KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working with children or young people in an educational, youth work, pastoral or similar setting.
• Experience of supporting pupils who experience barriers to learning.
• Experience of mentoring
• An understanding of the academic and pastoral needs of secondary-aged pupils.
• An understanding of the importance of positive relationships, consistency and high expectations.
• A willingness to develop knowledge and understanding of the specific needs of looked-after and previously looked-after children.
• Understanding of safeguarding and the importance of professional boundaries.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
• A patient, empathetic and non-judgemental approach.
• Ability to motivate and encourage pupils who may have low confidence or limited engagement with education.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal sensitively with complex information.
• Ability to recognise concerns and follow appropriate safeguarding procedures.
• High expectations of pupils combined with a supportive and nurturing approach.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Experience of mentoring young people.
• Knowledge of attachment-aware or trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience of supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Relevant teaching assistant, youth work, education or mentoring qualification.