Learning Mentor

The Methodist Church in Britain; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is recruiting a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Learning Mentor to work with children, young people and families across Somerset. The role centers on trusted relationships, helping families reach education and community support, and linking communities with public services.

This frontline, travel-based role requires a vehicle and involves home visits, Traveller site visits and regular travel across Somerset. A vehicle is needed and sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 with English and Maths or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with families and diverse communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families across Somerset
• Help families access education, local authority and community services
• Support children and young people to engage in education
• Work with schools to remove barriers to learning and improve attendance
• Visit families at home, in the community and on Traveller sites
• Travel across Somerset to meet families, schools and partners
• Deliver training and awareness sessions for professionals
• Share knowledge of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller cultures to raise awareness
• Encourage positive relationships between communities and services to create lasting change
• Help improve opportunities and outcomes for children and young people

Skills

Trust building

Excellent communication

Independent working

Time management

Public services liaison

Education

NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent)

Job description

Somerset Council is recruiting a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Learning Mentor on a two-year fixed-term contract to work with children, young people and families across Somerset. The work centres on trusted relationships with families, helping them reach education and community support, and linking communities with public services. It is a frontline, caseload-based role with home visits, Traveller site visits and regular travel across Somerset, so a vehicle is needed. Sponsorship is not offered, so applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK.

What the job involves

• Build trusted relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families across Somerset
• Help families access education, local authority and community services
• Support children and young people to access and engage in education
• Work with schools to remove barriers to learning and improve attendance and engagement
• Support children who are not attending school, are home educated or travel as part of their way of life
• Act as an advocate for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• Visit families at home, in the community and on Traveller sites
• Travel across Somerset to meet families, schools and partner organisations
• Develop and deliver training and awareness sessions for professionals, including schools, health services, local authorities, police and fire services
• Share knowledge and raise awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller cultures and traditions
• Encourage positive relationships between communities and services to create lasting change
• Help improve opportunities and outcomes for children and young people

What’s required

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications, or relevant experience

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of Somerset's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, cultures and experiences
• Building trust and positive relationships with people from all backgrounds
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Working independently and managing own workload
• Confidence speaking with professionals and community members

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK without sponsorship

Other

• Passion for helping children, young people and families succeed
• Access to a vehicle and ability to travel throughout Somerset

What’s offered

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities