Mentor - School Based Early Intervention Mentor

Dacorum Education Support Centre; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dacorum Education Support Centre is seeking a dedicated Mentor to build trusted relationships with vulnerable young people in school settings. You will provide intensive one-to-one and small group mentoring, acting as a positive role model and advocate for those at risk of exploitation and disengagement.

Role involves risk assessment, tailored intervention planning, and collaboration with school staff and families to support attendance, engagement, and educational achievement.

Qualifications

• Experience with young people in education or related settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, exploitation and youth violence.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with hesitant individuals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisation and record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality one-to-one mentoring sessions within schools.
• Develop trusted and professional relationships with young people.
• Identify risks, barriers and support needs through ongoing assessment.
• Create and deliver tailored intervention plans to achieve positive outcomes.
• Support young people with goal-setting, confidence-building and decision-making skills.
• Facilitate group workshops and preventative interventions where appropriate.
• Work closely with school staff, families and partner agencies to coordinate support.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and outcome monitoring.
• Attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to safeguarding processes.
• Promote attendance, engagement and educational achievement.
• Actively contribute to safeguarding and welfare of all young people.

Skills

Youth work experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Equality & inclusion

Confidentiality & boundaries

Education

Youth work/education qualification (Desirable)

Job description

This is a rewarding opportunity to build trusted relationships with vulnerable young people, helping them to recognise their strengths, overcome barriers, improve engagement with education, and make positive choices for their future.

Working within schools, you will provide intensive one-to-one and small group mentoring, acting as a positive role model and advocate for some of the most vulnerable young people in the community.

About the Role

As a Mentor, you will work directly with young people who may be experiencing challenges such as:

• Risk of criminal exploitation or county lines involvement
• Peer pressure and association with harmful groups
• Poor school attendance or disengagement from education
• Social, emotional and mental health difficulties
• Family and community challenges
• Risks relating to violence, anti-social behaviour, or exclusion

You will use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to build positive relationships, increase resilience, and support young people to engage in education and make safer choices.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality one-to-one mentoring sessions within schools.
• Develop trusted and professional relationships with young people.
• Identify risks, barriers and support needs through ongoing assessment.
• Create and deliver tailored intervention plans to achieve positive outcomes.
• Support young people with goal-setting, confidence-building and decision‑making skills.
• Facilitate group workshops and preventative interventions where appropriate.
• Work closely with school staff, families and partner agencies to coordinate support.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and outcome monitoring.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings and contribute to safeguarding processes.
• Promote attendance, engagement and educational achievement.
• Actively contribute to the safeguarding and welfare of all young people.

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and understands the complex challenges faced by those at risk of exploitation and offending.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with young people in education, youth work, social care, mentoring, community, or related settings.
• Knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable young people, including exploitation, criminal involvement, youth violence and safeguarding.
• Ability to build effective, trusting relationships with young people who may be resistant to support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and record‑keeping abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Desirable

• Qualification in Youth Work, Education, Social Care, Psychology, Counselling, Criminology or a related field.
• Experience of delivering targeted interventions in schools.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and restorative approaches.
• Experience working with multi‑agency safeguarding partners.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive supervision and management.
• A collaborative and values‑driven working environment.
• The chance to be part of a team committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and any other pre‑employment checks required in line with safeguarding legislation and guidance.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about helping young people build safer, brighter futures and want to make a lasting impact in schools, we would love to hear from you.