About Futures-Essex
Futures-Essex is a therapeutic and relational Alternative Provision supporting children and young people who have experienced barriers to education.
We specialise in working with pupils experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), anxiety, and neurodiversity. Through interest-led, personalised learning and home education sessions, we help young people to rebuild trust, confidence, and emotional literacy in a calm, flexible, and relational environment.
Futures-Essex is an approved education provider with Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council, recognised for our nurturing, trauma-informed approach and commitment to helping young people reconnect with learning and look positively to their futures.
THE ROLE
We're looking for a compassionate, organised and relationship-focused Transition & Reintegration Mentor to support young people through some of the most important moments in their journey with us: joining Futures-Essex, and moving on to their next setting.
You'll provide therapeutic, trauma-informed mentoring before, during and after periods of change, helping young people manage anxiety, build confidence, and feel ready for what's next. Support is delivered flexibly across our studio, family homes, community settings and partner schools, so no two weeks look quite the same.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Creating personalised transition programmes for young people joining Futures-Essex, including pre-placement visits and settling-in sessions.
- Working with young people in our studio, their homes and in the community.
- Supporting young people preparing to move on to mainstream school, specialist provision, college or employment, including reintegration sessions delivered in schools.
- Delivering flexible, trauma-informed 1:1 / small group mentoring focused on confidence, emotional regulation and readiness for change.
- Building trusted relationships with families and offering practical guidance through periods of transition.
- Keeping accurate records that evidence progress towards EHCP outcomes and personalised targets.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential
- Experience of working with children and young people with SEND, SEMH, EBSA and/or additional needs.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm, patient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relational practice.
- Experience working collaboratively with families and multi-agency professionals.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload flexibly within part-time, term-time hours.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- Experience within Alternative Provision, education, youth work or social care.
- Understanding of SEND legislation, EHCPs and graduated approaches to support.
- Experience supporting educational reintegration or transition planning.
- Relevant mentoring, youth work, therapeutic or counselling qualifications.
- Mental Health First Aid, safeguarding or restorative practice training.
SAFEGUARDING & SAFER RECRUITMENT
Futures-Essex is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. This post involves regular contact with children and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
In line with statutory guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), all offers of employment are subject to our safer recruitment procedures, which include:
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Children's Barred List.
- Verification of identity, qualifications, and eligibility to work in the UK.
- At least two satisfactory references, including from your most recent employer, covering your suitability to work with children.
- A full employment history, with any gaps explored and discussed at interview.
- An online search and social media check for shortlisted candidates, in line with KCSIE requirements.
- A completed safeguarding self-declaration and, where applicable, a check of professional disqualification or barring status.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of these checks.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role to [email protected] , quoting 'Transition & Reintegration Mentor' in the subject line. If you'd like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Lauren Collin on 01245 982888.
Futures-Essex is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Equal Opportunities
The post holder must comply with all policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and the prevention of extremism and radicalisation. All staff are expected to remain vigilant and report concerns in line with safeguarding procedures.
Futures-Essex is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our highest priority.
Disclosure of Criminal Convictions / Cautions
Because Futures-Essex provides education to people under the age of 18, all positions are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are therefore required to disclose any convictions, cautions or other relevant information, including those that would otherwise be considered “spent”.
Pre-Employment Checks
The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). These include:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Fitness to work / medical clearance
- Verification of identity and right to work
- Professional references
- Section 128 check (where applicable)
- Verification of qualifications and employment history
All employees and volunteers are required to complete a disclosure form to enable the school to undertake a criminal record check to confirm the existence and nature of any criminal record or other relevant information.
Futures-Essex is committed to equal opportunities and inclusive practice and welcomes applications from individuals who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to £25,116.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
