Wellbeing and Support Mentor

18.5 hours per week.

The role involves managing a busy caseload working with a range of students providing specifically tailored Mental Health and Wellbeing one to one support and non-subject specific support strategies, which helps students, address the barriers to learning created by sometimes complex conditions including mental health conditions, Autism and ADHD.

You will build professional working relationships with a case load of students combining a person centred approach with an understanding of the student’s condition, to support students with their academic progress. Duties will vary greatly and will be student specific but could include activities such as providing study skills that will assist students to develop their coping strategies to manage anxiety and concentration difficulties, confidence building, planning, motivation time management, prioritising workload and preparation for academic deadlines creating a suitable work-life balance.

This support will help them to develop as independent learners and maintain the necessary focus on academic progress despite the distraction’s imposed by their disabilities. Mentors are not advocates or counsellors

The post requires you hold and maintain appropriate professional membership to provide Disabled Students’ Allowance support.

Principal Duties:

1. To provide individual support sessions to develop and provide a support programme that will facilitate independence.
2. To help students to develop effective organisation and time management skills to manage workloads, deadlines along with daily life. Achieved through help with prioritisation and realistic goal setting within directed deadlines. Informing and Coordinator /Managers if there are changes in the students’ support needs.
3. To be conversant with assessment and support strategies for students.
4. Where necessary, to provide a level of emotional support to help students to engage with learning, communicate and take part in the social aspects of College life, making transitions and dealing with new situations.
5. To provide a range of appropriate support for the student can develop their own study skills and confidence. This may include assistance with understanding assessment questions and requirements breaking down into manageable chunks.
6. To keep accurate records of support using College systems effectively (electronic or otherwise) to monitor, report and action as appropriate on a range of quality indicators related to student outcomes, experience and to awarding body requirements.
7. To support and develop on-line support materials as directed, and adapt materials to support students’ studies and help students access and utilise assistive technology as a reasonable adjustment  (e.g. wellbeing apps)
8. To assist with securing quality improvement and provide impact data / information to inform quality meetings, monthly and annual Service self-assessments and reviews. These will include, but not be limited to, attendance, retention, success, progression and student survey outcomes.
9. To assist in finding appropriate solutions for queries and problems .Signpost students to appropriate wellbeing services including counselling, and Careers service within College policies procedures and processes.
10. Maintain currency of professional practice to meet professional body requirements by undertaking continuous professional development and other training to ensure continuous development and maintenance of the quality of provision.
11. Assist team members in departmental duties and responsibilities, acting as an informal mentor once experienced in post.
12. Maintain at all times agreed minimum standards of professionalism, including maintenance of online calendar, regular access of emails, confidentiality and appropriate dress and behaviours.
13. To participate in open days, enrolment events and specific curriculum events, liaise with external agencies, as agreed with Line Manager.
14. To maintain an awareness of Health & Safety and Safeguarding at all times and ensure that students are aware of safe practices and procedures.

Standard Responsibilities for all positions in B&FC:

1. To fully adhere to all college policies and procedures.
2. Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.
3. Pursue the achievement and integration of equality and diversity throughout all College activities.
4. Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
5. To show commitment to the College and its internal and external customers.
6. To work co-operatively with colleagues at all times.
7. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the level of this post.

Interview Date: 17/12/2018

Please apply via the link.