JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: co-ment mentor

RESPONSIBLE TO: JOB ASSIST CENTRE MANAGER

Reports to: CO-MENT PROJECT MANAGER

LOCATION: POST BASED IN WEST BELFAST WITH OUTREACH TO AGREEDCO-MENT LOCATIONS

HOURS: 30

SALARY: £24,472 (PRO-RATA) PENSION: 6%

CONTRACT TERM: APRIL 2018- MARCH 2022 (SUBJECT TO FUNDING)

JOB BACKGROUND

This post is part of the CO-MENT project; this builds on the GEMS NI CO-MENT 1000088programme delivered 2015-2018 via the European Social Fund and Department for the Economies NIunder the Thematic objective 8 – Young people aged 16-24 not in employment, education or training (NEETS);CO-MENT is implemented by a partnership of organisations led by GEMS NI. The other partners are:

March 2018

  • Bailie Conor Training
  • Belfast South Community Resources
  • NBWISP
  • Ultimate Training
  • Charter NI
  • Short Strand Community Association
  • Upper Springfield Development Trust
  • GVRT

March 2018

The post will involve working in a range of community locations providing one-to-one mentoring support to young people aged 16-24 years who need customised assistance to encourage their reengagement with education and training;

The CO-MENT approach is based on engagement mentoring and supporting each individual young person to develop their skills, confidence and motivation by banking their time across 4 Zones: Learning, Life, Leisure and Work. The emphasis is on ‘starting where the young person is at’ and building their programme at a space and pace that responds to their individual needs and context. The aim is to enable young people who are of NEET profile to improve their employability by supporting them to develop their personal employment and learning pathway.

The objective is that young people will secure sustainable employment, engage in Further Education and engage in mainstream VET programmes e.g. Training for Success, Steps to Success, Apprenticeships etc.

Key tasks and responsibilities

  1. Using the CO-MENT methodology, provide a structured programme of advice and support in career planning and employability for young people who are NEET (Not in Employment Education or Training) and who are vulnerable to becoming long term unemployed.
  1. Undertake initial assessments of barriers and complete programme registration process using CO-MENT Barriers and other bespoke diagnostic tools. Develop and implement and individual action plans to overcome barriers to employment, outlining goals, actions and outcomes
  1. Deliver employability mentoring sessions with all participants as required to remove barriers to employment, providing a safe, relaxed environment underpinned by a structured and developmental process and responding to sensitive issues in a confidential manner.
  1. Effectively manage caseload and provide professional focused advice referring to other agencies/organisations as required as part of participant action plans.
  1. Undertake progress reviews and ensure targets are achieved that reflect positive outcomes in relation to employment and employment-related skills development.
  1. Establish and effectively the provisionof CO-MENT services across the designated area.
  1. Support specific training, education, employment and work experience opportunities for CO-MENT participant that will improve their employability, promote their confidence and support their progression.
  1. Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with relevant employer, statutory, community and voluntary organisations.
  1. Maintain accurate records of all engagements and work undertaken with participants and ensure the accuracy and completion of all administrative forms, reports etc. is provided to the CO-MENT Programme Manager in a timely manner.
  1. Review with your line manager outcomes against performance targets and reflect on practice, working to the highest professional standards.
  1. Fully participate in self-evaluation reviews and quality improvement planning with the CO-MENT Quality Manager and ensure that accurate information and reports are provided within agreed timescales for reporting.
  1. Participate in team meetings, supervision and other team activities
  1. Carry out all duties in accordance with the values and policies of USDTand its CO-MENT partners.
  1. To perform such other relevant tasks deemed necessary by the management team of the 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
  • 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 USDTcore values and objectives
  • Ensure the effective implementation of and adherence to USDTpolicies and procedures

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Participate in USDTPerformance Management and Appraisal process, and agree short, medium and long term goals with line manager
  • Identify learning and development needs with line manager and evaluate training and development undertaken to demonstrate needs have been met.
  • Share best practice and achievements, and contribute at opportunities to present outcomes and case studies
  • Contribute to the learning of others across the organisation by sharing knowledge and skills both informally and formally by participating in the USDTtraining and development programme.

Person specification

Essential criteria

  1. At least one year’s experience of working at neighbourhood level with young people Not in Employment Education or Training (NEET)
  2. (Number of years’ experience may be increased should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)
  1. Hold an NVQ level 3 Advice and Guidance qualification or equivalent, or working towards one
  1. Good written and verbal communication skills
  1. Ability to work closely with key community stakeholders
  1. Ability using own initiative, to make effective decisions, plan and prioritise a substantial workload
  1. Understanding of government welfare to work programmes
  1. Understanding Team Work and ability to work in a team.
  1. Proficiency in the use of PC: Internet, email, spreadsheets etc;
  1. Ability to work flexible hours
  1. Willingness to undertake training required for the post

Desirable criteria

  1. Understanding of relevant legislation (Employment Legislation, Disability Discrimination Act, Race Relations, Data Protection etc.
  2. Qualification in benefits / welfare rights (Law centre training WRAP or equivalent)
  1. Knowledge of programmes such as other European Social Funded programmes
  • Desirable criteria may be used to shortlist applicants, should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists

Vetting

  • Appointment to this post is subject to a successful applicant declaring all pending prosecutions, convictions, cautions and bind-over orders;
  • An Access NI check is mandatory for this post.

References

Appointment is also subject to the return of complete and satisfactory references obtained from the present/most recent employer and most recent previous employer.

(Desirable criteria may be used to shortlist applicants, should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)

March 2018