*SEMH / SEND Therapeutic Mentor (Freelance) - £25 - £35 per hour*
Gloucestershire
Searchlight Learning is a specialist one-to-one education service supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and neurodivergent conditions, including autism and ADHD.
Founded in 2020, we work with young people who require an individualised approach to education, helping them to re-engage with learning, develop confidence and achieve positive outcomes. Our mentors provide tailored support in homes, schools and community settings, working collaboratively with families and professionals to ensure each young person receives the support they need to thrive.
We are currently seeking skilled and compassionate SEMH / SEND Therapeutic Mentors to join our freelance team across Gloucestershire.
About the Role
Searchlight Learning is seeking therapeutic mentors with counselling training or experience to support children and young people who face emotional, social or mental health barriers to learning. Our approach is person-centred and therapeutic, helping each young person understand what is holding them back and guiding them to reconnect with learning in a way that feels safe, calm and manageable.
You will work closely with our tutors as part of a coordinated Team Around the Young Person, offering emotional support, reflective conversations and practical strategies that help them move towards re-engaging with education.
What You’ll Do
- Provide therapeutic mentoring sessions drawing on counselling skills and trauma- aware practice
- Build strong, trusting relationships to support emotional well-being and confidence
- Help young people identify what is preventing them from accessing education and explore ways forward
- Support transitions back into school, alternative provision or new learning environments
- Work collaboratively with tutors and other professionals to ensure consistent, joined-up support
- Offer calm spaces for regulation, communication and developing self-understanding
- Plan and prepare activities that appeal to the mentee’s strengths and interests and enable them to achieve their goals
What We’re Looking For
- Counselling training, therapeutic experience, youth mental health support, or similar background
- Ability to deliver person-centred, attuned, and gently paced support
- Skilled at working with anxiety, low confidence, disengagement or social/emotional needs
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity and SEMH
- Experience of working with children and young people with special needs
- Reliable, thoughtful and able to work independently within a supportive team
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)
- Full driving licence and a willingness to transport young people in your vehicle
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay
- Mileage allowance available for travel to and from sessions with mentees
- Be part of a team where everyone works directly with young people — we are not a recruitment agency, but a service built by practitioners
- Collaborative work with tutors and professionals to support each young person’s journey
- Regular communication, guidance and reflective support
- Flexible, freelance working options
- Work takes place during term time and within the school day
- Training and professional development in therapeutic education and SEND
- A role that allows you to make a meaningful difference as young people reconnect with learning
- Be part of a dynamic and growing service with an excellent reputation across Gloucestershire
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV together with a brief covering statement outlining your experience and interest in joining the Searchlight Learning team by clicking on Apply Now.
