Due to growing demand, award-winning youth charity Mentoring Plus is seeking an experienced and compassionate professional mentor for a paid freelance role, one day per week, based in a B&NES Secondary school. The successful mentor will provide one-to-one mentoring support to children and young people during the school day, helping them build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging through consistent weekly sessions.
This is a paid freelance role, delivered as part of a separate project to our longstanding volunteer mentoring programme. For the children and young people involved, the experience is the same: a trusted, positive adult offering engaging weekly mentoring sessions during the school day. Mentoring provides a safe space to talk, try new things, build confidence, develop self-esteem, and explore the challenges and opportunities in their lives.
Mentoring sessions take place during term time and are based within school. In-school mentors typically support up to five young people during the school day through weekly one-to-one sessions. Interventions usually last 10-12 weeks, with mentors supporting up to three different cohorts of young people over the course of an academic year.
Many of the young people referred for mentoring are experiencing challenges that may affect their wellbeing, confidence, relationships, school engagement or sense of belonging. Through consistent support and positive relationships, mentors help young people recognise their strengths, build resilience, develop coping strategies, and feel more connected to the support around them.
This is rewarding work for an experienced practitioner who is confident working independently while building strong relationships with young people and school staff. Sessions may involve conversations, arts and crafts, games, cooking and other activities chosen by the young person. Supporting mentees to have ownership of their sessions is central to creating a positive environment where trust can develop and meaningful conversations can take place.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is seeing the positive changes that can happen over time. Whether it is increased confidence, improved engagement in school, stronger relationships, or a greater sense of hope for the future, mentors play an important role in helping young people stay safe, access opportunities and move forward positively.
This role would particularly suit someone with experience in education, youth work, social care, family support, mental health, counselling, coaching or a related field. We are looking for someone who can build rapport quickly, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and create a safe, supportive space where young people feel heard, valued and respected.
As you would expect, this work can involve complex situations and safeguarding concerns. You will need a sound understanding of safeguarding practice and professional boundaries, alongside the confidence to recognise concerns, follow procedures, and work collaboratively with school staff and the Mentoring Plus team to support young people's safety and wellbeing. We provide mentor skills training, ongoing professional development and regular supervision.
The vacancy is available for one school day per week on a freelance contract, with work available during term time for the 2026-27 academic year (September 2026 to July 2027).
We are particularly interested in hearing from reflective, empathetic practitioners who are committed to helping young people thrive. In return, you'll be part of a respected local charity, supported through training and supervision, and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people in our community.
A full job description including a person spec is available here.
Please read this carefully and then complete this application form setting out how your skills, knowledge and experience help you meet the requirements of the role. Details of how to submit a completed application are in the form.
The closing date for applications is Monday 10th August. Interviews to be held w/c 17th August.
Questions about the role? Please call 01225 429694 during office hours.
Mentoring Plus is committed to maximising inclusion irrespective of age, gender identity, heritage, ethnicity, background, life experiences, disabilities, learning difficulties, lifestyle, beliefs etc, provided that individuals are able to meet the requirements of the role with appropriate support. We operate a strict equal opportunities policy for both adults and young people. Our central Bath premises have parking and are wheelchair accessible.
Safer Recruitment procedures will be followed including an enhanced DBS check and employment references taken and verified.