Therapeutic Instructor

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Job title: Therapeutic Learning Mentor/Instructor (SEMH) – Alternative Provision Organisation: Hatfield Wick Education (HWE) Location: Hatfield Peverel, Essex Contract: Full-time Salary: £25,000-£35,000 per annum dependent on experience and qualifications About Hatfield Wick Education Hatfield Wick Education is a highly therapeutic alternative provision for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma backgrounds and neurodiversities. Our students are both primary and secondary age. Everything we do is guided by our CARES 360 Framework: Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy and Support. Our aim is to create calm, safe, relational spaces where young people can reconnect with learning, rebuild trust in adults and move towards meaningful futures. About the role We are looking for Therapeutic Learning Mentors / Instructors who can combine relationship-building with learning support. You do not need to be a qualified teacher (QTS is welcome but not essential). If you’re confident with everyday maths and English – balancing a budget, using spreadsheets, writing clear emails or reports – and you care about young people who’ve had a hard time in school, we can support you to grow into a Therapeutic Learning Mentor/Instructor. This role is ideal for someone who: Wants their work to matter Can connect and engage young people with empathy and authenticity Enjoys explaining things patiently to others Can stay authentic and compassionate but boundaried with young people who’ve had a tough time in education Feels aligned with our CARES 360 values: Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy and Support You’ll receive training, mentoring and ready-made resources so you can focus on what matters most: building safe, trusting relationships and helping our students rebuild their confidence with maths and English at a pace that works for them. You will work with small groups and 1:1, helping children and young people who may: Have experienced trauma, loss or adverse childhood experiences Present with SEMH needs, anxiety and school-based avoidance Have had disrupted or negative experiences of mainstream education Your job is to engage them in learning through relationship first, curriculum second – always underpinned by the CARES 360 values. Key responsibilities Build safe, trusting relationships with children and young people who may be highly anxious, guarded or avoidant of education Plan and deliver engaging, practical learning sessions (academic, creative, vocational or life‑skills focused – depending on your strengths) Support emotional regulation using trauma‑informed, relational approaches rather than behaviourist “sanctions and rewards” Work closely with our therapeutic team and specialist teachers to follow One Plans and EHCP outcomes Use therapeutic language, co‑regulation and de‑escalation strategies in every interaction Contribute to a calm, predictable environment that reflects the CARES 360 framework in day‑to‑day practice Keep clear records and communicate professionally with colleagues and, where appropriate, families and external professionals About you Deeply relational, patient and boundaried Able to connect with young people at their level Able to stay calm and regulated around distressed or challenging behaviour Comfortable working with SEMH, trauma and neurodiversity Willing to work in a highly therapeutic, non‑punitive environment Open to reflective practice, supervision and ongoing CPD Have strong communication skills with excellent Maths and English skills Creative and not afraid to take risks with engaging education. Perhaps you have been working in a totally unrelated sector and are looking for a new challenge? Maybe you have a good working knowledge of Maths and English and want to work in an area that allows you to use your relational and people skills alongside your area of interest or past work experience. We’re particularly interested in people with backgrounds such as: Youth work / mentoring Teachers or tutors who are tired of the mainstream approach. Teachers or tutors who are passionate about person/child centred support. Therapeutic residential care Admin, finance, retail, trades, hospitality, customer service Counselling / mental health support Creative arts, outdoor education, sport, vocational skills, or other practical disciplines Teaching assistants / learning mentors from SEMH, PRU or alternative provision settings We invite applications from people of all ages Strong alignment with the CARES 360 values (Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy, Support) Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people Experience in SEMH / AP / PRU / specialist provision Understanding of trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware practice Knowledge of autism / ADHD / other neurodiversities in education What we offer A genuinely therapeutic environment with a multi‑disciplinary team Regular supervision and CPD linked to CARES 360, trauma, attachment and SEMH The chance to shape programmes around your strengths (e.g. arts, outdoor learning, life‑skills, vocational pathways) A supportive, values‑led team who care deeply about staff wellbeing as well as student wellbeing How to apply Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (or a 2–3 minute video) explaining: Why you want to work in a therapeutic alternative provision How you embody the CARES 360 values in your work with young people What you feel you can bring to Hatfield Wick Education and our children and Young people. Please send your application to vicky.crimmins@hatfieldwickeducation.org. Hatfield Wick Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and verification of qualifications. Hatfield Wick Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Any personal data provided will be processed in line with our Privacy Notice and used solely for recruitment purposes #J-18808-Ljbffr