Mentor

SEPTEMBER START

Strides is a growing Stroud-based therapeutic Alternative Provision. We are seeking a compassionate and relationship-focused Mentor to support children and young people with additional needs in Gloucestershire.
At Strides, we pride ourselves on our bespoke and individualised approach, working with young people wherever they are at. 
We are a small, dedicated team with a passion for creating engaging and varied experiences. No two days are the same; you might spend the morning at our indoor space in Stroud town centre enjoying cooking or creative craft activities, before heading to our field in Thrupp in the afternoon to build dens and explore the outdoors alongside our horses. 
We are looking for a compassionate person who wants to make a difference.
Kindness, enthusiasm and adaptability are crucial to this role!
 
Key Responsibilities
 Build trusting, professional relationships with children, young people, parents/carers and schools.
 Deliver mentoring sessions within a therapeutic setting, promoting emotional regulation, confidence, resilience and positive engagement.
 Plan, create and adapt engaging sessions for children and young people that enable them to thrive.
 Support pupils to overcome barriers to learning, attendance and participation.
 Maintain professional boundaries and follow safeguarding, confidentiality and child protection procedures at all times.
 Use trauma-informed approaches to support behaviour and wellbeing.

What we can offer

 A small close-knit team of passionate professionals with a huge range of experience in working with children and young people.
 Ongoing training in; pathological demand avoidance, autism and mental health, neuro diversity, animal assisted interventions, motivational interviewing...
 £15 per hour- you will work term time hours (Monday to Friday 9-3pm) 39 weeks per year, but you will be paid year-round (including. summer). This may increase year on year. 
 There is potential for flexibility around hours.
 Plenty of opportunities for your creative input- do you have a special skill set you want to build? Have an idea? We would love to hear it and support you.
 Regular supervision with qualified professionals.

Person Specification
Essential. 
 Experience working with children or young people.
 Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and behaviour as communication.
 Ability to remain calm, reflective and consistent.
 Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one) and a clear commitment to safeguarding are essential.
 You must have your own transport with business insurance.
Desirable
 A relevant qualification in youth work, education, psychology, counselling, health and social care, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
 Lots of energy 
 Experience/Additional training is available in safeguarding, mental health, first aid or de-escalation would be beneficial.

Safeguarding and Application
This post is subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

To apply, please email by clicking on Apply Now to request an application or for any further questions.