Community Outreach & Engagement Mentor

Are you a Community Outreach Worker looking to bring your grassroots engagement skills into a school environment?

A forward-thinking secondary academy in Blackpool is recruiting a dedicated Community Outreach & Engagement Mentor to join their pastoral and inclusion team starting this November.

Many young people face complex barriers outside the school gates-from family challenges and low attendance to mental health difficulties and community pressures-that impact their ability to thrive in the classroom. This role bridges the gap between home, the community, and school life, providing vulnerable students with consistent guidance, advocacy, and positive direction.

Classroom or qualified teaching experience is not required. We are looking for an authentic, grounded individual with genuine frontline outreach experience who knows how to earn respect, build trust, and empower young people.

Why Your Outreach Background Fits Perfectly:

Trust & Rapport Building: You know how to engage disaffected, guarded, or at-risk teenagers who are wary of authority.

Tackling Attendance & Barriers: You understand the social contexts influencing persistent absence, family stress, and disengagement.

De-escalation & Restorative Practice: Skilled at calm mediation, conflict resolution, and finding constructive solutions.

Multi-Agency Collaboration: Experienced in liaising with social care, youth services, local charities, and families.

Key Responsibilities

Work on a 1:1 and small-group basis with secondary students facing significant barriers to attendance and engagement.

Act as a reliable mentor and advocate, helping pupils navigate emotional challenges, social conflicts, and school routines.

Conduct restorative conversations and proactive de-escalation to prevent classroom disruption or exclusions.

Collaborate closely with Heads of Year, the attendance team, safeguarding leads, and external community support services.

Support students in building self-esteem, personal accountability, and positive life skills.

What We Are Looking For:

Demonstrable experience in community outreach, youth mentoring, family support, or community engagement.

A firm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach to supporting teenagers.

Strong communication skills and the resilience to navigate complex behavioural and social situations.

An understanding of trauma-informed care and safeguarding principles.

Enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).

What the Academy Offers:

Work-Life Balance: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm, term-time only (enjoy all school holidays).

Supportive Environment: Be part of a dedicated, collaborative pastoral and inclusion department.

Fully Funded CPD: Access to ongoing professional development, including Team Teach and advanced safeguarding training.

Permanent Opportunities: Strong routes to transition onto a permanent school contract.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to transition your community outreach skills into a secondary school setting this November, please apply with your up-to-date CV or contact our team directly for a confidential discussion.

(All applicants are subject to strict safeguarding vetting procedures, including an Enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references.)

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