Location
London Borough of Lewisham, primarily based at Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. The role operates a hybrid working approach with time spent both in the office and working from home.

Hours
Term time only (39 + 4 weeks), pro rata.

Salary
£42,912 - £44,235 per annum (SO2), pro rata term time only. All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point for the grade unless matching current salary with evidential proof.

About the Role
Discover yourself in Lewisham where your work makes a difference to vibrant and culturally diverse communities. Lewisham is proud to be the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

This exciting opportunity supports the Access, Inclusion and Participation Service within the Children and Young People Directorate at Lewisham Council. The Outreach Mentor will support the Council’s commitment to inclusive education by ensuring key priorities within the Lewisham Inclusion Strategy are met, including reducing exclusion and supporting statutory assessments.

The successful candidate will join the Outreach Team, working across several Lewisham mainstream schools to provide high quality outreach support. This role helps schools be inclusive while managing pupils’ behavioural differences and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Key responsibilities include advising and assisting in the development and implementation of behaviour management strategies to foster inclusive school environments; liaising with schools and agencies to provide feedback on pupils; planning and delivering personalised programmes to improve pupil engagement; supporting children with SEMH difficulties and their families; monitoring and reporting on pupil progress; working collaboratively with school staff and parents to ensure consistent support; and delivering training on inclusive practices to school staff and professionals.

The role requires maintaining up-to-date records of pupils and providing INSET training in mainstream schools when required. The Outreach Mentor will act as an excellent ambassador for the Outreach Inclusion Service, responding effectively to local and national initiatives.

Lewisham Council offers excellent training and development opportunities alongside a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance, Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working and family friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, staff discounts including subsidised gym memberships, and supportive staff networks.

Experience
Significant experience supporting children with social and emotional difficulties in mainstream school settings. Previous experience in a similar role is essential.

About you
Hardworking and enthusiastic with a proactive approach to work. Knowledge of the additional educational needs of children and young people with social and emotional difficulties, relevant theoretical frameworks, and current Special Educational Needs legislation. Ability to advise teachers, learning support assistants, and parents on effective learning strategies. Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a strong understanding of classroom organisation and teaching strategies to facilitate curriculum access for children with SEMH difficulties is required.

Additional Information
The role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all abilities. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process.