Perhaps an opportunity more suited to anyone newly graduated… Full description below:
TITLE: Sport and Inclusion Mentor
CONTRACT TYPE: Full-Time, permanent
SALARY: £22,000 - £26,000
CLOSING DATE: 5pm, Friday 1st December 2023
Blues Foundation:
We are the charitable arm of Bedford Blues Rugby Club. We use the values of rugby and sport to change lives through interventions and programmes that support our local community. Our work aims to improve wellbeing, create inclusive opportunities, and develop skills in young people.
Our projects are designed specially to support our target audiences and help young people tackle their personal challenges. Projects include our flagship education and intervention programmes Tackle LIFE and Be You, as well as our ABILITY Blues disability sport programme, and holiday provision.
Role Overview:
Our Sport and Inclusion Mentors will deliver on several programmes that focus on mentoring and supporting students on our education and intervention programmes Tackle LIFE and Be You. They will lead some programme responsibilities and project management, helping grow an exciting department dedicated to helping young people.
A normal week would include tutoring, sports delivery, and activities such as rock climbing and canoeing. It will also involve project management, as well as classroom coaching such as leadership and communication activities and working with the wider Foundation team to grow our reach in the local community. Typically, 50% of your week will involve delivery, with the remaining time focusing on project management.
The Person:
It is important to us at Blues Foundation that we bring the right people into our environment. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to actively and consistently exhibit the new Blues Family values; Passion, Adaptability, Unity, Sustainability and Enjoyment.
Working within a fast-paced and agile charity, the post holder will need to think on their feet, effectively prioritise their workload, and attack challenges head on. Applicants should have a strong work-ethic and can-do attitude.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver on our education and intervention programmes Tackle LIFE and Be You, focusing on personal development, as well as physical and mental wellbeing.
- Provide a range of high quality and engaging sports sessions and workshops for all ages, both classroom and practical activities, following structured curriculum appropriate content written by Blues Foundation.
- Have a strong understanding and experience with young people on a range of levels. Delivery will engage young people with some behavioural and/or emotional challenges, as well as some special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Project manage elements of our programmes, planning and preparing for each session, including liaising and negotiating with internal and external partners.
- Practice high standards of health and safety and safeguarding, and understand the protocols and procedures needed to provide a safe and inclusive session.
- Proactively seek opportunities to grow their area of work and drive income into the charity through services.
- Responsible for data collection and report in all projects associated to their delivery programmes, including weekly report writing to schools.
- Work with our Outreach Manager and lead on Blues Foundation holiday camps, providing high quality coaching and provision.
- Promote Blues Foundation at local events and play a key role within our fundraising initiatives, providing valuable support during events and campaigns to drive donations to our charity, this includes matchday activities where appropriate.
- The successful candidate should also understand the relationship with Bedford Blues RFC and Blues Foundation.
- Carry out other duties for Blues Foundation as and when required by management, not limited to the above.
Responsible to:
- The Sport and Inclusion Mentor will report to our Outreach Manager. The role will be based at various locations around Bedford and surrounding areas, therefore the ability to travel is essential.
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience in delivering a wide variety of high-quality classroom and practical based activities, as well as flexibility to adapt to the needs and challenges presented by the variety of young people.
- Experience and ability to communicate professionally across different levels including young people, school and college professionals, funders, and other key partners.
- Ability to deliver to a high standard and to the values of Blues Foundation, as well as an ability to contribute to wider work and impact of Blues Foundation.
- Ability to work and deliver in a team environment, as well as individually. The successful candidate should be motivated, demonstrate a positive attitude towards the work of the Foundation.
- Understanding and/or experience in the education sector, secondary experience is desirable.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with colleagues and learners.
Qualifications:
- Degree or equivalent level qualification desirable but not essential.
- Level 2 coaching award or equivalent experience.
- Full and clean driving license.
- Valid Emergency First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications desirable.
- Sector relevant qualifications are desirable.
Benefits:
- Access to continuous training and qualifications.
- Progression opportunities for the right person.
- Staff discount at Bedford Blues shop.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
Blues Foundation are an equal opportunities employer, we will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. Blues Foundation may make adjustments or changes to the job description, role or grading at their discretion and will be communicated with the post holder appropriately. The role will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A full and clean driving license is essential for this role.
How to apply:
If you are interested in the role we would really like to hear from you. Please get in touch initially via email to have an open discussion. Contact our Head of Foundation, Tom Harwood, on tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk.
To apply for the role please submit a CV and cover letter to our Tom Harwood via tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk. If interested, we encourage the applicant to apply as soon as possible. To have an informal conversation about the role please contact Tom via the email address above.