Student Engagement Mentor

Salary: £25,992 - £30,559 per annum

Main Duties & Responsibilities

The postholder will be responsible for:

• Student mentoring, monitoring and intervention as part of the college Student Engagement team.

• Supporting the student journey from induction, course performance, and progression.

• Managing a caseload of students, and working in small, focused sessions, one to one and whole class groups.

• Proactively checking and monitoring student attendance and wellbeing within a designated campus or number of campuses as required.

• Using College data to make judgements on students ‘at risk’ of non-achievement.

• Providing a range of support interventions to students and setting high standards for their behaviour and engagement with the college.

• Work closely with the Student Engagement Officer to promote student wellbeing and facilitate the Student Voice as appropriate.

Main Cross-College Duties:

The post holder will:

• Respond promptly where barriers to learning are identified by carrying out proactive intervention strategies referring learners to relevant support where required and monitoring their progress and altering actions to ensure success;

• Recognise and respond promptly to the specific needs of Vulnerable Learners i.e. Looked After Children/Young Care Leavers (LAC/YCL) as well as any learner for whom there are Safeguarding concerns;

• Liaise across a variety of College teams (curriculum, careers, student services) to provide appropriate internal interventions and case conferencing to ensure the best possible learner outcomes for individual cohorts.

• Provide one-to-one support for their caseload of students to monitor performance and maximise retention and achievement.

• Actively help record and celebrate student progress and success so that students are encouraged and feel supported.

• Implement strategies and support learners in areas of need i.e. self-esteem, confidence-building, resilience, study skills etc.

• Collaborate with Curriculum delivery teams to identify and provide appropriate resources which will meet curriculum needs and develop student learning and thinking skills which may include internal case conferences.

• Keep up to date and accurate records of student’s attendance, punctuality, behaviour and progress on the college’s system adhering to the College approved processes and procedures

• Liaise with Curriculum Area Managers, Lecturers and Student Support Services to provide wrap-around care for their students.

• Working in liaison with other college staff to signpost students to the range of support services available to them including financial, academic, social and emotional issues which may be having a detrimental effect on their studies.

• Contribute to a range of enhancement initiatives to encourage students to engage in College life i.e. club and societies.

• Design and deliver awareness raising workshops to student groups.

• Take a proactive approach to ensuring the safeguarding and wellbeing of the student population including supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead by acting as a Deputy Safeguarding Officer.

• Assist with a range of cross-College events i.e. Freshers events, College campaigns, marketing events, Student Union events.

• Write reports, collate data and undertake administrative tasks as required to achieve the main duties outlined above.

Duties may change as the College develops, therefore the person appointed will be expected to be flexible in relation to duties performed, subject to consultation.

Location may be changed subject to the requirements of the College

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications / Experience

GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent)

A minimum level 3 qualification (or above) in a relevant area, for example, but not exclusively; Health and Social Care, youth work, sport, education, social sciences.

AND

1 years’ experience of working directly with any of the following in an advisory/support capacity

• Disadvantaged young people

• Young people previously excluded from school

• A youth work setting

• A coaching, school or mentoring setting

• Young people who are at risk of self-harm, substance abuse or anti-social behaviour

OR

A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working directly with any of the following in an advisory/support capacity

• Disadvantaged young people

• Young people previously excluded from school

• A youth work setting

• A coaching, school or mentoring setting

• Young people who are at risk of self-harm, substance abuse or anti-social behaviour

Essential Competencies

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Develops and maintains good working relationships. Actively engages enthusiastically and works well with others (employees/stakeholders/students), communicating clearly, accurately and with honesty. Appreciates the impact of their actions on others and is professional, punctual and respectful, applying good judgement and rationale to actions and decisions.

RESULTS FOCUSED

Is conscientious, focused and organises time and self effectively to achieve all goals/objectives. Approaches work enthusiastically, with energy and pride wanting to continually produce high quality work and results. Proactively seeks to understand expectations and delivers beyond minimum requirements, aiming for continuous improvement by using innovative and creative ways of doing things. Attention to detail focused and accurate, prioritises tasks

PERSONAL DETERMINATION

Consistently delivers. Takes responsibility and accountability for actions and actively attempts to resolve issues or makes sound judgements whether to escalate to an appropriate person, if required. Maintains a positive attitude towards self and others. Doesn't blame others for work not completed. Able to prioritise even when under pressure. Seeks support when required. Adapts to and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals and teams. Remains calm in pressurised situations by minimising emotion and planning workload successfully.

INNOVATIVE THINKING

Open to new ideas and methods. Understands and positively embraces change and new challenges to grow and improve the college. Proactively seeks alternative ways of getting a job done to keep up with the needs of the College and changes in technology. Quickly adapts to new ways of operating. Identifies and initiates changes in systems/processes. Learns from experience and mistakes.

VALUES, EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

Treats everyone with dignity and respect, and is never offensive to others

Accepts that people are different with other perspectives and are tolerant and understanding of other people’s views and opinions Does not discriminate or treat anyone inappropriately

Lecturing staff: Ensure that differentiation is embedded in all aspects of teaching and learning making this fully inclusive.