Specialist Teaching Assistant - SEMH Mentor

Role: SEMH Mentor (Looked After Children / LAC Focus) Academy: Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth (Stockton-on-Tees) Start Date: As soon as possible Salary: £26,696 (Actual Salary) Working Pattern: 32.5 Hours Per Week, Term Time + 5 Days (1-Year Fixed Term) Become a reliable anchor for a young person who needs it most. Being a Key Adult for a Looked After Child (LAC) is far more than an administrative title; it is about becoming a consistent, safe harbour in a world that has often been unstable. In partnership with the Stockton Virtual School, Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth is seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated SEMH Mentor. In this role, you will not just support academic progress, you will offer unconditional positive regard, help repair relational trauma, and build the secure attachment necessary for young people to thrive at GCSE level and beyond. What you will do: • Be a Daily Safe Harbour: Meet key students at the start of the day, provide emotional regulation support, celebrate small victories, and offer a quiet space when things become overwhelming. • Build Targeted Strategies: Work directly with vulnerable students to develop regulating and coping mechanisms that remove barriers to learning. • Advocate and Collaborate: Act as a fierce advocate for Looked After Children, coordinating closely with teachers, Stockton Virtual School, and external stakeholders to ensure bespoke adaptations are in place. • Track Impact: Keep track of attendance and progress, using simple data insights to showcase how targeted interventions are helping students succeed. What we are looking for: • Empathy and Resilience: A deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, relational boundaries, and the invisible burdens vulnerable children carry into the classroom every day. • Relevant Experience: A background in mentoring, youth work, pastoral care, or supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. • High Expectations: A firm belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to transform their life through a quality education. Why join Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth? Located near key commuting routes in Stockton-on-Tees, Bishopsgarth is an improving school with a massive heart. We serve our local community with a relentless moral purpose. • Invested Leadership: We invest heavily in our staff's workload, wellbeing, and professional development. • Strong Relationships: Our staff know our students and families well, fostering a supportive community where you will feel valued from day one. How to apply and next steps Want to see our school in action or discuss the role before applying? We would love to welcome you for a visit! • Questions or School Visits: Please contact Abigail Davies at a.davies@bishopsgarth.outwood.com • Recruitment Booklet: Please click the link on our main portal to view the Support Staff Recruitment Booklet.   RESPONSIBILITIES As a SEMH Mentor, you will drive student success by providing tailored guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Working with pupils, you will help them navigate complex barriers to learning—focusing on developing emotional regulation and coping strategies, boosting motivation, and inspiring higher aspirations. • To view the job description, please Click Here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qO7367b0e2ptOpsF4ppCcR64i2Bt2adk/view?usp=drive_link] QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must be knowledgeable of the needs of students with learning difficulties and disabilities and the SEND Code of Practice. An understanding of Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed practice would be desirable. • To view the person specification please Click Here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FKvIGXKfTyqtGdlp-SORGZ9ONc1JKiY7/view?usp=drive_link] Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE). What will we do for you? We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance: • Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme. • Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. • Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis) • Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive role where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply now. • Further Information on employee benefits can be found Click Here [https://www.outwood.com/jointhefamily] • To find our more about working for Outwood and to read a message from our CEO please Click Here [https://www.outwood.com/about-us] Note: If applying from an external job board, please click 'Apply' to access the working links on the Outwood Careers page Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required. Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.