Support and Achievement Mentor (SAM)
Empower Students. Build Confidence. Change Lives.
Our Story
Barking & Dagenham College of Further & Higher Education is a dynamic, community-focused college with a strong reputation for technical and vocational excellence. Established in 1961 and operating across Barking and Rush Green campuses, we support thousands of learners and apprentices each year to develop the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to thrive.
We have invested over £50m in our facilities over the past nine years, including our East London Institute of Technology, creating outstanding learning and working environments for staff and students alike.
Join our Student Services team and play a vital role in supporting learners to overcome barriers, achieve their ambitions and progress successfully into further study, employment or higher education.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Support and Achievement Mentor (SAM), you'll be the first point of contact for students, providing high-quality pastoral, academic and tutorial support that enables every learner to thrive. You'll work collaboratively with curriculum teams and specialist support services to ensure students receive the guidance and interventions they need to achieve their full potential.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver engaging weekly tutorials covering safeguarding, wellbeing, careers, study skills, social action and personal development.
- Manage a caseload of students, providing proactive 1:1 and group support to improve attendance, retention, achievement and progression.
- Identify and support vulnerable or at-risk learners through timely interventions and coordinated support plans.
- Monitor attendance, punctuality and academic progress, maintaining accurate records using College systems.
- Coach and motivate learners to develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive study habits.
- Work closely with curriculum staff, parents/carers and external agencies to provide holistic support.
- Deliver induction activities, enrichment opportunities and UCAS guidance, including support with personal statements.
- Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding while helping students overcome barriers to learning.
What We’re Looking For
We're looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and proactive individual who is passionate about supporting young people to succeed.
You will ideally have:
- English and Maths qualifications at Level 2 or above.
- Experience working within an educational environment.
- Excellent communication, coaching and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
- The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners.
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and promoting student wellbeing.
- A willingness to obtain the Designated Safeguarding Lead qualification if not already held.
- Experience supporting vulnerable learners, safeguarding or complex case management would be advantageous.
What’s In It for You?
We offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- A competitive salary between £27,963 and £29,477 per annum, dependent upon experience
- Generous holiday and pension packages (please note this position is term time only)
- Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
- Free parking and access to travel-to-work and technology assistance schemes.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to students' lives as part of a supportive, collaborative team.
Barking & Dagenham College is committed to best practice relating to safer recruitment and safeguarding. Please note that all employment checks are made in-line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. For further information relating to onboarding expectations/our safeguarding framework, please speak with the Talent team directly.
As part of our commitment to a safe and professional working environment, Barking & Dagenham College may conduct a check of publicly available social media profiles (e.g. LinkedIn, X, Facebook etc.) as part of pre-onboarding checks. For further information, please request a copy of our Social Media Checks policy directly from the Talent team.
Barking & Dagenham College is proudly an inclusive employer, striving towards an open culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, safely and without fear of judgment or persecution. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. Should you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know. You will not be disadvantaged for stating your needs, and we want to support you to do your best in this process.
