At a Glance
- Tasks: Expand the Starfish mentoring programme in schools, supporting young people aged 9-16.
- Company: Join The Salvation Army, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and an employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for evening and weekend engagement.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or extensive experience in youth work; excellent people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
East of England – with travel across the region. We are looking to recruit a Mentoring Programme Co-ordinator that will work to expand The Salvation Army’s Starfish programme across the East of England Division. Starfish is a mentoring programme designed to work with children and young people in schools, aged 9-16 years. Working within a school’s student wellbeing support, Starfish provides committed and trusted adults (mentors) to work with young people who need Early Help without which they would be at risk of not meeting their full potential. Their identified needs may relate to their health, educational or social development.
Key responsibilities:
- Establish and grow the Starfish Schools Mentoring Programme within local primary and secondary schools ensuring efficient and effective delivery and monitoring.
- Recruit and support volunteer Starfish mentors from the local Salvation Army corps and other churches in line with Salvation Army volunteer and Safe & Sound guidelines.
- Support and supervise volunteer coordinators/mentors including identifying and facilitating relevant training.
- Oversee all pupil referrals to the programme, ensuring all relevant information and reports are submitted to schools.
- Attend multi-agency meetings when required.
- Provide one-to-one mentoring with pupils to increase participation in education, with a focus around emotional health and wellbeing including personal development and life skills, guided by a Trauma Informed Practice approach.
The successful candidate will have:
- A degree with relevant qualification in children’s or youth work qualification and/or extensive experience of working with children and youth in education ages 9-16 and or in the wider community. Applicants with transferable/relevant skills will also be considered.
- Knowledge of issues affecting young people (e.g. education, poverty, mental health) creative and cultural landscape.
- Excellent people skills with extensive experience in managing staff, volunteers and working with children and young people (individuals and groups).
- Ability to create and run age-appropriate positive mentoring activities.
- The credibility, confidence and skills to represent The Salvation Army appropriately and professionally in a variety of settings and be able to develop strong and effective partnership opportunities and relationships that will extend the reach and impact of the Starfish programme across a wide area.
- Experience conducting effective monitoring and evaluation to increase effectiveness.
This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian and will be in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of, the purposes and the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.
In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments. In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, a criminal record check DBS: Enhanced with barred list or the child workforce and evidence of your Right to Work in the UK in line with Home Office requirements. As we are not a licensed sponsor, applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Details on how to prove your Right to Work can be found on our website.
The Salvation Army actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications. Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)
- A contributory pension scheme
- An employee assistance programme
Working hours: 35 hours per week (with occasional evening and weekend working)
Closing date: Friday 26 June 2026
Locations
Mentoring Programme Coordinator in Essex, Norfolk employer: The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and the young people they serve. As a Mentoring Programme Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the East of England, while benefiting from generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and a commitment to professional development. Join us in fostering positive change and empowering the next generation in a role that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentoring Programme Coordinator in Essex, Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and youth work sectors. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Mentoring Programme Coordinator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events related to youth mentoring or education. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to the cause. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential mentors and partners who could help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Starfish programme and The Salvation Army's values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Mentoring Programme Coordinator in Essex, Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure to download and read the job profile carefully. It’s packed with important info about what we’re looking for, so you can tailor your application to hit all the right notes.
Address the Criteria in Your Supporting Statement:When you write your supporting statement, be sure to directly address the criteria listed in the job profile. This is your chance to show us how your skills and experiences align with what we need for the Mentoring Programme Coordinator role.
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role involves working closely with children, young people, and volunteers, highlight your excellent people skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or supported individuals in the past to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups, so don’t forget to hit that 'apply' button!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Salvation Army
✨Know the Starfish Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Starfish programme thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, target audience, and how it operates within schools. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the programme's objectives.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, focus on experiences that relate directly to mentoring, youth work, or education. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past, especially in areas like emotional health and wellbeing. This will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the role effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a challenging pupil or supporting a volunteer mentor. Think through potential scenarios in advance and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and your approach to trauma-informed practice.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
The Salvation Army values community involvement, so be prepared to discuss how you can build partnerships with local schools and organisations. Share ideas on how to recruit and support volunteers, and express your enthusiasm for making a positive impact in the lives of young people across the East of England.
