Young Persons Mentor (Waking Nights) – Supported Accommodation 16+

Storyy Group; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Storyy Group seeks a Young Persons Mentor (Waking Nights) to provide a safe, supportive home environment for looked-after young people across Berkshire. You will support independence, wellbeing and daily living skills while respecting safeguarding rules.

You will work on nights, adopting trauma-informed practice, building trusting relationships and assisting with housing and welfare needs. DBS and safeguarding compliance are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage positively with young people with complex needs.
• Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Flexibility to respond to emergencies when required.
• Good written communication and record-keeping skills.
• Strong organisational and time management.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred support that responds to each young person’s needs.
• Adopt a trauma-informed approach to behaviour and needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Encourage safe risk-taking within a risk-assessed framework.
• Develop daily living skills and a safe home environment.
• Help young people access housing and welfare benefits.
• Work towards positive outcomes for each young person’s wellbeing and independence.
• Follow safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.
• Maintain a safe environment and report safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Follow Ofsted regulations and relevant Quality Standards.
• Involve young people in decisions about their support and living environment.
• Provide opportunities for young people to share views and feedback.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Resilience

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Job description

• Average 42 hours working on a rota pattern (inc weekends and Bank Holidays)

At Storyy Group we believe that every young person deserves a champion who will ensure that each one of our young people has a brighter future.

To make this dream a reality, we provide residential care, semi-independent accommodation, alternative school provision and positive pathways for children and young people.

The 16+ accommodation-based services provide intensive support to Care Experienced young people. We do not provide personal care.

We have a number of bases across Berkshire including primary and secondary alternate provision sites, creative arts, boxing, and construction in addition to children’s homes and supported accommodation.

We work with local authorities, schools, parents, and carers to engage children and young people in learning, positive activities, and pathways for their future. We give them the support and tools they need to write their own Storyy.

Key Objectives

As a Young Persons Mentor (Waking Nights), your role is to provide a safe, supportive and caring home environment where young people feel valued, respected and encouraged to develop their independence.

Your work will focus on helping every young person to achieve five key outcomes:

• Be Healthy – Supporting their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
• Stay Safe – Providing a secure environment where young people feel protected and supported.
• Enjoy and Achieve – Encouraging young people to pursue their interests, develop confidence and celebrate their achievements.
• Make a Positive Contribution – Helping young people build relationships, make decisions and contribute positively to their home and wider community.
• Achieve Economic Wellbeing – Supporting young people to develop the practical and financial skills needed for independent adult living.

Designation of Post & Organisational Structure

The reporting structure and position within the organisation will be confirmed.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

As a Young Persons Mentor (Waking Nights), you will play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for young people.

• Provide high-quality, person-centred and innovative support that responds to each young person’s individual needs.
• Adopt a trauma-informed approach, recognising how past experiences may influence a young person’s behaviour, emotions and needs.
• Build positive, trusting and supportive relationships with young people.
• Encourage positive risk-taking within an appropriate, risk-assessed framework.
• Support young people to develop daily living skills and maintain a safe, comfortable and enjoyable home environment.
• Help young people understand and access the housing and welfare benefits they are entitled to.
• Work towards positive outcomes that support each young person’s development, wellbeing and independence.
• Follow all organisational and Local Authority safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe environment for young people and the wider service.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns promptly, following the appropriate procedures.
• Work in accordance with Ofsted regulations and the relevant Quality Standards.
• Encourage young people to contribute to decisions about their support and living environment.
• Involve young people in the design, delivery and development of the service.
• Provide regular opportunities for young people to share their views and feedback.
• Ensure feedback is listened to and used to support improvements wherever possible.

Professional Practice & Teamwork

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date records to support effective service delivery.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals involved in supporting young people.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and presentation of the premises.
• Attend relevant meetings, training and supervision sessions to support your professional development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of outcomes-focused support and apply this approach in everyday practice.
• Undertake any other reasonable work-related duties requested by your line manager.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who is approachable, resilient and genuinely committed to supporting young people.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to engage positively with young people who may display behaviours that challenge or have complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• A strong commitment to teamwork and collaborative working.
• Flexibility and willingness to respond to emergencies when required.
• Good written communication and record-keeping skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to remain calm, confident and resilient in challenging situations.
• Professional integrity and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• A proactive, motivated and enthusiastic approach to your work.
• An approachable, accessible and supportive manner.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

The following would be beneficial:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
• Previous experience working with children and young people.

Additional Requirements

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the relevant Barred List.

Driving Requirements

A full UK driving licence, or valid equivalent, would be beneficial.

Where applicable, non-UK driving licences must be converted to UK licences within the first six months of employment.

Employees using their own vehicle for work-related purposes must also provide evidence of appropriate business insurance.