Youth Progression & Employment Mentor


Company:	Curiously Divergent
Salary:	Annual Leave entitlement 6 weeks pro-rata ,
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Cambridgeshire
Working pattern:	Field-based
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	23 Oct 2026
Closing date:	3 Nov 2026

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Summary

About the Role

Curiously Divergent CIC is recruiting a Youth Progression & Employment Mentor to support neurodivergent young people across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire through our Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme.

Our programme supports young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of disengaging.

We primarily work with young people aged 18–21, young people up to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and some 16–17-year-olds where targeted preventative support is appropriate.

This is a relationship-based, neuro-affirming role focused on helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths, overcome barriers and progress towards meaningful opportunities.

We recognise that not every young person is ready to move directly into employment or education. Some may first need support with confidence, self-understanding, executive functioning or engaging with services.

The successful candidate will provide personalised, practical support that meets each young person where they are and helps them take achievable steps towards their goals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Young Person Engagement and Mentoring

Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with neurodivergent young people.

Provide individualised mentoring and progression support.

Identify young people's strengths, interests, aspirations and support needs.

Develop personalised progression plans collaboratively with young people.

Adapt communication and support to individual accessibility, sensory and executive functioning needs.

Support young people who may have experienced barriers to education, employment or engagement with services.

Confidence, Skills and Personal Development

Support young people to develop confidence, self-understanding and self-advocacy.

Help identify transferable skills, interests and future opportunities.

Provide practical executive functioning support, including planning, organisation, task initiation and breaking goals into manageable steps.

Support young people to understand and communicate their needs and preferences.

Help young people develop strategies that support participation in education, employment and everyday activities.

Education, Employment and Progression

Support young people to explore employment, apprenticeships, supported internships, education, training, volunteering and self-employment.

Assist with CV development, applications and interview preparation.

Help young people identify accessible opportunities aligned with their strengths and interests.

Support the identification of reasonable adjustments and workplace or learning support needs.

Assist young people to develop Workplace Passports and communication profiles where appropriate.

Support preparation for unfamiliar environments, journeys and transitions.

Provide practical support during progression into employment, education or training.

Complete appropriate follow-up to help young people sustain positive destinations.

Partnership Working

Work collaboratively with families, carers, education providers, employers, Jobcentres, local authorities and community organisations.

Liaise with other professionals and services with appropriate consent.

Support coordinated referrals and warm handovers between services.

Build positive relationships with local organisations to improve opportunities for young people.

Safeguarding, Administration and Reporting

Follow Curiously Divergent safeguarding policies and procedures.

Recognise, record and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Maintain professional boundaries and follow lone-working procedures.

Keep accurate, timely and factual case notes.

Record participant engagement, progression plans, milestones and outcomes.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

Attend supervision, case discussions, team meetings and relevant training.

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