Youth Mentor

Youth Mentor Foundation Learning Salary: £27,476 to £28,991 per annum Contract Type: Permanent, Full time 37 hours per week Reference: REC2429 | Closing Date: Sunday, 6th September 2026 The Opportunity At Foundation Learning, we believe every young person deserves an education that sees them as an individual, not a problem to be fixed. Many of our learners arrive with complex barriers, including mental health challenges, low confidence or disrupted education. Our role is to rebuild belief, create a sense of belonging and support them to achieve outcomes they may never have thought possible. This role goes beyond delivering interventions — it’s about being part of a relational, inclusive and trauma-informed team dedicated to transforming young lives. You will support learners to develop emotional regulation, resilience and confidence through non-clinical therapeutic support, group delivery and personalised strategies. You’ll also help shape targeted wellbeing programmes using data and learner insights and contribute to a wider culture of mental wealth through engaging sessions for staff and students. Working in a supportive and innovative team, you will help create an environment where learners feel safe, valued and able to succeed. The work can be challenging, but the impact is truly meaningful. About You You are passionate about supporting young people and believe in inclusive, relationship-based practice. You are empathetic, proactive and able to build trust with learners who may have struggled in education. You will bring experience from education, wellbeing, youth work or healthcare, alongside an understanding of mental health and the barriers young people face. You’ll be confident identifying needs, delivering support and handling sensitive information. With strong communication and organisational skills, you will engage a wide range of stakeholders and contribute positively to a collaborative team. Most importantly, you’ll align with our values — working compassionately, creatively and with a shared commitment to making a difference. Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity. Required • GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade A–C • Level 2 qualification or above in Youth Work • Willingness to undertake relevant training and continuous professional development • Minimum of one years’ experience in an education, wellbeing, or healthcare setting • Ability to effectively manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders • Ability to identify needs and plan appropriate interventions or support • Motivational, positive and enthusiastic approach Reasons to join us • We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays) • Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days • Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution! • We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days • Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress • Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval) • 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP • Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork • Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield • Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities • Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App • Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work • Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines • Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon • On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options • Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members • Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff The Barnsley College Advantage When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of: • Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals • A range of flexible working opportunities • Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability • Short- and Long-Term development commitments • Access to experiencing work in a range of areas • Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation • Reward and Recognition • Having your voice heard at every level • Comprehensive Wellbeing Support Closing date for applications is Sunday, 6th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this positio