Job Description

Download printable version

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Engagement Mentor (Outreach) to work for the Children's Support Service, which is a highly regarded Alternative Provision, based in the South of Essex.This post will be mobile across schools in the South of Essex, and will be term time only.

The post will make up part of an Outreach Team, to support the engagement of pupils in mainstream schools, who face a diverse range of barriers to education, and who have been identified as being at risk of permanent exclusion. The work will involve planning and delivering 1:1 or small group interventions to address the needs of pupils, and to support them in their mainstream school. Some work may also involve supporting the reintegration of pupils who move from CSS, back to mainstream schools.

The role includes:

• Supporting students with their behaviour for learning - building relationships, resilience, organisation, self-regulation, social skills, etc…
• Assessing pupil need
• Planning and delivery of targeted interventions
• Liaising with school staff; providing advice and guidance
• Some responsibility for Safeguarding issues, including Child Protection
• Implementing strategies to maximise attendance
• Working with other agencies, including the Local Authority, School Inclusion Partners and the Education Access Team

This is a one year, fixed term post, with the possibility of being extended. The post will suit someone with either Primary or Secondary experience, who has comprehensive safeguarding knowledge, and who can identify barriers to education and provide appropriate support.

We value the wellbeing of our staff and offer a supportive, well-resourced learning environment with a range of professional development opportunities.

We are also proud to be a reflective Trauma Perceived Practice school.

This means that you will:

• Receive a high level of support from dedicated, experienced and skilled colleagues
• Work in a diverse and enjoyable setting
• Achieve a healthy work/life balance
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children

You should be someone who:

• Shows compassion and kindness to all pupils
• Builds positive connections with pupils, and promote a sense of belonging
• Instils hope and aspiration
• Is hardworking
• Preferably has previous experience of working with vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils
• Has knowledge of the barriers to education and can deliver 1:1 intervention programmes
• Has GCSE standard, or equivalent, of Maths and English
• Is mobile with use of a car

Information about the School

The Children’s Support Service is a short stay provision (PRU) in Essex. We have two main centres covering KS2-4 (in Wickford and Basildon) as well as an Outreach Service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area, with bases in Basildon and Harlow.

Most of our students are referred to us due to difficulties they have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support.

We offer a wide range of subjects, including the core curriculum, as well as enhanced activities to provide an enriched learning experience. We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.

Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to achieve their full potential.

CSS staff benefit from our subscription to the "Education Support Partnership", which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.