About Us
West Sussex Alternative Provision College (WSAPC) is an educational establishment based across the county on seven separate sites, providing education for pupils whom are permanently excluded, at risk of exclusion or too ill to attend school. Our ethos is to provide FOCUS (Future, Opportunities, Curriculum, Us, School) for our pupils to re-engage them in their learning and support re-integration to mainstream provision.
West Sussex Alternative Provision College is seeking a passionate and resilient Positive Connection Mentor to join our Curriculum Access Team. This role is ideal for someone committed to supporting vulnerable young people, reducing the risk of exclusion, and helping students thrive both in education and in their communities.
Job Details
As a Positive Connection Mentor, you will work directly with young people at risk of criminal exploitation, anti-social behaviour, or permanent exclusion. You will build strong relationships, deliver targeted interventions, and work collaboratively with schools, families, and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
Your work will have a direct impact on attendance, behaviour, and academic achievement, as well as helping young people make safer and more positive life choices.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusting, positive relationships with identified young people
- Deliver tailored interventions to reduce risk-taking and negative behaviours
- Support pupils to understand the impact of crime and make informed choices
- Work alongside schools to prevent permanent exclusions and support reintegration
- Collaborate with multi-agency partners including youth justice, police, and social care
- Deliver engaging sessions linked to the law, consequences of crime, and personal development
- Maintain accurate safeguarding and intervention records
- Support behaviour management plans and personalised reintegration strategies
- Promote attendance, engagement, and academic progress
What You Need to Succeed
Essential Requirements
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
- Understanding of schools and educational systems
- Knowledge of anti-social behaviour and safeguarding principles
- Experience working with young people with behavioural or SEMH needs
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Sussex
Desirable
- Understanding of the Criminal Justice System
- Experience of multi-agency working
- Knowledge of exploitation risks and prevention strategies
- Experience supporting pupils with SEN or EHCPs
Why Join WSAPC?
- Be part of a dedicated and supportive team
- Make a tangible impact on young people’s lives
- Access to ongoing professional development and training
- Work in a dynamic, multi-agency environment
Further Information
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including references, social media check and Disclosure & Barring Service check.
WSAPC is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications for all vacancies from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
The closing date is a guide only. We intend to review applications as they are received and call those shortlisted for immediate interview. An early application is advised, as once we have appointed, we will close the recruitment process.
West Sussex Alternative Provision College and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please download the job description and application form below.
Please complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description).
Once complete please return this to [email protected]
Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please feel free to contact us.
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the ‘Apply online’ button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.
The reference number for this role is SCHO02638.
