We are seeking an enthusiastic and resilient Youth Mentor to join our Inclusion Service.

This rewarding role focuses on supporting children and young people who are at risk of exclusion, experiencing emotionally based school avoidance, have SEND or SEMH needs, are vulnerable to exploitation, or are disengaged from education.

Working closely with schools, families and partner agencies, you will provide targeted individual and small group mentoring to help young people overcome barriers to learning, improve attendance, build resilience and successfully engage in education.

You will deliver evidence informed interventions, support reintegration following exclusion or periods of non attendance, contribute to multiagency planning, and ensure the voice of the child is central to all support.

We are looking for someone with experience of working with vulnerable children and young people, excellent relationship building skills, and a strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding. You will have a good understanding of SEND, SEMH, attendance and exclusion challenges, and the ability to work collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and young people, helping them achieve positive educational, social and future employment outcomes.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 6/11/2026 

Interview Date: 18/11/2026

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.