Pastoral Officer

Role overview

Mencap is seeking a compassionate, proactive Pastoral Officer to join its supported internships team. This role is centred on protecting learner welfare and meeting pastoral needs for learners on the Supported Internship programme, helping them realise their potential while feeling supported in their wellbeing every step of the way.

The position is offered on a full-time basis of 37.5 hours per week and is described as permanent. Support will be delivered both remotely and in person across sites in Staffordshire and Northamptonshire. A part-time arrangement may be discussed depending on the person appointed.

What you will do

• Partner with delivery teams to strengthen their confidence and capability around learner welfare, safeguarding, and wellbeing across the programme.
• Work one-to-one with learners and engage with families, as well as support group sessions within local services.
• Help colleagues recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding, Prevent, and wider pastoral concerns.
• Help create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where learners can thrive.
• Work alongside internal stakeholders and external organisations to provide joined-up, high-quality support.
• Spot learners needing additional welfare input and put tailored support plans in place.

Experience and key strengths

The role calls for someone with hands-on experience dealing with mental health matters, safeguarding, and Prevent concerns, alongside a background in pastoral care and support. Experience supporting learners with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, or autism is important, as is experience working with young people in an education setting.

Strong communication skills, the ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external contacts, a well-organised approach, and self-motivation are all essential. The successful candidate should also be able to inspire learners and use effective engagement and support approaches.

Desirable background

Training or qualifications linked to welfare or pastoral support would be an advantage, such as mental health first aid or designated safeguarding lead training.

Additional notes

This summary is not exhaustive; candidates should refer to the full job description for complete details.

Mencap uses a blinded recruitment process for many roles, so applicants should submit a full application and covering statement.

Job ID: 35430.

Benefits

Mencap provides a wide benefits package that includes 32 days of paid holiday, including bank holidays and pro rata entitlement. Additional perks include discounts with major high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and other employee benefits.

About Mencap

Mencap’s vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy, healthy lives. The organisation supports people with a learning disability, their families, and carers, and works to build a kinder, fairer, and more inclusive society.

The culture is built around belonging, respect, and learning. Everyone is expected to treat others well and contribute to an inclusive workplace. Mistakes are viewed as part of learning, provided they lead to reflection and improvement. Mencap also has Belonging network groups that are open to all colleagues, including groups for people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, women, parents and carers, and allies. The organisation welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and offers a variety of contract types and working patterns. Personality and values are considered more important than specific experience, and training and development will be provided.