Merton
South West London
£90 - £100
Youth Mentor / Behaviour Support Assistant – Supporting At-Risk Young People
Merton, South West London | £95 – £100 per day | PAYE only | Full-time | Temp to Permanent | ASAP Start
Do you believe that a consistent, trusting relationship can help a young person change direction and thrive?
A specialist alternative provision in Merton is looking for a Youth Mentor / Behaviour Support Assistant to join their dedicated team supporting young people aged 11–16 who have faced significant challenges — including exposure to trauma, risk of gang involvement, and unmet social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH).
This role is not just about managing behaviour — it’s about building trust, understanding the story behind the behaviour, and helping young people feel safe, valued, and capable of change.
About the Setting
This is a nurturing, trauma-informed school that prioritises relationships over reactions. Staff are trained to recognise and respond to trauma, not to punish it. You’ll be joining a highly supportive team within a respected Trust that invests in emotional wellbeing, restorative practice, and professional growth.
Your Role as a Youth Mentor / Behaviour Support Assistant
Support secondary-aged students with SEMH, trauma, and complex behavioural needs
Build positive, consistent relationships that promote trust and emotional regulation
Provide 1:1 and small group interventions around self-esteem, resilience, and decision-making
De-escalate challenging situations using trauma-informed and restorative approaches
Encourage positive choices and engagement in learning
Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral leads, and external professionals (e.g., youth workers, therapists, social care)
You’ll Bring
Experience working with young people at risk of exclusion, offending, or gang involvement
A calm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach
Strong emotional resilience and commitment to understanding behaviour as communication
Experience in youth work, mentoring, SEMH, or alternative provision (desirable but not essential)
Key Details
Start date: ASAP / November
Location: Merton, South West London (excellent transport links + free parking)
Pay: £95 – £100 per day (experience-dependent), PAYE only
Contract: Full-time, Temp to Perm
Training: Ongoing CPD and Trust-wide trauma-informed practice training provided
This role would suit:
Youth Mentor or Youth Worker
Behaviour Support Assistant or SEMH Teaching Assistant
Outreach or Pastoral Support Worker
Psychology graduate with practical experience in trauma or behaviour support
Anyone passionate about helping young people rebuild confidence and make positive choices
Why work with Parker Smith Inclusion
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise in SEND and Alternative Provision recruitment. With over 350 five-star reviews, we’re trusted by schools and professionals alike to connect people who genuinely care about making a difference.
Benefits of working with us:
Personalised school matches based on your skills and values
Access to exclusive, specialist settings
Transparent PAYE pay – no umbrella deductions
Honest insight into school culture and leadership
Full application and interview support
Ready to make a real difference?
If this sounds like your next step, contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion or submit your CV today.