Job Description

Location: Reading Town Centre, Berkshire
Position: Behaviour Mentor
Setting: Secondary School (KS3 & KS4)
Salary: 90-120 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, long-term, term-time only
Start Date: ASAP / Flexible
Overview of the Role
We are seeking a committed, resilient, and compassionate Behaviour Mentor to join a large, inclusive secondary school located in Reading Town Centre. This is a rewarding opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young people who face behavioural, emotional, and social challenges and who may be at risk of disengaging from education.
The Behaviour Mentor will play a vital role in helping students overcome barriers to learning by providing targeted emotional and behavioural support. Many of the pupils you will work with may present with challenging behaviour linked to unmet needs, trauma, anxiety, social difficulties, or adverse childhood experiences. This role requires patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm and consistent in emotionally charged situations.
You will act as a positive role model and a stable, trusted adult for students who may struggle to form relationships with authority figures. Your support will help students develop emotional regulation, improve their behaviour, and build the confidence needed to succeed both academically and socially.
Key Responsibilities
As a Behaviour Mentor based in Reading Town Centre, your responsibilities will include:
Providing 1:1 behaviour mentoring for students with identified behavioural or emotional needs
Delivering small group interventions focused on emotional literacy, anger management, confidence, and social skills
Supporting students within the classroom to promote engagement, focus, and positive behaviour
Assisting students during unstructured times such as break, lunch, and transitions between lessons
De-escalating challenging situations calmly and effectively
Helping students to reflect on behaviour and develop appropriate coping strategies
Implementing individual behaviour support plans and contributing to risk assessments
Supporting reintegration of students following fixed-term exclusions or prolonged absence
Liaising with teaching staff, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and senior leaders
Recording behaviour incidents, progress notes, and intervention outcomes accurately
Upholding safeguarding procedures and maintaining professional boundaries at all times
The School Environment
This well-established secondary school in central Reading serves a diverse student population and prides itself on its inclusive ethos. The school is easily accessible by public transport and benefits from strong links with local services and support agencies.
The leadership team is proactive and supportive, placing high importance on staff wellbeing and professional development. Behaviour Mentors are viewed as a core part of the school's pastoral structure and are given the time, guidance, and resources needed to succeed in their role.
The school adopts restorative and trauma-informed approaches, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication and that long-term change comes from understanding underlying needs rather than relying solely on sanctions.
The Students You Will Support
Students supported by the Behaviour Mentor may:
Display disruptive or withdrawn behaviour in lessons
Experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or emotional dysregulation
Have SEMH needs, ADHD, or mild autism traits
Struggle with peer relationships or authority figures
Be at risk of exclusion or disengagement from education
Your role is not to "control" behaviour, but to support, guide, and empower students to make positive choices and develop lifelong skills.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is ideal for individuals who are:
Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient
Passionate about supporting young people
Confident managing challenging behaviour
Consistent, fair, and able to set clear boundaries
Motivated to pursue a career in education, youth work, psychology, or mental health
Essential Requirements
Experience working with children or young people (school, youth work, care, mentoring, sports coaching, or similar)
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Willingness to undertake safeguarding training and background checks
Commitment to inclusion and equality
Desirable Experience (Not Essential)
Previous Behaviour Mentor or Teaching Assistant experience
SEMH, alternative provision, or PRU background
Knowledge of trauma-informed or restorative practices
Relevant qualifications in psychology, education, or youth work
What the School Offers
Competitive daily pay with long-term stability
Ongoing training and CPD opportunities
Supportive leadership and pastoral teams
Clear pathways into teaching, SEN, or pastoral careers
A meaningful role where your impact is visible every day
Why This Role Matters
As a Behaviour Mentor in Reading Town Centre, you will be instrumental in shaping positive outcomes for students who may otherwise fall through the cracks. Your consistency, empathy, and belief in their potential can be life-changing.
If you are driven by purpose, motivated by challenge, and committed to supporting young people to thrive, this Behaviour Mentor role offers a deeply rewarding career opportunity.
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