SEN Mentor

Job title: SEN Mentor

Are you an experienced SEND Support Worker with a passion for making a real difference to young people’s lives?

We are currently recruiting for a compassionate, confident and experienced Specialist SEND Support Worker/Mentor to provide dedicated 1:1 support to a 17-year-old young man with complex additional needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with a strong background in complex needs, specialist education, residential care or healthcare support who can provide engaging, person-centred support in a safe and nurturing environment.
The young person has significant physical, medical and communication needs, so we are looking for someone who is patient, attentive, proactive and confident working alongside an established care team.
 
Benefits: 

• Competitive daily rate (£20-23 per hour, dependent on experience) 
  • PAYE paid weekly 
  • Long-term stability 
  • Access to specialist SEN training and CPD opportunities 
  • Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement 
  • £150 refer a friend scheme (T&Cs apply) 

 
Role requirements: 

• Providing tailored 1:1 support to a young person with complex physical, medical and communication needs.
• Supporting a non-verbal young person using alternative communication methods such as Makaton, PECS and other communication aids.
• Supporting activities that promote engagement, independence, development and wellbeing.
• Assisting with personal care and mobility requirements.
• Safely supporting wheelchair use, positioning and transfers in line with individual care plans and training.
• Working confidently around medical equipment, including tracheostomies and gastrostomy feeding tubes.
• Remaining vigilant to potential risks, including the young person attempting to remove medical tubes.
• Recognising and responding appropriately to focal and absence seizures, following established care plans and emergency procedures.
• Working collaboratively with carers, who will also be present during sessions, and other professionals involved in the young person’s care.

 
What we’re looking for:
Essential

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND and/or physical disabilities.
• Experience supporting non-verbal individuals with significant communication needs.
• Confidence providing personal care and supporting mobility needs.
• A calm, patient and observant approach, particularly when managing medical or behavioural risks.
• Understanding of safeguarding and the importance of following individual care plans.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to drive – essential.
• Based in Retford or within a reasonable commuting distance.

Highly Desirable

• Experience working alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists or Speech and Language Therapists (SALT).
• Knowledge of Makaton, PECS or alternative communication strategies.
• Wheelchair handling, moving and handling training.
• Experience working in residential children’s homes, specialist SEND schools or complex care environments.
• Experience supporting individuals with epilepsy, including focal and absence seizures.
• Previous exposure to tracheostomy care and gastrostomy feeding tubes.
• Experience supporting young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

 
Interested in this job?
If you are interested in applying for this job?
Please apply today or send your CV to charlotte.schofield@teachers-uk.co.uk 
 
Safeguarding & Compliance 
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and candidates to share this commitment. 
Our recruitment processes follow Safer Recruitment guidelines in line with current legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. 
We are also committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and are happy to make reasonable adjustments where required. 
 

Operam Education Group includes Provide Education | Teachers UK | Provision Recruitment | The Education Specialists | First for Education | Horizon Teachers | Key Stage Teacher Supply
 
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.
 
As part of our registration process, you’ll need an enhanced DBS check and we’ll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement. Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.