Education SEN Mentor

Job description

Looking for a meaningful career where no two days are the same? Welcome to No Limits at MacIntyre.

At MacIntyre, we don't just offer jobs - we offer opportunities to change lives. If you've ever imagined working in education but outside the confines of a traditional classroom, this could be your perfect next step.

No Limits is our innovative education programme for young people aged 16+ with learning disabilities and/or autism. Together, we explore real-world learning - in the community, in work placements, and through personalised support that adapts to each young person's interests and needs.

This role is term-time only (39 weeks per year), part-time and full-time 3 to 5 days a week, 9am to 4.36pm (7.6 hours per day).

In this role, you'll support young people on their journey to independence. You'll help them build confidence, develop essential life skills, and discover their own unique path into adulthood.

You might be supporting someone like Harriet*:

Harriet found the classroom overwhelming. With social anxiety and a speech impediment, she often felt unheard and unsupported. When Harriet joined No Limits, we worked closely with her to understand her communication style, introduce assistive technology, and empower her to make choices in her day-to-day life. Now, she's confidently ordering her own food in cafés and is thriving at college with support from the MacIntyre team.
What we're looking for:

We're not looking for formal teaching experience - we'll provide full training. What really matters is who you are:

• Are you warm, energetic and curious about people?
• Can you see potential where others see challenge?
• Do you believe in listening first, then acting with empathy and creativity?

If yes, you're already speaking our language.

You'll need a full UK manual or automatic driving licence, as travel is an essential part of the role.
Why join us?

• A role with real variety - every day brings something new
• The chance to work 1:1 or in small groups with young people in their own communities
• Ongoing training and development in a supportive, values-led organisation
• The opportunity to be part of a team that puts relationships and respect at the heart of everything we do

This is more than a job. It's a chance to be someone who makes a difference, helping young people grow in confidence, build independence, and feel proud of who they are.

If you're ready to start a career where you matter as much as the people you support, we'd love to hear from you.

MacIntyre - Empowering people to live a life that makes sense to them.

* name changed for privacy

#IND

About you

Experience is not essential. For us, underlying ability and attitude are just as important as background and experience.

If you have not worked in the field of education before then please don't be put off. We can provide all of the specialist training you need, but we can't train you to have initiative, to be friendly and patient, and those are essential qualities for this work.

You must be a driver with a UK Manual or Automatic Driving Licence and have your own transport, willing and able to travel across the area, supporting young people from their own homes. Reasonable mileage is reimbursed.

GCSEs (or equivalent) minimum C grade in English and Mathematics are essential.

Some more things you need to know:

• Most of your work will be during term-time but there is up to three weeks' training and development commitment during academic holidays
• Some young people require assistance with personal care or medication

About us

MacIntyre is a national charity supporting more than 1,400 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or are autistic.

For 60 years, we've worked alongside people to build lives filled with opportunity, connection and belonging. Whatever your role, you'll help make that possible.

Learn and grow with us

Wherever you're starting from, we'll help you succeed.

You'll receive a full induction, a mix of online and face-to-face training, and mentoring from experienced colleagues while you learn the role.

As your career develops, you'll have access to ongoing learning, professional qualifications where relevant, and opportunities to progress, all fully supported by MacIntyre.

Pay and benefits

Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including:

• 5.6 weeks' annual leave per year including public holidays
• Pension scheme
• Paid DBS check
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Shopping discounts through Blue Light Card and our staff discounts scheme
• Ongoing training and career development

See the full range of benefits on the Careers page of our website.

How to apply

Click Apply to complete a short application and upload your CV.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note: we do not offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. You must already have the right to work in the UK.

Safer recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults we support. If we offer you a job, we'll work with you to complete the appropriate pre-employment checks.
Equality, diversity and inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we work in.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to help, call us on 01908 357016. Our recruitment website also includes accessibility tools such as translation, OpenDyslexic font and display options.