At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide and support young people transitioning to adulthood through mentoring and life skills development.
- Company: Supportive organisation dedicated to helping care leavers thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth, strong communication, and a passion for making an impact.
The predicted salary is between 28650 - 28650 £ per year.
We are looking for a full time, permanent Youth Mentor to work with our care leavers team in Northampton, NN1, which provides supported accommodation services for young people aged between 17 - 21. As a Youth Mentor, you will provide guidance, advice and support to our young people to assist in their transition into adulthood, including the co‑ordination, preparation and completion of Pathway Plans, outcome stars, support plans, risk plans and other documentation.
You will be allocated a caseload of approximately 6 - 10 young people and will support with key worker sessions, weekly mentoring sessions, individual living skills, employment applications, activities and workshops.
Hours of work: 40 hours per week, 8 hour shifts operating between 8am and 8pm – Monday to Saturday. Examples: 8am – 4pm / 9am – 5pm / 12pm – 8pm.
The Role:
- Ensure the protection and safeguard the wellbeing of care leavers in our care.
- Demonstrate to the care leavers the value of education, care and development to achieve better outcomes.
- Authoritatively and empathetically challenge care leavers to help them avoid being without employment, education and training, involving liaison and joint working with independent and third sector providers.
- Work with care leavers on issues such as resilience, self‑esteem and confidence building.
- Build and create mutual trust and respect with care leavers so that they respond and react appropriately to information and advice, involving attendance at meetings and visits to care leaver's home, education establishments, prisons and courts.
- Attend placement meetings and induct the care leavers into the provision.
- Analyse the care leaver's behaviour and encourage positive change, supporting them to participate in a positive structured routine, involving individual and group sessions.
- Maintain knowledge of and apply the relevant legislative, regulatory and standards against inspection framework requirements.
- Provide basic advice and skills to care leavers on managing their finances and other everyday life skills to support their move to adulthood.
- Maintain timely and accurate recording on the young person's file and other relevant records, to ensure that there is an accurate record of work undertaken with care leavers that they can understand and that assists other professionals working in partnership.
- Work with the Service support team to ensure buildings and flats are maintained to a high standard.
Qualifications and requirements:
- Minimum of 12 months experience working with children and young people.
- Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary (£27,976 - £28,650 per annum).
- Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
- Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
- Unum Healthcare – App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks.
- Aviva Digicare – Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments.
- Refer a Friend bonus.
- Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Subsidised days out with young people.
- Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
- Meals included during shifts.
Youth Mentor in Northampton employer: Shaw Trust
As a Youth Mentor with our care leavers team in Northampton, you will join an organisation that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of both its employees and the young people they support. With a strong commitment to professional development, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, we offer a competitive salary alongside generous benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support. Our focus on creating a positive impact in the community makes this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path for those looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Mentor in Northampton
✨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 Shaw Trust.
✨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 Shaw Trust!
✨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 Shaw Trust, 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 Shaw Trust 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 Youth Mentor in Northampton
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 Shaw Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Shaw Trust! 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 Shaw Trust
✨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.
