Wellbeing Advisor - Peterchurch

• Wellbeing Advisor – Children & Young People
• Department: Strong Young Minds – Reaching Out Programme

About ONSIDE

ONSIDE is a charity working across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, established in 1993 stemming from a belief that everyone has the right to be a valued human being and to be treated in a just and fair way.

In support of this belief we provide a range of support and services to ensure fairness and equality for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or discriminated against.

We make a difference to the lives of over 14,000 people a year through our dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers recruited, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors, befrienders and appropriate adults.

Whatever your role at ONSIDE, you’ll be part of an organisation that is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives.

About the role

Join ONSIDE as a Children & Young People Wellbeing Advisor and make a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11–18.

Working as part of the Strong Young Minds Reaching Out programme, you will provide flexible, community-based support across Ross-on-Wye and the surrounding area.

You will build trusted relationships with young people and provide support in ways that work for them, including one-to-one sessions, informal drop-ins, brief interventions, workshops and group activities.

You will help young people build confidence, resilience and practical coping strategies, supporting them with challenges including anxiety, low mood, self-harm, relationships and family conflict, school transitions, caring responsibilities and engagement with education, employment or housing.

This role is based in a community hub in Peterchurch on a Thursday evening, and then at a local school on a Tuesday. Time is also given within the 6 hours a week for admin.

Key responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people, including those who may find it difficult to engage with services.
• Provide flexible one-to-one, group, workshop and drop-in support, identifying needs and agreeing appropriate next steps.
• Work with young people to identify what matters to them, set achievable goals and review their progress.
• Deliver practical and brief interventions that support emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience and positive coping strategies.
• Support young people through important transitions, including moving to secondary school and into early adulthood, education, employment or training.
• Advocate for young people and help them engage with other services, including education, social care and housing.
• Develop positive relationships with parents, carers and other important people in a young person's life, where appropriate.
• Plan and organise engaging and responsive sessions in partnership with the Team Lead.
• Support opportunities for young people to participate, volunteer and connect with their peers, including the development of Wellbeing Ambassadors.
• Contribute to outreach events and community activities that promote positive mental health and raise awareness of available support.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including assessments, progress reviews, outcomes and closure information.
• Gather feedback and young people's views to help demonstrate the impact of the programme and improve our services.
• Follow ONSIDE's safeguarding, confidentiality and risk management procedures at all times.

All ONSIDE employees are expected to

• Work in line with ONSIDE's values, policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding appropriate to their role and raise concerns promptly.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and individual empowerment.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of ONSIDE.
• Take responsibility for their own learning, development and wellbeing.
• Support appropriate promotional, community and networking activities.

This job description sets out the main responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be exhaustive.

Duties may develop over time in line with the needs of the service and organisation, following appropriate discussion with the postholder.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who is approachable, compassionate and passionate about supporting children and young people.

You'll be able to build trusting relationships, provide practical wellbeing support and work creatively and flexibly within the Peterchurch community.

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience of working with children and young people, including supporting their emotional wellbeing or mental health, in a paid or voluntary role.
• Understanding of the challenges affecting young people's mental health and wellbeing, and ways to build confidence, resilience and coping skills.
• Awareness of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to person-centred support, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Skills & Abilities

• Able to build positive, trusting relationships with young people, including those who may find it difficult to engage.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a flexible and sensitive approach.
• Able to respond calmly and appropriately to challenging situations.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, managing your time and priorities effectively.
• Confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Able to work positively with families, colleagues and other professionals.

Qualifications & Development

• Relevant qualification or equivalent practical experience working with children and young people.
• Willingness to learn and develop your skills.

Desirable

• Counselling qualification (Level 2 or above), or working towards one.
• Training or experience in mental health support, early intervention or trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience of delivering group activities, workshops or wellbeing interventions.
• Experience of supporting young people with complex needs.
• Experience of working in community, education or voluntary sector settings.
• Knowledge of local services and support networks in Peterchurch and surrounding areas.
• Understanding of the BACP Counselling Skills Competence Framework.

This role will involve working in two different locations within Peterchurch, therefore the ability to drive and have access to a vehicle is preferrable.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK or be able to independently obtain this by the start date. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

• 26 days annual holiday (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays
• Your Birthday Off
• Supportive working environment & good work/life balance culture
• Support with continuous professional development
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Company Sick Pay Scheme (after qualifying service)
• Additional Maternity & Paternity Pay (after qualifying service)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to premium Calm App
• Time off to volunteer
• Employee Engagement Forum to ensure our employee’s voices are heard