low pupil-to-staff ratios.
Free accredited CPD training, including positive behaviour management and advanced safeguarding.
The opportunity to secure a permanent school contract following a successful placement.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV or contact our team directly for a confidential discussion about the role.
(All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory professional references.)
