Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) Mentor

Everyone deserves an incredible future!

Become a Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Mentor at our school Acorn Park, part of Options Autism and start working towards yours.

Acorn Park is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Residential home. We help care for and support young people who have complex needs and specialise in the communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.

The site is situation within Norfolk’s picturesque and tranquil countryside, close to the town of Banham. Due to the location, it would be beneficial for candidates to have a driving licence.

The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each child’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable, and understanding

The opportunity

The role of a Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Mentor is to work closely with individuals who have learning difficulties or difficulties associated with Autism and Social, Emotional, Mental Health difficulties which impact on their ability to learn.  Their barriers to learning affect their communication, educational, independence skills and hinder their ability to acquire further education or qualifications in line with their academic ability.

You will work with students, teachers, parents, carers and other professionals to inform and support students’ independence. Evaluate and evidence students’ progress, personalities, abilities, and interests using records, interviews or professional sources. PFAs will also need to reflect with the learner and look at the next steps to extending learning. As a preparing for adulthood mentor, you will need to be creative and flexible to support individuals in career and independence techniques, such as life skills, cooking, Health and wellbeing, budgeting, shopping, housekeeping, College/ Job interviews, CV writing, Supporting apprenticeships, traineeships, community travel (TITAN).

You will face challenges and overcome them as you flourish and thrive, sharing your skills and learning from others as your career takes you as high as you always dreamed you could go.

Every day will be different, but you will have all the support you need, with lots of skills and experience to draw on along with valuable advice and guidance too.

Who we are looking for

You don’t need any experience to join our team. If you come from hospitality, the army, outdoor activity centres or an office-based job but are eager to help vulnerable children and young people to live happy, fulfilling lives, this is the role for you. We will provide you with full training and development to succeed within your role.

You will be adaptable and ready to work in a variety of classroom roles, both indoors and outside according to individual need. You will be able to analyse problems and devise solutions, be assertive in dealing with pupils and fellow professionals and determined to see problems and solutions through to the end.

Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience and learning, simply fill in our safeguarding-compliant application form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Why join Options Autism?

• We are a values-driven organisation that puts people first
• Develop great experience, skills and understanding of Autism and complex needs
• We provide continuous professional development to take your career further
• Funded accredited courses including Diplomas or NVQ’s to develop your career
• We build our bonds through a great social events calendar
• Our Your Wellbeing Matters initiative provides total support
• Our Employees Rewards Hub offers great rewards such as discount vouchers and discounted Gym Memberships
• Laptop, lunch, company pension, healthcare scheme
• Holidays are equivalent to 5.6 weeks per annum
• £16,725 - £18,000 per annum
• Up to 37.5 hours per week, part-time applicants will be considered!
• Term time only hours!
• Earn £1000 by referring a friend

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS.

#Education #Childcare #OutdoorActivities #School #Tutor #learning #Autism #PreparationforAdulthoodMentor