Mentoring jobs

Do you have a heart to see positive change in the lives of people who are trying to make a new start in the community after prison or a community sentence, and a genuine belief in their ability to make such changes?  Do you have experience of working in the criminal justice environment?

At South West Community Chaplaincy (SWCC) our aim is to provide effective care and community support for people going through the Criminal Justice System, including prison. This includes work such as advocacy, mentoring and holistic support to assist the integration of people with convictions into their communities, within the counties of Devon, Cornwall and western Somerset.

We are looking for a committed and motivated individual who will strengthen our team of Community Chaplains to work with people both in custody and in the community. The key functions of the role are:

o  High-quality client-centred, relational mentoring, ensuring that it is trauma informed, solution focused and relevant for those serving, or who have served, custodial or community sentences in order that they would be successfully resettled in their local communities, within the counties of Cornwall, Devon and western Somerset.

o  Manage and support volunteer mentors as they support our clients

o  To help facilitate and assist faith communities in the peninsula to become more proactive partners with prisons, probation, police, Youth Justice Board and other agencies, in working towards the successful resettlement of people who have convictions.

The post is a permanent part time role.

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) under the Equality Act 2010 for applicants to actively embrace the Christian faith ethos and values of SWCC, and to be able to promote an environment where people of all faiths, and people of none, can work together for the transformation of lives and communities.  The successful applicant will have the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people, from aged 15 to 80!  Flexible Homeworking is possible by agreement.  The role entails a significant amount of travel, and some occasional weekend and evening work will be involved.

Multiple Schools across Telford and Wrekin.

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven record of working with children and young people affected by criminal exploitation, gang involvement, county lines, grooming, or serious youth violence?  Do you have experience of working within a multi-agency safeguarding environment, collaborating effectively with services such as social care, youth justice, police, education, and community organisations?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Specialist Mentor to form part of a newly established team to support Children and Young People (CYP) under 18 at risk of or experiencing significant harm, including involvement in criminality, the justice system, gang affiliation, exploitation, and grooming in partnership with the Children’s Services Child Abused Through Exploitation (CATE) Team

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

You will provide one-to-one mentoring sessions within schools, creating safe, confidential, and supportive spaces to 40 young people annually who are affected by criminality, exploitation, gang involvement, or the justice system, improving their safety, wellbeing, and life outcomes.

We will rely on you to maintain a visible, integrated presence within schools to identify risks early and sustain engagement with young people vulnerable to criminal exploitation and to work collaboratively with Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), pastoral teams, and wider school staff to ensure mentoring complements existing safeguarding and support frameworks. Producing risk management plans based on assessments, promoting inter-agency collaboration in the assessment and planning process, is also a key aspect of the role.

What we are looking for:

• Lived experiences similar to those of the target client group
• Knowledge of child criminal exploitation, county lines, gang involvement, grooming or serious youth violence
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and its application when working with vulnerable or high-risk young people
• Experience of conducting risk assessments and developing intervention/support plans, with a clear understanding of safeguarding frameworks and thresholds
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written
• A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, access to clinical supervision, season ticket loan and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion-confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi-heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, or neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

Please note St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

An enhanced Children’s Barred List DBS check is required for this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION In your application form, please provide a written statement (maximum 1,000 words) showing how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person specification. 

Closing date: 11th June 2026 at 9 am.

Our Youth and Play Practitioners will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and in conjunction with local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, mentoring, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

We are in an exciting time of development for the team. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Practitioners bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:

As a Youth Worker you will:

• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate and engaging activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities
• Foster relationships with families and local schools

As a Play Worker you will:

• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run appropriate and engaging
  activities
• Foster relationships with families and primary local schools

Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs. While practitioners may have a primary focus (primary or secondary age), all staff are expected to work flexibly across all age groups, programmes and delivery model including open access play, targeted youth work, mentoring and school link sessions.

MERSEYSIDE YOUTH ASSOCIATION LTD

Is seeking to recruit the following:

Youth Hub Mentor - Global Majority Engagement

 Hours:

 28 per week

(May Include Evening and Weekend Work)

Salary:

£27,391 - £30,103 p.a. (Pro Rata) - MYA Grade 5 Point 17-20

Fixed Term Funded to 31st May 2027

Join Merseyside Youth Association’s friendly and energetic Youth Hub team as a Global Majority Outreach Mentor and help young people take the next step into work or training. You’ll be out in the community building relationships, offering one-to-one mentoring, and supporting young people to grow their confidence, develop skills and find real opportunities. This is a fast-paced, purposeful role where no two days are the same. It’s a varied, hands-on role where you’ll work closely with partners and employers, run sessions and events, and support young people into jobs, with a strong focus on helping them stay in work and succeed. If you’re approachable, motivated and passionate about making a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children. 

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure,

Please note, CV’s will not be accepted and should not be part of your supporting information. Closing Date for Completed Applications: Midnight Friday 12th June 2026

 Merseyside Youth Association Limited is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to maintaining a non-abusive environment

Support Mentor

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Support Mentor

Location: This role is based in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), the service is a short walk from Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith) station. Unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £28,800 (Full Time Equivalent)

Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota between 09:00 - 17:00 and 13:00 - 21:00. You may be required to work bank holidays and evenings as required. You may be required to work additional hours outside of the core pattern of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to meet service and resident needs.

About the role

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Mentor to join our team based in RBKC to support our residents who have multiple and complex needs which could include mental health, substance use, homelessness, and/or offending backgrounds. You will support in providing our residents with the support needed to help them overcome their personal barriers, and achieve their goals in a person centred approach. You will work within a residential setting, creating a safe and comfortable space which our residents can call their homes during their time within the service.

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Create tailored support plans through one to one sessions, group sessions, and multi agency meetings.
• Support residents to achieve their desired goals/outcomes in various ways.
• Empower residents to make decisions to take control over their lives, by creating an enabling environment.
• Supporting residents to build independence and progress in their healing through engaging activities, from movie nights and arts and crafts to brunch club and fully funded day trips.
• Monitor residents’ wellbeing, carrying out regular welfare checks, and responding to any incidents or emergencies.
• Work closely with the rest of the team to provide overall excellent service delivery, this may mean also supporting with their caseloads, and other tasks as necessary.
• Keep support plans updated on our online portals as appropriate.
• Recognise signs of deteriorating mental health, physical health, or other health implications and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent crisis or other risks.

About you

We're looking for someone who has a true passion to support those who have multiple and complex needs, with a drive to help support those who suffer with homelessness, mental health, and substance use. You will be able to build rapport and trusting relations in a professional setting, and able to build positive outcomes. You will have an adaptable and flexible approach to helping others, with an understanding that each individual has different levels and types of support needs. 

We are looking for:

• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector, particularly around multiple and complex needs
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Support Mentor

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.

Job Title: Support Mentor (FTC)

Location: Luton. Unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £26,220

Shift Pattern: Fixed Term/Part time contract until 2029. 24hours a week, Monday to Sunday on a rota which can range between 08:00 - 20:00 You may be required to work outside these hours dependent on service and resident requirements including weekends and bank holidays.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated team to deliver person centred and bespoke trauma informed support to vulnerable women in Luton. This service will provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for women facing sexual exploitation and substance dependency – a place they can truly call home. Through stable, person-centred care, you'll play a vital role in empowering women to rebuild their lives and embrace brighter futures. 

In this role, as a Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provided person centred support to our residents, working to ensure the safety and wellbeing. Our residents have experienced multiple forms of exclusion, such as historical/ongoing abuse, involvement in the criminal justice system, mental health challenges, drug and/or alcohol dependency and enduring high levels of violence and coercion. You will build trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins. Your role will focus on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals

 Responsibilities Include:

• Holding a caseload, conducting key work sessions which are personable to resident needs
• Carry out regular welfare checks, safeguarding checks, and general living checks
• Encourage residents to take part in activities and events both within the service and the community
• Keep support plans up to date on a regular basis
• Work closely with the rest of the team to provide overall excellent service delivery, this may mean also supporting with their caseloads, and other tasks as necessary
• Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins.
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals

About You

We are passionate about working in a supportive, solution focused and trauma informed way to support our residents and participants to make and sustain positive change. The successful candidate will work as part of a team to deliver exceptional support to women at a particularly challenging time in their lives. We are looking for passionate, motivated and proactive individuals who are dedicated to making a positive difference.

• Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Experience working with, or thorough understanding of, domestic abuse and the systemic barriers faced by women.
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Position Mentor - Women's Trailblazer

Location Flexible - home based with travel across County Durham

Salary £25,664 + excellent benefits

Hours 35 hours per week (flexible working)

Status Fixed term until 31st March 2027

Closing date 14th June 2026

The opportunity

The Wise Group is a leading social enterprise delivering Relational Mentoring across employment, poverty prevention, justice and community support.

This is about more than support. It’s about helping people build trust, stability and stronger futures.

We are looking for a Mentor to join our Durham Women’s Trailblazer service, supporting women facing multiple and interconnected challenges including poverty, poor mental health, trauma, isolation, caring responsibilities and justice involvement.

No two journeys are the same.

Using our Relational Mentoring approach, you will work one-to-one with women to build trusted relationships, identify strengths, reduce barriers and support progress at a pace that works for them. Support may include improving wellbeing, building confidence, reconnecting with services and communities, establishing routines, preparing for training or employment, and strengthening longer-term stability.

You will manage your own caseload and work flexibly across communities, building strong local partnerships and ensuring women can access the right support at the right time.

We’re looking for someone who is confident working with complexity, can build trust quickly, and is motivated by helping people move from crisis towards greater stability, confidence and independence.

What you’ll bring

• Ability to build positive, professional and trusted relationships

• A compassionate, adaptable and solutions-focused approach

• Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred support

• Confidence supporting people experiencing complex or challenging circumstances

• Strong communication, organisational and digital skills, including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

• Ability to work independently while managing a varied caseload and competing priorities

Experience within community support, justice, employability, wellbeing or related services is advantageous, but not essential.

Essential requirements

• Full driving licence and access to a car for daily use

• Willingness to travel across County Durham and surrounding communities

• Home broadband to support flexible working

As part of The Wise Group, you’ll join an enterprise committed to innovation and creating lasting change in communities.

View the Role Profile on our website for full details about this opportunity.

Position Mentor Advocacy (Finance, Benefit & Debt)

Location Flexible working – principally home based, with travel across the North West in community and custodial settings

Salary £25,664 + excellent benefits

Hours 35 hours per week (flexible working)

Status Fixed term until 28th February 2027

Closing date 11 June 2026

The Wise Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and third-sector organisations, delivers the Money Mindset service for people leaving prison across the North West of England.

This is about more than financial advice. It’s about helping people preparing to leave prison stabilise their lives, reduce crisis and build stronger foundations for the future.

Working across prison and community settings, you’ll support men facing financial hardship, debt and benefit-related challenges that can impact stability, wellbeing and long-term progress. You’ll work closely with probation services, prison teams and local partners to ensure people can access the right support at the right time.

Using our Relational Mentoring approach, you’ll build trusted relationships that go beyond transactional support - helping individuals make meaningful and sustained progress.

We’re looking for people who are confident working with complexity, can build trust quickly, and are motivated by helping people move from crisis towards stability and independence.

What you’ll do

• Deliver one-to-one mentoring and advocacy support across custody and community settings

• Support individuals to address financial, benefits and debt-related challenges

• Build trusted relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and long-term progress

• Work closely with prison, probation and third-sector partners to coordinate effective support

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service outcomes and performance reporting

• Support individuals during key transition points, including release from custody and community reintegration

What you’ll bring

• Experience working in a mentoring, advocacy, support or customer-focused role

• Confidence supporting people facing complex or challenging circumstances

• Strong communication, organisational and relationship-building skills

• A practical, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work independently

• Understanding of the barriers experienced by people involved in the criminal justice system is advantageous

• Experience within custodial or community justice settings is beneficial, but not essential

Essential requirements

• Full driving licence and access to a car for daily use

• Willingness to travel extensively across Merseyside/Cheshire and Lancashire/Cumbria

• Successful completion of enhanced Level 1 prison vetting

• Home broadband to support flexible working

Please note that, due to security clearance processes, there may be a short waiting period at the beginning of employment before full duties can commence.

Travel expenses will be covered by The Wise Group.

View the Role Profile on our website for full details about this opportunity.

Youth Development Coordinator

Location: Hybrid – some time at our office in Chopwell, delivery at various regional woodland sites, and some home working

Working pattern: You will be required to work at least 3 evenings per week, and some weekends, to deliver the Youth Programme

Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), including some evening and weekend work

Salary: £27,500 pro rata (£22,000 actual salary for 28 hours/week)

How to Apply

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form available on our website.

About Us

At Stomping Grounds North East, we believe every child and young person deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable of shaping their own future.

Through our nature-based youth work, we support children and young people to thrive — building confidence, relationships, and leadership skills in woodland spaces. Our work is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that young people should have a voice in shaping the opportunities available to them.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful with a lasting impact on society and nature.

You’ll be working directly with children and young people to create real change — supporting them to build confidence, develop skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

We are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in the outdoor and environmental sector, and we aim to create a working environment where everyone can thrive.

We’re interested in hearing from applicants who have experience and understanding in the areas listed in the job description. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you would be a good fit for the role, we encourage you to apply.

Purpose of the role 

The Youth Development Coordinator will lead and expand our youth development programmes, supporting hundreds of children and young people across Gateshead, Newcastle, and Northumberland to build wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging through nature-based programmes.

You will lead the delivery and coordination of our youth programmes, creating meaningful, structured opportunities for young people aged 5–18 to grow, connect, and develop skills for life.

You will play a key role in:

• Supporting young people to feel safer, more confident, and better able to manage emotions
• Creating opportunities for peer connection, leadership, and progression
• Developing pathways into volunteering, accredited training, and leadership roles
• Working alongside communities to ensure our programmes are inclusive, accessible, and shaped by young people themselves

This is a hands-on role combining programme delivery, coordination, mentoring, and relationship-building — ideal for someone passionate about youth work, connecting with nature, and making a lasting difference.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery & Coordination

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of weekly Forest School and youth development sessions across multiple sites
• Plan and deliver structured, engaging programmes with clear outcomes for young people
• Support the development of a joined-up youth pathway from early years through to leadership opportunities
• Ensure sessions are inclusive, creative, and responsive to young people’s needs
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure safe, high-quality delivery at all times

Youth Development & Mentoring

• Develop a unified youth development and leadership framework
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and young people aged 5–18
• Mentor and support young people on Forest School pathways to develop confidence, resilience, and social skills
• Create opportunities for peer mentoring and youth leadership
• Support young people to access volunteering, peer mentoring, and progression pathways
• Recognise and celebrate achievements through events, showcases, and storytelling
• Conduct observations and write reports to inform EHCPs, funding requirements, and partner communications

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with schools, families, and local partners
• Work collaboratively with external partners to ensure a holistic approach to participant development
• Engage young people and families in shaping and co-designing programmes to reflect their needs, aspirations, and lived experiences
• Increase access for those facing barriers to participation

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Track and evaluate participant progress, programme outcomes, and impacts on social, emotional, and leadership skills
• Gather feedback, case studies, and evidence of impact
• Contribute to reporting for funders and organisational learning using qualitative and quantitative data
• Use insight to continuously improve delivery

Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate a volunteer management process
• Contribute to creating a positive and inclusive volunteer experience
• Support volunteers to build confidence and skills alongside young people

Safeguarding, Inclusion & Wellbeing

• Ensure programmes are trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, culturally inclusive, and accessible
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, and risk management procedures
• Create environments where all young people feel safe, respected, and able to be themselves

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in youth development work, outdoor learning, or similar settings
• Strong experience in project/programme coordination and delivery
• Experience delivering structured programmes with measurable outcomes
• Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and support young people, including those facing barriers or with additional needs
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills
• A commitment to inclusivity, trauma-informed practice, and empowering young people
• A strong understanding of the challenges facing young people in the North East (particularly Gateshead, Newcastle, and Northumberland), or a willingness to develop this knowledge
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and child protection procedures
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and delivery partners

Desirable

• Forest School Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards)
• Experience in Forest School, outdoor education, or nature-based youth work
• Experience in co-designing programmes or participatory practice
• Knowledge of SEND, neurodivergence, and trauma-informed approaches
• Experience in evaluation and reporting for funders or statutory bodies

Impact

Through your work, you will support hundreds of children and young people each year. This role will directly influence the lives of over 400 children and young people across the North East, particularly those facing disadvantage, exclusion, or systemic barriers.

By embedding structured pathways from early engagement to accredited leadership, you will help create a lasting legacy of confident, skilled, and empowered young people, ready to thrive in their communities and beyond.

You will be part of a team creating lasting change — not just for individuals, but for communities across the North East.

At Base71 Youth Zone, we believe every young person deserves access to a safe, welcoming and inspiring place where they can have fun, feel supported and realise their potential. Since opening our doors, we have already welcomed nearly 8,000 young people, creating opportunities for them to build confidence, develop friendships and access life-changing experiences.

We are now looking for an outstanding Head of Youth Work & Partnerships to help lead the next stage of our journey. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop our universal youth work offer, inspire and lead our delivery teams and strengthen partnerships across Barnsley to ensure young people receive the very best support and opportunities.

About the Role

This is a rewarding senior leadership role for an experienced and passionate youth work professional who believes in the transformative power of youth work and the potential of every young person.

We are looking for someone who can lead with energy, creativity and purpose — someone who is ambitious for young people and motivated to create outstanding experiences that help them thrive. You will lead a dynamic team of Youth Workers, Managers and volunteers, creating a culture that is inclusive, supportive and focused on high-quality delivery. With a hands-on and solutions-focused approach, you will bring fresh ideas, drive innovation and ensure young people remain at the heart of everything we do.

No two days at Base71 are ever the same. You will oversee a wide-ranging youth work programme across Junior, Senior, Inclusion and Holiday Club provision, ensuring our offer remains engaging, safe and responsive to the needs of young people. Alongside operational leadership, you will build meaningful partnerships with schools, community organisations, funders and key stakeholders, helping to strengthen the impact and reach of Base71 across the borough.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the strategic development and future growth of Base71, helping to shape a Youth Zone where young people feel safe, valued, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about empowering young people
• An experienced leader within open-access youth work, community provision or a similar setting
• Skilled in developing and motivating high-performing teams
• Confident in leading safeguarding processes and responding to complex situations
• Experienced in partnership development and stakeholder engagement
• Organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities effectively
• Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and amplifying young people’s voices

 You Will Have Experience Of:

• Leading youth programmes for diverse young people aged 8–19, including up to 25 for young people with additional needs or disabilities
• Safeguarding leadership, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Building strong relationships and communicating effectively with a wide range of audiences
• Managing staff performance, rotas, budgets and operational delivery targets
• Understanding the challenges facing young people today and the role youth work plays in improving outcomes
• Holding a relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, ideally supported by a youth work qualification

To Apply:

To apply, please email a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) in response to the
person specification and questions below

1. Why do you want to work for us?
2. Looking at the person specification, briefly describe how your skills and experience
(including any lived experience) make you a good candidate for this role. (200 words
max)
3. How would your previous experience support you to be a strong leader at Base71? (200
words max)
4.How you demonstrate your commitment to fairness, equity and respect.
5.Confirmation you are eligible to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required
to provide documentary evidence before a job offer confirmed).
6.Any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or the
selection process.
7.This role will be based in the Youth Zone and therefore require an Enhanced DBS.
a.Do you have any unspent conditional cautions or convictions under the Rehabilitation
of Offenders Act 1974?
b.Do you have any adult cautions (simple or conditional) or spent convictions that are
not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions)
Order 1975 (Amendment) (Englandand Wales) Order2020

ABOUT MUSTARD TREE

At Mustard Tree, we believe everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope.

We work alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and financial hardship, providing practical support, life-changing opportunities, and pathways towards greater stability and independence.

Our work addresses both the causes and consequences of poverty. We support people not only in crisis, but as they rebuild confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, and take meaningful steps towards a more secure future.

ROLE PURPOSE

This role provides person-centred employment and progression support to individuals facing barriers to financial wellbeing, including homelessness or risk of homelessness. Working with a managed caseload, this role will support participants to build confidence and employability skills, and progress towards meaningful, sustained employment, further education, or accredited training.

The role includes a blend of structured employability support, responsive frontline 121 work combined with corporate partnership skills.  This role will work directly with Freedom Trainees and Mustard Tree clients, supporting walk-ins, referrals, and longer-term participants. This role will represent our values through high-quality, compassionate, and professional service delivery.

This role combines direct participant support, employability delivery, employer engagement working with the Salford Area Manager. You will work across our Eccles and Little Hulton sites, helping create meaningful opportunities that enable participants’ progression.

Key Competencies

1. World Class Welcome and Customer Service

· Deliver Work Placement and Employment service across Salford appropriate to participants’ needs, through a welcoming, inclusive, and professional service that reflects a world-class customer experience.

· Networking and building relationships in Salford with new and existing corporate partners to deliver work placement opportunities to Freedom Project trainees, attendees to structured courses/clubs, and referrals from partner organisations (JCP and Elevate partners)

· Provide tailored, 1:1 employment and skills support, including caseload management, action planning, CV development, job search, and interview preparation.

· Adapt support to meet the diverse and complex needs of participants, demonstrating empathy and resilience.

· Manage referrals and signposting effectively, ensuring participants access appropriate internal and external services.

2. Proactive in Living and Sharing our Culture, Values and Behaviours

· Consistently model Mustard Tree’s values, culture and expected behaviours in all interactions with participants, colleagues and partners.

· Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating safe, welcoming and respectful environments for everyone by building positive relationships, challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately, and reflect on feedback to continuously improve practice.

· Communicate in an inclusive, accessible and person-centred way, adapting approaches to meet participants needs.

· Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability while maintaining boundaries and delivering on commitments.

3. Courage in Problem Solving and Embracing Change to Meet Needs

· Identify barriers affecting participant progression and respond to reduce/remove the barriers

· Adapt quickly and positively to changing priorities, service demands and participant needs while maintaining high-quality support.

· Demonstrate resilience when managing complex situations, setbacks or competing pressures, whilst taking ownership of actions and outcomes

· Embrace learning, feedback and change to continuously improve ways of working and support positive participant outcomes

4. Confident in Safeguarding and Incident Management

· Manage situations calmly and professionally, maintaining dignity and safety for all.

· Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and incident management procedures, escalating concerns appropriately.

· Work collaboratively with colleagues, contributing to case discussions and team meetings

• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, incident forms, and risk records.
• Attend required training, supervision, and reflective practice sessions and keep up to date with relevant legislation and local statutory and voluntary-sector provision.

5. Skilled in Reporting

· Monitor progress, record outcomes, and adapt support in response to individual needs, using TreeSalt, case notes, and case studies to evidence impact.

• Signpost and refer trainees and participants to appropriate internal services and external agencies, including housing, mental health, benefits, and specialist support.
• Track participant outcomes including engagement, training completion, volunteering, work placements, and employment progression to support internal reporting requirements and funder monitoring.

6. Positive Management of Stakeholders, Partners and Supporters

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local employers, job centres, statutory services, charities, and third-sector organisations.

• Coordinate referrals and progression pathways into and out of the programme. Establish and maintain pathways into employment, education, training, and volunteering.

• Identify, develop, and maintain work placement and progression opportunities with employers and partner organisations.
• Match participants to placements aligned with their interests, goals, and support needs.

• Ensure placements are structured, safe, and provide meaningful learning and development. Escalate any placement-related issues promptly and collaboratively.

General Duties

• Work in line with organisational policies, procedures, and values.
• Support colleagues and provide cover across services and sites when required.
• Take responsibility for professional development and ongoing learning.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation internally and externally.
• Contribute to environmental responsibility through day-to-day working practices.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required.

What we are looking for.

Person Specification 

Minimum of two years’ frontline experience supporting adults, including vulnerable individuals. - Essential

Experience supporting people facing multiple barriers such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, or housing instability. - Essential

Experience of managing varied caseloads and achieving measurable outcomes with participants. - Essential

Experience of and/or ability to build and maintain partnerships with external organisations, local businesses or employers. - Essential

Understanding of employability pathways, training provision, and labour market opportunities. - Essential

Resilient, adaptable, with flexible enthusiastic approach. Able to work on their own initiative as well as contributing effectively as part of a team. - Essential

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management. - Essential

Good interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills. - Essential

Degree-level qualification and/or equivalent experience in responsible roles. - Desirable

Strong time management and administration skills, with the ability to multitask - Essential

Experienced in using IT systems including Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word - Desirable 

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle and willingness and ability to travel regularly across our Salford hubs - Desirable

Why Work for Mustard Tree

Working at Mustard Tree is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that is changing lives every day.

Our Culture

• A values-led organisation where compassion, dignity, and respect guide everything we do
• A supportive and collaborative team environment where your voice matters
• A place where lived experience is valued and people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work
• A strong sense of purpose, with the opportunity to see the real impact of your work

What We Offer

• A meaningful role where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives
• Opportunities for learning, development, and progression, including access to training and mentoring
• A flexible and supportive approach to working, with consideration for work-life balance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service), with additional bank holidays and a day off for your birthday
• Employer pension contribution
• Access to wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Perkbox

We are committed to investing in our people and creating an environment where you can grow, feel supported, and do your best work.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement - telling us about your experience and why this role matters to you.

This job description is intended as a guide and may evolve as our work continues to grow and respond to the needs of our community.

The Basics

• Salary: £28,000 – £34,000 depending on experience
• Reporting to: Programme Manager
• Location: Merseyside & Stockport, with daily travel to delivery sites and some home working
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (including up to 2 evenings per week until 7pm)

We are a place-based organisation and are keen to build a team rooted in the communities we serve. We are therefore looking for someone who lives in Liverpool/Merseyside.

Our Application Process

The deadline for applications to this role is 5pm on Tuesday 9th June.

Interviews for our delivery team involve a first interview held via teams and a practical interview which is in person at one of our delivery sites.

About the Role

The Senior Programme Coordinator is a skilled practitioner who leads by example, delivering high-quality interventions to young people while providing day-to-day oversight of regional delivery, with support from the Programme Manager.

This role combines hands-on delivery with operational coordination, team leadership, and partnership management. You will play a key role in ensuring programmes are delivered safely, effectively, and to a consistently high standard across schools, alternative provisions, and community settings.

Alongside direct delivery, you will coordinate regional timetables and logistics, line manage and support delivery staff, and build strong relationships with schools, partners, funders, and stakeholders across the region.

This is a varied and rewarding role suited to someone who is passionate about supporting young people experiencing school exclusion or other challenging circumstances, while also leading and developing a team to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality interventions for young people in schools, alternative provisions, and community settings
• Coordinate regional delivery timetables, staffing, and logistics to ensure smooth programme delivery
• Line manage and support regional delivery staff through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, partners, funders, and external stakeholders
• Lead on safeguarding, behaviour management, and wellbeing across all regional activity
• Support the planning and delivery of holiday programmes, career taster days, and regional events
• Monitor programme impact through accurate reporting, data collection, and evaluation
• Champion the Dallaglio RugbyWorks culture and values, modelling high standards across the team

About You

You will have at least three years’ experience delivering interventions for young people facing exclusion or other significant challenges, alongside experience leading or supporting teams within a youth work, sport, or education environment.

You will be confident building trusted relationships with young people and able to engage and support them using a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting young people to make positive life changes
• Experienced in delivering youth work and/or sports-based interventions
• Skilled at building partnerships with schools and external organisations
• Organised and proactive in coordinating delivery and solving problems
• A supportive leader who can motivate and develop others
• Committed to safeguarding, wellbeing, and high-quality practice

Essential Requirements

• At least 3 years’ experience delivering interventions for young people experiencing school exclusion or similar challenges
• Level 2 qualification in Sport Coaching (or equivalent)
• Level 2 Youth Work qualification (or equivalent)
• Experience of line management or team leadership
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car
• Flexibility to travel daily across the region and work occasional evenings

Contract Type: Full Time 

Hours: Full-Time, 35 hours per week - occasional evening / weekend work required* 

Department: Programme Delivery 

Reports to: Programme Leader 

Location: London, Hybrid – 1-2 days in the office per week as well as time out and about in schools

Salary: £32,000 per annum 

* In support of mentor training and other programme activities 

(The boroughs we currently operate in are: Islington, Camden, Hackney, Brent, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Greenwich and Redbridge)

Benefits

• Hybrid working 
• 2 Me days
• 25 days annual leave entitlement, increasing by 1 year for every year of service for a maximum of 5 years 
• Birthday bonus day off 
• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays 
• £100 training budget to support your personal development
• TOIL (time off in lieu) for any weekend/evening work 
• Working with a values led, supportive and fun team

Our Values and Behaviours

At TKN our mission and values still follow our founder’s original vision:

• Vision – Every child gets to live the life they choose.
• Values – Fun, connection, diversity, curiosity and integrity.
• Mission – To make meaningful connections in our communities and to support children through mentoring to feel happy and confident about themselves and their futures.

As a team we also agreed the following behaviours will guide the way we work:

Respect Empowerment Collaboration Co-Confidence Exploration

Role Purpose

To deliver and develop a high-impact mentoring programme through effective mentor management, community engagement, and high-quality organisation and programme administration around London. This role is vital to achieving the organisation’s goals — including positive outcomes for children, meaningful volunteer engagement, compliance, and sustainable growth.

This role brings a perfect blend of administration and delivery, giving you ample time to see and speak with children and volunteer mentors, seeing up close the transformation the programme makes on children’s lives. 

Core Responsibilities

1. Mentor Management & Support 

• Match at least five children per month with suitable volunteer mentors, aligned with individual needs and programme goals. 
• Manage up to 55 active mentor-mentee pairs, leading the administration cycle and our quality framework. 
• Maintain 100% accurate records and communications in our data management system, Salesforce, ensuring full compliance with internal processes 
• Maintain consistent, high-quality mentor communications, including regular check-ins and reviews, ensuring consistent session attendance. 
• Co-deliver training for new and existing volunteer mentors; support community events and in-person meetups, maintaining 90%+ satisfaction in mentor surveys. 
• Drive mentor engagement and experience through the online community platform, reflective sessions, and arranging mentor meetups. 
• Promote long-term mentor involvement, with volunteer mentors contributing beyond core mentoring. 

2. Programme Delivery & Development 

• Support organisational targets across cohorts supporting delivery, volunteer recruitment and fundraising annually 
• Deliver child workshops and check-ins, capturing their voices and tailoring support accordingly. 
• Collect consistent impact from children, caregivers and mentors, ensuring all impact targets are met and ensuring children show positive progress in key outcome areas
• Collaborate with Programme Leaders to identify improvements and co-create new  approaches or resources. 
• Promote child participation and co-creation in all aspects of programme design and delivery, ensuring children's voices inform organisational reporting and development. 
• Plan and arrange group 2-3 mentoring sessions annually with other programme managers 

3. Volunteer, Referral & Community Engagement 

• Work with the volunteer recruitment team to build local partnerships and referral networks to support volunteer recruitment and programme delivery. 
• Maintain strong relationships with referral partners (e.g., schools, community organisations) to ensure a steady referral pipeline and collaborative working and 80% of your schools are retained. 
• Provide updates of the programme to referral partners and share content to internal marketing and schools colleagues to support completing the schools termly impact template 
• Act as a key liaison between mentors and caregivers, supporting clear communication and shared understanding of child development and the programme. 

4. Safeguarding  

• Uphold a strong culture of safeguarding in your work, acting in compliance with our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times. 
• Contribute to TKN safer recruitment processes, attending internal mentor training events to vet prospective mentors. 
• Review and assess weekly delivery session reports from mentors, updating Salesforce as required. 
• Ensure every child participating in the programme experiences a positive ending in line with TKN positive ending guidance. 
• Work collaboratively with DSLs to follow TKN safeguarding processes, escalating where needed 

Skills Required for this Role

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain trust with mentors, children, schools, caregivers, and community partners. 
• Communication: Clear, professional communication across diverse stakeholders including written reports, training, phone calls, meetings and in person check-ins. 
• Data & Impact Tracking: Confident in using data management systems, ideally understanding of salesforce and other tools to track progress, outcomes, and ensure data accuracy. 
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and policy application. 
• Programme Delivery: highly organised with the ability to coordinate workshops, group sessions, and mentor support within quality frameworks. 
• Child-Centred Practice: Committed to capturing and integrating children’s voices in all areas of programme design and evaluation. 
• Adaptability & problem solving: Able to be solutions based and able to adapt to a fast-paced environment and organisation striving to grow and reach more children 

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis so early applications are encouraged.

We will hold first round calls and then a formal interview for those who are successful - First round calls on the week commencing Monday 8th June, with the second round interviews taking place the following week. 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding and Equity

Safeguarding Committment

Safeguarding is a priority at The Kids Network. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check. 

Equity Commitment

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is accessible, however we recognise that there may be more we can do, especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or have experienced discrimination. If this is the case, we are happy and open to discussing ways in which we can better support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.

We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone, but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role. 

The arts for mental health – peer support delivered creatively

Sound Minds is a user-led charity transforming lives through music, film and art. We are a thriving community bound together by creativity and a shared belief in mutual learning and peer support.

Our Canerows Programme delivers a ward visiting service at Springfield Hospital and community-based Peer Support.

Main purposes of the job:

Sound Minds is recruiting a Peer Support Worker to join our team in Wandsworth.

The Peer Support Transformation Project is funded by and delivered in partnership with South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust, Mushkil Aasaan, and Wandsworth Carers Centre. It is an integral part of Sound Minds’ Canerows programme; a user led service working to improve the lives of people who are overcoming mental health challenges.

Mental Health Peer Support gives emotional support and promotes access to information and practical advice to people experiencing mental health difficulties.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will draw on your own direct lived experience of mental health difficulties to support other people through time-limited 1-2-1 sessions. Peer Support Workers at Sound Minds work collaboratively with the Sound Minds team and our partners at South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust. They offer educational, emotional and practical support towards goals that are defined by the client.

Peer Support Workers are supported through peer support training and regular supervision. Personal lived experience of mental ill health is essential for this role.

Salary: £27,169 per annum (pro rata) & 3% contribution to pension

Hours: 21 hours per week

This fixed term contract ends on 31 March 2027 and is renewable depending on funding.

Personal lived experience of mental health difficulties is essential for this role. You will be required to have a DBS (criminal records check) and satisfactory written references before starting.

The full job description and application pack are available from Sound Minds’ website.

Closing date: 10:00am, Monday 29th June 2026

First interviews: Monday 6th July 2026

Second interviews: date tbc