Learning Mentor

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council's Experts at Hand programme is seeking a Learning Mentor (Specialist Supported Employment) to strengthen preparation for adulthood for young people with SEND. You will work with schools, post-16 providers and employers to create inclusive pathways into education, training and employment.

In this role you will build relationships, provide coaching and practical support, and help remove barriers to participation. A commitment to inclusion and safeguarding is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in education, SEND or related settings.
• Ability to build relationships with professionals and families.
• Strong communication and confidentiality in handling information.
• Organised, proactive, and able to prioritise a varied workload.
• Commitment to inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Work with education settings and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people.
• Collaborate with settings, local teams and professionals to develop and deliver effective support and remove barriers to learning.
• Support education providers to meet educational and vocational needs and broaden learning opportunities.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, provide clear advice and reports on progress and next steps.
• Monitor, record and track intervention progress using council systems and produce reports.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings and administrative activity.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Inclusion awareness

Education sector experience

Careers advice understanding

English & maths literacy

Education

Level 4/5 qualification with English & Maths

Level 4 in Careers Advice

Job description

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Salary: Grade 12, Ranging from ranging from £29,542 - £33,119 per annum.

Contract:3 Year fixed term contract in line with current DfE Experts at Hand funding.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

About the Role

Are you passionate about improving life chances for vulnerable young people?

We are looking for Learning Mentor (Specialist Supported Employment) to join Somerset’s Experts at Hand (EAH) programme within the Supported Employment Team. These new roles will help schools, post-16 providers and employers strengthen preparation for adulthood, reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET, and create more inclusive pathways into education, training and employment.

Working through training, coaching, consultation and practical support, you will help build the confidence and capability of education settings and partners, particularly in supporting young people with SEND and additional vulnerabilities. You will also help develop employer relationships, inclusive work experience opportunities, supported internships and employment pathways.

This role focuses on strengthening links between services, supporting inclusive practice and helping to remove barriers to participation and progression. We are looking for people with experience in education, SEND, careers, youth support, employment services or related fields who can build strong relationships and influence practice across a range of settings.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new county-wide approach to preparation for adulthood and supported employment across Somerset.

If you are passionate about inclusion, employment and improving outcomes for young people, we would love to hear from you.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Work with education settings and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people. This role focus on Key Stage 3 and 4, the risk of young people becoming NEET and Early School Leaving.
• Collaborate with settings, local teams and professionals to develop and deliver effective support and remove barriers to learning.
• Support education providers to meet the educational and vocational needs of young people, ensuring young people are aware of, and can access, wider learning and development opportunities.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, providing clear advice, guidance and reports on progress, needs and next steps.
• Monitor, record and track intervention progress and outcomes using council systems, producing reports and highlighting risks or concerns.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes for children and young people.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and values, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings, training and relevant administrative activity as required.

What You'll Bring

• Holds a Level 4/5 qualification (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications
• Level 4 in Careers Advice or willingness to receive training in this area.
• Understand the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly vulnerable learners and how schools and setting are well placed to reduce these
• Have experience in education, children’s services or a related setting
• Communicate effectively and manages information accurately and confidentially
• Be organised, proactive and able to prioritise a varied workload
• Build strong relationships and work collaboratively with professionals and families
• Champion inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchaseadditional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's mostenhancedand secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangementstosupportwork-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• 28 day’s annual leave (additionalto bank holidays).
• This is a role working directly within the Careers & Pathways Team linking with education settings and other stakeholders.
• You will need to travel across Somerset to support education settings and other stakeholders in the delivery and embedding of county-wide training.
• Interviews will be held from 16th October.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.