Job Description

Learning Mentor, The Quay School (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit - Pebble Lodge)

34.5hrs per week (Friday afternoons off), Permanent, Term-time only

Grade E, 26,403-28,142 full-time equivalent (actual salary 21,068 - 22,456 for term-time working)

Have you ever wanted to make a difference at the moment it matters most?

This is not a typical education role, or your standard healthcare position - and that's exactly what makes it so powerful.

This is an opportunity to be a steady, compassionate presence for young people at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Working within a specialist mental health setting, you will help students reconnect with learning, hope and a sense of possibility when the world may feel overwhelming and unsafe.

You won't be doing this alone. While the setting is unique, you'll be fully supported by a caring, experienced school team who understand the challenges and rewards of this work. Every day will be different, demanding emotional resilience, flexibility and heart - but it will also offer moments of real connection, progress and meaning.

If you're looking for a role where what you do truly matters, where small steps are celebrated and your impact is deeply felt, this could be the most important role you ever take on.

What you'll do:

Work alongside students aged 13-18 in our PICU, supporting them to engage with learning and access the curriculum Provide practical, emotional, and learning support to students with highly complex mental health needs in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment Help adapt lessons and activities to meet individual needs, boosting confidence and motivation Build strong relationships with students, helping them feel safe, understood, and valued Collaborate closely with teachers, NHS staff, and the school team to ensure continuity of learning and emotional support Celebrate achievements, encourage small victories, and help students develop resilience and independence Be a vital part of a supportive, inclusive team committed to making a real difference in young people's lives

Who you are:

Caring and compassionate - you see potential in every young person, even when they can't see it themselves Emotionally resilient, patient, and calm - able to support students through times of crisis while maintaining a sense of hope Skilled at building trusting, positive relationships quickly with young people who may feel anxious, distressed, or disengaged Flexible and adaptable, ready to respond to the individual needs of students and support their learning in creative ways A warm, encouraging presence who celebrates progress, no matter how small Collaborative and committed, happy to share successes and challenges with a supportive team Experience working with young people in either an educational or healthcare/clinical setting is welcome, but your empathy, dedication, and positive attitude are what matter most

About us:

We are an Alternative Provision school with four campuses, each supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. We see every young person as an individual and work with them in ways that suit their unique strengths and challenges.

Our goal is to help students grow into confident, independent, and happy people who can make a positive impact wherever life takes them.

To do this, we draw on approaches like PACE, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Growth Mindset, and Unconditional Positive Regard, which combines in an overall Restorative Approach. Familiarity with these ideas is helpful, but not essential - you'll have plenty of support to learn along the way.

If you're looking for a role that challenges, rewards, and fills you with purpose in a world where every day is unique and every moment counts, this could be the role for you!

Why join us?

The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time. Friday afternoons off Comprehensive support, Induction and training package We're a supportive team who'll have your back during the good, the bad, and the "Did that really just happen?" moments. Professional development opportunities because we're all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once! You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through. A school that celebrates progress, not just results. A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference! The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.
Join us and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, one step, one success, and one positive relationship at a time.

This role is based at our Pebble Lodge Campus, Alumhurst Road, BH4 8EP. Visits are welcome, please contact Dave Baleri- d.baleri@thequayschool.com

Become part of our journey, by completing our

Support Staff Application Form

and returning it to

recruitment@southern.education

if you would like to apply. See our

Learning Mentor (PICU)

for further details on the role and our

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

(Click apply to be taken to our website, where links to all documents can be found)

Closing date: 1st February 2026

Interview date: 11th February 2026

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your 'name, education and employment', to demonstrate due diligence following 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,403.00-28,142.00 per year

Expected hours: 34.5 per week

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person