Positive Behaviour Mentor – Portsmouth

Immediate Start | Full-time | £90-100 a day dependant on experience 

About the School

It is a specialist school in Portsmouth supporting young people aged 11–16 with complex learning difficulties and additional needs.

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including autistic spectrum conditions, speech, language and communication difficulties and medical needs. Recognising that every pupil is unique, the school takes a highly personalised approach to learning, ensuring that each young person receives the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

With a strong focus on kindness, communication and ambition, the school aims to develop not only pupils’ academic abilities but also their confidence, independence, resilience and essential life skills.

We are looking for enthusiastic, patient and compassionate individuals to join the team as Learning Support Assistants / Positive Behaviour Mentors, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and make meaningful progress.

Your Role

As a Learning Support Assistant / Positive Behaviour Mentor, you will play an important role in supporting pupils throughout their school day. Working closely with teachers and other support staff, you will help create a positive, safe and engaging learning environment where every pupil feels understood, valued and supported.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing tailored one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with a range of complex learning difficulties and additional needs.

• Supporting pupils with autism, communication difficulties and other special educational needs.

• Building positive, trusting relationships and developing an understanding of each pupil’s individual needs.

• Encouraging positive behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement in learning.

• Using patience, understanding and appropriate strategies to support pupils who may become dysregulated or require additional support.

• Helping pupils develop their communication, social interaction and independence skills.

• Supporting teaching staff to deliver engaging and accessible lessons.

• Adapting your approach to meet individual learning styles, abilities and EHCP targets.

• Providing encouragement and positive reinforcement to celebrate pupils’ achievements, however big or small.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and wider support teams to ensure consistent and effective pupil support.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of young people.

You do not necessarily need previous experience in a special school, as training and ongoing support will be provided. However, experience working with children or young people with SEND, autism, complex learning needs or additional behavioural needs would be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Patient, compassionate and understanding, with a genuine passion for supporting young people.

• Resilient, adaptable and able to remain calm in challenging situations.

• Confident in building positive relationships and rapport with pupils.

• Enthusiastic about helping young people develop their confidence, communication and independence.

• A positive role model who can encourage, motivate and inspire pupils.

• Proactive, flexible and able to think on their feet.

• A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.

• Willing to learn, develop new skills and undertake relevant training.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with backgrounds in:

• Psychology or related degrees.

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Youth work or mentoring.

• Residential care or support work.

• Health and social care.

• Teaching, education or childcare.

• Autism support or working with individuals with complex needs.

This is also an excellent opportunity for graduates considering a future career in educational psychology, teaching, SEND education, occupational therapy or other supporting professions.

Why Work with Engage Education?

At Engage Education, we are committed to supporting our staff and helping them develop rewarding careers in education.

When you join us, you will benefit from:

• Fair pay: All staff are paid in line with the Agency Worker Regulations, ensuring equal pay with comparable permanent employees.

• Dedicated support: Your own Engage Education consultant will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout your placement.

• Free CPD training: Access to a wide range of professional development opportunities delivered by our in-house team of experienced senior leaders.

• Career development: Gain valuable experience in a specialist educational setting and develop skills that can open doors to future opportunities in education and SEND.

• Rewarding work: Make a genuine difference by helping young people develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for the future.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, develop their abilities and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you!

Whether you are an experienced SEND professional, a graduate looking to start a career in education or someone with a background in care, support work or youth mentoring, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply today or contact Engage Education directly to find out more about this fantastic opportunity.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance will be provided.

By applying for this role, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details securely in its database in accordance with GDPR requirements.

We look forward to hearing from you!