We’re looking for a Learning Mentor/Coach, Interested?
Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for!
The team…
Learning and Skills are a dynamic team within the Education, Schools and Inclusion service. We deliver learning opportunities to the most vulnerable residents in Gateshead, provide apprenticeships to over 400 businesses, and create project opportunities through external funding to help move people nearer to the labour market.
Gateshead Council Learning and Skills work for the most vulnerable residents to raise aspirations and improve social mobility through outstanding teaching practices that cultivates aspiration and ambition. We contribute to making Gateshead a fairer and more resilient economy; a place for everyone to thrive and have an opportunity to realise their full potential in learning, work or positive health and well-being.
About the role…
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Learning Mentor/Coach to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting learners on their educational journeys through one-to-one and small group coaching and mentoring sessions. This role requires an individual who is committed to working within ethical frameworks, emphasising confidentiality and safeguarding.
The Learning Mentor/Coach will be responsible for planning, conducting, and recording coaching and mentoring sessions tailored to individual and group needs. Establishing and maintaining professional relationships, expectations, and boundaries with learners is essential, as is developing intervention plans and exit strategies to support learners effectively. The mentor will provide ongoing support to mentees, offering relevant information, advice, and guidance, and will refer learners to appropriate professional services when necessary.
A critical aspect of this role involves evaluating the mentoring and coaching process to assess its effectiveness in helping learners progress. The Learning Mentor/Coach will actively liaise with colleagues, professionals, and organisations to facilitate additional support for learners, including making safeguarding referrals. Maintaining accurate records of interventions using both electronic and paper-based systems is necessary, as is monitoring the success of these interventions.
The ideal candidate will possess outstanding communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative while effectively prioritising their workload. Experience in working in partnership with professionals in a supportive capacity is essential, as is mentoring and coaching young people and adults in a social work or educational setting.
Candidates should hold a Level 2 Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) qualification or demonstrate a willingness to work towards it. Additionally, a mentoring or coaching qualification, or a commitment to working towards a Learning and Skills Mentor Apprenticeship at Level 4, is required.
Staying informed about the latest practices, policies, and procedures through continuous professional development, both self-guided and service-led, is vital. The mentor will also support the designated safeguarding lead by attending meetings for identified learners. A strong understanding of issues affecting young people and adults that may create barriers to learning and progression is required, along with a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion.
A bit about Gateshead Council…
Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.
People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.
What’s in it for you? Well, there’s so much on offer and here’s just a few of the highlights!
- You’ll be paid a competitive salary of £26,824 - £28,142 per annum.
- We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
- You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
- You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
- We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
- A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
- You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
- You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.
It’s time to apply!
We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link JOB PROFILE. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.
If successful, you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Nick Doherty at nicholasdoherty@gateshead.gov.uk