Youth Mentor

YoungEducation Ltd; Royston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

YoungEducation is seeking passionate and resilient Youth Mentors to join our team. This role involves collecting young people from home, safely transporting them to their educational setting, and supporting them throughout the day to build trust and engagement with learning.

You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, delivering activity-based sessions that boost wellbeing, confidence and life skills. A trauma-informed approach and solid safeguarding record-keeping are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience working with young people in education, mentoring, SEND or youth services.
• Ability to build strong, professional relationships with youths who may exhibit challenging behaviour.
• Good safeguarding knowledge and responsibilities of 1:1 support, including during transport.
• Calm, resilient and empathetic communicator.
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport young people to and from provision and support transitions into learning.
• Build consistent, trusting relationships and support engagement in education and mentoring.
• Deliver interest-led activities that promote wellbeing, confidence, and life skills.
• Manage behaviour calmly using trauma-informed approaches and keep safeguarding records.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Safeguarding awareness

Driving licence / transport

Education

Qualifications in Youth Work / Education / Counselling

Job description

YoungEducation is a well-established education and mentoring organisation, founded in 2010, supporting young people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London. Our Alternative Provision combines high-quality education with mentoring and wellbeing support, helping young people who may struggle in mainstream settings to re-engage, rebuild confidence, and move forward positively. We work with young people with SEND, those at risk of exclusion, and those facing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges, always taking a child-centred and trauma-informed approach.

The Role

We are seeking passionate and resilient Youth Mentors to join our team. This is a highly rewarding role where you will support young people who may present with challenging behaviours or have experienced barriers to education. A key part of the role involves collecting young people from home, safely transporting them to their educational setting, and supporting them throughout the day. During this time, you will build trust, help them transition into learning, and engage them in activities based on their interests to increase confidence, motivation, and overall wellbeing. You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, supporting young people across education, mentoring, and enrichment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport young people to and from provision and support positive transitions into learning.
• Build consistent, trusting relationships and support engagement in education and mentoring.
• Deliver interest-led activities that promote wellbeing, confidence, and life skills.
• Manage behaviour calmly using a trauma-informed approach while maintaining accurate records and safeguarding standards.

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with young people in areas such as education, youth mentoring, social care, SEND, mental health, or similar.
• Ability to build strong, professional relationships with young people who may display challenging behaviour.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and the responsibilities of working 1:1, including during transport.
• Calm, resilient, and empathetic approach with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and contribute to a wider team.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within Alternative Provision or SEN settings.
• Training in behaviour management, de-escalation, or trauma-informed practice.
• Relevant qualifications in youth work, education, counselling, or related fields.

Safeguarding Statement

YoungEducation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants are expected to share this commitment. This role is subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Barred List check
• Two professional references
• Right to work in the UK