At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower young people by building meaningful relationships and supporting their educational journeys.
- Company: Progress Community, a leader in inclusive education and personal development.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, wellbeing support, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to your growth and the success of our learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) and experience in education or safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join us as a Community Mentor in Wirral: Empower Futures! Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it’s a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional? At Progress Community, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and ambitious culture for both our learners and colleagues. We are looking for professionals who are passionate about building meaningful relationships, embracing innovation and working collaboratively to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
This role involves regular travel within the local community (Wirral) to support learners in a variety of settings, including community venues and family homes where appropriate. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are therefore essential.
Community Mentors receive regular supervision, safeguarding support and ongoing professional development, with opportunities to contribute to the continued growth and development of Progress Community. We are committed to investing in our people and creating clear pathways for career progression.
Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List clearance and all safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics—enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. Your work-life balance matters. That’s why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible.
We also offer:
- Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications.
- Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
- Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
- Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
- Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
- Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards.
- Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT.
- Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.
What are we looking for from you?
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
- Experience: Experience working within education, alternative provision, safeguarding or attendance environments. Strong administrative and data management experience. Experience using digital systems and reporting platforms.
- Problem-Solving: Aptitude for solving problems and making effective decisions.
- Communication: To be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with a diverse range of audiences including children, parents and carers, and colleagues.
- Promotion of Values: Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, safeguarding, wellbeing, and British values.
- Time Management: Effective time management for planning, delivery, and assessment.
More about Progress Community: At Progress Community, we're redefining alternative provision through a personalised, relationship-led approach that removes barriers to learning and empowers young people to achieve positive futures. As a Community Mentor, you'll play a vital role in supporting learners both in the community and online, helping them re-engage with education, develop confidence and independence, and realise their full potential.
This is more than a mentoring role. You'll build trusted relationships, work closely with families and professionals, support learners through personalised pathways, and contribute to meaningful outcomes that extend far beyond the classroom. From safeguarding and attendance to destination planning and personal development, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people every single day.
If you're passionate about inclusion, committed to high expectations and believe education should create opportunities without walls, we'd love to hear from you.
How to Apply: Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, then please get in touch with our friendly recruitment team by emailing recruitment@theprogress-group.co.uk.
Let's redefine education together!
Community Mentor in Birkenhead employer: Progress Schools
At Progress Schools, we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff as much as that of our students, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. With generous benefits including professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to mental health support, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in redefining education while enjoying a fulfilling career that values your contributions and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Mentor in Birkenhead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Progress Schools.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Progress Schools!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Progress Schools, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Progress Schools or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Mentor in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Progress Schools:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Progress Schools! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Schools
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
