Core Economically Inactive Mentor

JOB BACKGROUND: 

This post is part of the Ashton Centre’s Core Project which will work with young people not in employment, education or training.  The EI Mentor will be responsible for recruiting young people, carrying out an initial assessment and developing an action plan for each client.  They will then have an ongoing mentoring relationship with the client to signpost them into to training and help them gain employment.  Although the job is client centered each mentor will also have a set of targets which must be reached.

The post will involve working at neighbourhood level in North Belfast to support the development of an employment service infrastructure to improve the potential of unemployed, NEETS to gain employment. Provide intensive one to one mentoring for participants with health, confidence and self -esteem issues. To secure the trust of participants to share issues preventing them starting journey to employment; to adopt a holistic approach to address participant’s health and employability issues through an agreed action plan. Seek specialist support from other service providers and to organise participant group activities to increase confidence and knowledge of employability. 

Main duties and responsibilities:
1.    Provide a structured programme of support for 16-24 years old who fall into the Not in Education, Employment or Training category and progress them towards employment and/or further education/training. 
2.    Undertake initial assessments of barriers. Develop and implement individual action plans to overcome barriers to employment or further education/training, setting goals, actions and achievable outcomes.
3.    Provide mentoring sessions to all participants, as required, which remove barriers to employment or further education / training. 
4.    Effectively manage a caseload and provide professionally focused support referring to other agencies/organisations as required as part of individual action plans. 
5.    Undertake progress reviews and ensure targets are achieved that reflect positive outcomes in relation to employment, employment-related skills development or progress to further education/training. 
6.    Establish and effectively maintain outreach provision of services across the designated area. 
7.    Support specific training, education, employment and work experience opportunities which will help to promote their integration into the labour market. 
8.    Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with relevant employer, statutory, community and voluntary organisations. 
9.    Maintain accurate records of all engagements and work undertaken with participants and ensure the accuracy and completion of all administrative forms, reports, etc.  Which are provided in a timely manner.
10.    Review, with line manager, outcomes against performance targets and reflect on practice, working to the highest professional standards. 
11.    Fully participate in self-evaluation reviews and quality improvement planning. 
12.    Participate in team meetings, supervision and other team activities. 
13.    Carry out all duties in accordance with the values and policies of ACT 
14.    Perform such other relevant tasks deemed necessary by the management team of the Core Project to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Project action plan. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Undertake any other related responsibilities commensurate with the evolving objectives of the post and the evolution of the ACT, as may reasonably be requested by management.
•    Work flexibly on evenings, weekends and during school holidays to ensure full delivery of the programme. 
•    Undertake training in order to develop work related skills and knowledge.
•    Work with due regard for ACT core values and objectives
•    Ensure the effective implementation of and adherence to, the ACT policies and procedures
•    Participate in ACT Performance Management and Appraisal process, and agree short, medium and long term goals with line manager, and direct line staff.
•    Identify learning and development needs with your line manager and evaluate T&D to demonstrate needs have been met.
•    Share best practice and achievements, and contribute to opportunities to present outcomes and case studies.

Status of the Job Description

This job description is not incorporated into the employee’s employment contract. It is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification and it may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments following discussion with the post holder. The post holder will be expected to work to objectives agreed with the line manager.

 
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1.    A level 3 qualification in coaching (e.g. life coaching) or mentoring, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, advice and guidance or equivalent;
2.    At least one years’ experience of delivering a similar service to young people experiencing economic inactivity due to health/well-being or other barriers limiting their options. (Number of years’ experience may be increased should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)
3.    Experience of maintaining confidentiality; professional boundaries; data sharing protocols, safeguarding processes and lone working processes.
4.    Experience of motivating and engaging with challenging clients with complex needs and barriers.
5.    Valid driving license and access to transport appropriate for the post. (Ashton Community Trust is aware that some persons with disabilities may not be able to hold a driving license.  If this is the case, please demonstrate how you can fulfill the mobility requirements for the post for which you are applying).  

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Experience of working in partnership with internal teams and external agencies to achieve successful outcomes. 
2.    Professional Membership of a Coaching, Mentoring or Counselling Body
3.    Commitment to own professional development and to supporting the professional development of colleagues.