Youth Independence Mentor / Youth Support Worker Cheltenham / GloucesterPosition titleYouth Independence Mentor / Youth Support Worker Cheltenham / GloucesterDescription**Service**: Supported Accommodation (Spectrum Children’s Services)**Location**: Cheltenham / Gloucester, Gloucestershire **Reports to**: Service Manager / Registered Manager**Salary**: £12.75 -£13.25 per hour + £50 Sleep in**Hours**: Full Time, including evenings, weekends and sleep ins (Average 155 hours per month)ResponsibilitiesJob Purpose To provide high-quality care, support, and guidance to young people aged 16–18 living in Supported Accommodation. The Youth Independence Mentor / Youth Support Worker plays a key role in preparing young people for adult life by teaching essential independent living skills, encouraging personal growth, and ensuring safety and wellbeing. This role works within Spectrum’s Moving On – Independence Model, supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes and transition confidently into adult life.Key Responsibilities Supporting Young People • Provide day-to-day support to young people in line with their support plans and risk assessments. • Teach and promote independent living skills, including: Cooking, meal planning, and nutrition. Budgeting, managing money, and paying bills. Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe living environment. Attending and managing health appointments. Using public transport and accessing community services. • Support young people to engage in education, training, or employment (ETE) opportunities. • Encourage social inclusion, participation in community life, and healthy lifestyles. • Act as a positive role model, building safe, trusting, and professional relationships. Safeguarding & Wellbeing • Promote the safety and wellbeing of young people, following safeguarding procedures and policies at all times. • Recognise, respond, and report any safeguarding concerns in line with statutory requirements. • Support young people in understanding and managing risks, such as exploitation, substance misuse, or going missing. Recording & Compliance • Complete accurate, professional, and timely recordings using Clear Care Solutions, including daily logs, support plans, and outcomes. • Ensure records reflect young people’s progress and independence journey. • Comply with Ofsted Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, company policies, and all safeguarding requirements. Teamwork & Professional Practice • Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals (social workers, education providers, health teams). • Attend team meetings, supervisions, and training to support professional development. • Contribute to a positive, safe, and supportive home environment. • Promote Spectrum’s ethos, values, and the Moving On – Independence Model in all aspects of practice.QualificationsPerson Specification Essential Desirable • Experience working with young people in care, supported accommodation, youth work, education, or social care (or transferable experience). • Ability to support and teach young people independence skills. • Good recording and IT skills, with the ability to use Clear Care Solutions or willingness to learn. • Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries. • Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills. • Flexibility to work a rota including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins. • NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Children & Young People / Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards). • Knowledge of the needs of care leavers and vulnerable young people. • Experience in teaching or mentoring life skills. • Full UK driving licence.Job Benefits**What We Offer*** Comprehensive induction and ongoing training via our Vocational Training Hub.* Funded qualifications (QCF Level 3, 4, and beyond).* Opportunity to join our unique Youth Degree BA (Hons) pathway.* Clear career progression to Senior Mentor, Team Leader, or Management roles.* Regular supervision and reflective practice.* Access to staff benefits: Blue Light Card, MyPerks, and Wisdom EAP.* Competitive pay and pension scheme.Job LocationCheltenham / Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
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