Job Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Child and Family Mentor to join our team. In this vital role, you will provide support to individuals in various settings, including home, communities, day centres and education setting. The Child & Family Support Worker (SEND & Mentoring) delivers high‑quality, flexible support and mentoring services for young people and their families who are open to Family Safeguarding or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The role holder supports the family to prevent family breakdown, build resilience, nurture independence for YP and create a supportive, inclusive environment.
Working closely with young people, parents and multi‑agency partners, the Family and Child Mentor develops tailored plans, promotes safety and wellbeing, and empowers young people to participate in education, training and community activities
General Responsibilities
- Establish trusting one‑to‑one mentoring relationships with young people, demonstrating resilience and a persistent, non‑judgmental approach when behaviours challenge.
- Provide flexible, responsive support to families and young people with complex and challenging behaviours, delivering person‑centred mentoring that adapts to individual needs.
- Support families to develop routines, boundaries and parenting strategies; strengthen parent–child relationships and encourage positive behavioural change.
- Undertake welfare checks, deliver respite and crisis intervention when tensions are high and help parents and carers develop safety plans.
- Promote inclusion by supporting young people with SEND to access mainstream and specialist community activities, reducing isolation and building confidence.
- Encourage and assist young people to access education or training; support reintegration into school or college and help them raise aspirations, set goals and build life skills such as budgeting and independent living skills.
- Use positive behaviour support, trauma‑informed practice and mediation techniques to de‑escalate conflicts and manage risk effectively.
- Undertake dynamic risk assessments and implement safeguarding protocols, maintaining the safety and wellbeing of young people and families.
- Collaborate with social workers, schools, health services, mental health teams, police and community organisations as part of a multi‑agency approach to support.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records of interventions, progress and outcomes in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements.
- Participate in supervision, training and reflective practice sessions to continuously develop professional skills and maintain compliance with legislation and best practice.
Qualifications
To succeed in this role you should demonstrate:
Essential
- Proven experience working with teenagers and families facing complex challenges.
- Knowledge of child development and awareness of the impact of trauma, neglect and abuse.
- Skills in positive behaviour support for children and young people whose behaviour challenges.
- Experience working with conflict, mediation and relationship building.
- Ability to coach parents in developing routines, boundaries and effective behaviour management strategies.
- Understanding of SEND, neurodiversity and strategies to promote inclusion in community and educational settings.
- Competence in trauma‑informed practice and mental health awareness, including anxiety and depression.
- Good knowledge of safeguarding, including when to undertake internal investigations and make referrals (e.g. to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)).
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, respecting cultural, religious and personal preferences.
- Strong communication, empathy and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage young people, families and professionals.
- Resilience, adaptability and the ability to work flexibly (including evenings and weekends) to meet service needs.
- Qualification in social care, youth work, counselling, teaching or related discipline (e.g. minimum NVQ Level 4).
- Ability to travel across Hertfordshire and hold a valid driving licence
Desirable
- Degree in psychology, social care, youth work, counselling, teaching or related discipline.
- Training in positive behaviour support, trauma‑informed practice, conflict management or mediation.
- Knowledge of local community resources and networks within Hertfordshire.
- Lived experience relevant to the role and a passion for empowering young people.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we support by providing exceptional care and companionship!
Pay: £20.00-£35.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15.0 – 48.0 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience working with children, family in the capacity of mentor or support? Do you have experience dealing with challenging behaviour and PDA
Experience:
- Working with individuals with autism: 1 year (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
