Location: Havering, Essex
Pay: £95–£100 per day PAYE
Contract: Long-term, with the opportunity to go permanent
Help young people build the skills they need for adult life.
Not every achievement happens in a classroom. Sometimes, it's learning to travel independently, prepare a meal, manage money or feel confident enough to try something new.
Parker Smith Inclusion is recruiting an Independence Support Mentor for a specialist post-16 SEND setting in Havering, supporting young people aged 16+ with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, speech, language and communication needs, and SEMH.
The focus is on more than education. It's about helping young people develop practical life skills, build confidence and prepare for adulthood, including employment, supported living and greater independence.
About the role
You'll support young people both within the setting and out in the local community, helping them put their skills into practice in everydaay situations.
Your responsibilities may include:
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Supporting learners during lessons and practical activities.
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Developing everyday living skills, including cooking, shopping and managing money.
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Accompanying young people on public transport and community visits.
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Encouraging communication, decision-making and problem-solving.
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Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
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Helping learners develop routines and prepare for future employment or supported living.
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Building trusting relationships while encouraging independence.
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Working alongside teachers, therapists and the wider support team.
The aim isn't to do everything for the young person. It's to provide the right support, encouragement and guidance so they can do more for themselves.
Who would suit this role?
We're looking for someone who is patient, approachable and able to build positive relationships with young people.
You should be comfortable adapting your approach to different needs, encouraging learners to try new things and supporting them both in the setting and out in the community.
Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Youth Worker, Mentor or Care Worker would be beneficial.
Previous post-16 experience isn't essential. If you've supported young people or adults with additional needs and want to help them develop practical life skills, this could be a great next step.
Why work with Parker Smith Inclusion?
We specialise in SEND recruitment and take the time to understand the roles and settings that will suit your experience.
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£95–£100 per day through PAYE.
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No umbrella companies or hidden umbrella deductions.
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Long-term opportunity with the potential to go permanent.
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Personalised job matching.
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CV support and career guidance.
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Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant.
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More than 400 five-star Google reviews from educators.
Ready for a role that makes a difference?
If you'd like to help young people build confidence, develop independence and prepare for life beyond education, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Danny at Parker Smith Inclusion
Phone: 0203 011 4848
Email: danny@psinclusion.co.uk
Not quite the right role? Apply to register your interest and we'll be in touch about other SEND opportunities.
Relevant keywords: Independence Support Mentor, SEND Support Worker, Post-16 SEND, Learning Support Assistant, LSA, SEND Teaching Assistant, Life Skills Mentor, Autism, ADHD, SEMH, Speech and Language Needs, Independent Living Skills, Youth Worker, Havering, Essex.