Mentoring Team Leader

Embark on a Journey as a DWP Mentoring Team Lead at Change Grow Live

Substance misuse and dependency can be a barrier to gaining and sustaining employment. Individuals are often unwilling to disclose their dependency to Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Work Coaches due to denial, shame or fear that they may be sanctioned in some way, therefore It can be difficult for DWP to support individuals with addiction.

This exciting new pilot project speaheaded by ourselves at Change Grow Live will break down these barriers and bridge the gap between DWP Job Centres and Recovery Services. It will use paid Peer Mentors with lived experience to inspire support and encourage individuals to engage with the Job Centres and local Substance Misuse Services.

You will work with the DWP staff to increase their knowledge and understanding of drug and alcohol dependency. Supporting and training them to have open, bold, and compassionate conversations with individuals that encourage disclosure and promote a culture of openness and support around substance misuse and dependency.

The Mentoring Team Lead will also be responsible for a team of 4-5 Peer Mentors. You will provide them with training, line management, and supervision of the Peer Mentors, ensuring that they have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to undertake the role.

Where: working across Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets Boroughs

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary: £35,220.59 - £37,184.90 dependant on experience (based on full time working hours, pro rata for part time hours)

Allowance: £4,133.14 (based on full time working hours, pro rata for part time hours)

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2026

**Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

About the Role: 

• Working in collaboration with the project manager to ensure the development of the DWP mentoring project across London to provide an outstanding service, which supports service users in working to towards the goal of positively engaging with treatment and employment opportunities and take other steps towards the labour market
• Increase DWP staff’s knowledge and understanding of substance misuse and dependency and how these can be a barrier to employment by providing a package of training and support
• Provide training and advice to DWP on how to have open, bold and compassionate conversations with individuals to encourage disclosure and engagement
• Working collaboratively and reflectively with the project manager
• Create and maintain links with the DWP, local SMS and partner agencies
• Provide training to local DWP, SMS and partner agencies so they understand the aims of the mentoring project and the referral process
• Developing internal and external links in order to attract Peer Mentors and mentees
• Manage referrals and allocation of mentees to Peer Mentors
• Ensure accurate mentoring records are being maintained and recorded
• Monitor the performance and outcomes of mentoring ensuring one to one sessions are planned and meaningful
• Ensure contractual targets relating to your team are achieved, you will be responsible for addressing performance issues where required.
• Support the welfare and wellbeing of Peer Mentors and Mentees
• Ensuring that CGL’s values are at the heart of everything we all do, through values-based decision making and leadership, creating values based culture.
• Recruit, train and manage a team of Peer Mentors
• Provide Peer Mentors with one-to-one supervision and appraisals

About you: 

• Experience in recruitment, line management, and supervision
• Aware of the challenges faced by the people using our services
• Experienced in delivering learning and training to others
• Capable, committed, and influential leader
• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Knowledge and experience of developing and leading health and social care services and delivering services which evidence of performance managment
• Experience of leading teams who work in substance misuse 
• Knowledge of current legislation surrounding children, young people, and safeguarding practice 
• Able to lead, inspire and develop a team. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to use common MS Office applications (Word/Excel/Outlook)  

What We Offer You:

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays), increasing annually for first 5 years.
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week, ‘Wellness’ hub, and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Great benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A supportive team passionate about their work
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• Refer a friend scheme for successful candidates

If you're excited about this opportunity, apply now and be part of our transformative journey at Change Grow Live.

Join us in making a positive difference in people's lives.

Please review the attached Job Description and Role Specifics for a detailed outline of responsibilities and Person Specification.