Student
Services
Department.
Outreach and UK/EU Recruitment, Student Services
Programme: US in Schools – Mentoring
Role: Student Mentor
Overview
The University is involved in a wide range of Outreach Projects, working with local schools
and colleges, and is currently recruiting students to work as mentors for the US in Schools –
Mentoring programme.
The role is paid, regular employment, not a voluntary or casual activity, and as such we
expect a high level of commitment and reliability from all successful applicants. The
transferable skills developed through participation in the programme are sought by
employers, and are of particular relevance to anyone wanting to go on to work in the
education/youth sector.
Student mentors will work in a local school. On a weekly basis, between October 2016 and
May 2017. Transport to and from the school.is supplied. Mentors will provide either one-toone or group support to young people (between Y9 and Y11) outside of classes, on topics
ranging from life at university to subject specific guidance and course/homework help.
Timings for sessions have yet to be confirmed, and will be influenced by school requirements
and student availability. The project also involves a University Visit for the young people from
each school that is planned by student mentors, and a Celebration Event at the University.
There will also be the opportunity for participating students to undertake an optional work
experience placement in the school after the end of the University summer term. This would
be ideal experience and preparation for anyone considering a course of Initial Teacher
Training after their studies.
Successful candidates may also be approached to work as ambassadors across other
Outreach schemes on an ad hoc basis.
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provide support to selected participants in partnership schools in one of the following
ways; via one-to-one mentoring, in-class support, or a mixture of both

Liaise with the School coordinator, the Lead Mentor and the USiSM team at the
University, where appropriate

Communicate enthusiasm for learning in general, university study and your degree
subject

Provide support and guidance to young people with: researching progression routes
after leaving school; goal setting and progress monitoring; school work and options
choices; confidence building and personal skills; and researching and applying to
other University of Sheffield Outreach programmes that they are eligible for

Work with the school student mentor team to design and deliver activities for
mentees’ campus visit

Act as a role model and an ambassador for Higher Education, and the University of
Sheffield

Commit to the programme and consistently attend weekly in school mentoring
sessions

Be punctual, reliable, well organised, conscientious, thoughtful and helpful

Comply with the school/college’s expectations regarding appropriate dress and
appearance

All other duties, commensurate with the level of the post
Person Specification
Applicants should provide evidence in their applications that they meet the following criteria.
We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these areas
including reviewing your on-line application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted
candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.
Criteria
Knowledge
Essential
Desirable
1.
Knowledge of personal and educational issues facing
X
young people
2.
Understanding of Widening Participation in the context of
X
Higher Education
Skills
3.
Ability to relate to young people and a desire to support
X
them in their personal progress and learning
4.
An excellent communicator and active listener
X
5.
A reliable and committed individual, with the ability to
X
adapt to new circumstances
6.
An approachable and non judgemental individual with the
X
ability to empathise with others
7.
A proactive individual with the ability to work alone, and
X
on own initiative, or as part of a team
8.
A mature approach to dealing with confidential and
X
sensitive situations and issues
Experience
9.
Personal experience of the UK school and qualification
X
system at GCSE level and above
10.
Experience of communicating with people from a wide
X
range of backgrounds.
11.
Experience of working with young people
X
Qualifications
12.
A current student at the University of Sheffield studying
X
towards a higher education qualification
13.
Grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE Mathematics, and English
X
Language and/or English Literature
Applications are welcomed from all who meet the above criteria. However, priority will go
to applicants who are from a widening participation background; groups that are underrepresented in Higher Education, and from those who through personal experience can
demonstrate the ability to overcome adversity and motivate others.
Further Information
In total there are 60-80 roles available. The post is part-time, working four hours per week,
for approximately 20 weeks. In addition to this, the initial training sessions will require
participants to be available for up to 2 full days over a 2-3 week period in October 2016. You
will also be expected to attend Continuing Professional Development sessions throughout
the year to update your skills and knowledge, and support the Celebration Event at the end
of the programme.
Rate of pay: £8.19 per hour. Pay is calculated at a fixed rate per in-school and training
session. Holiday pay is also included.
No previous experience is necessary, but all successful applicants will need to attend a full
suite of training to prepare them for the role.
If your application is successful, you must agree to complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure
and Barring Service) check. Furthermore, you will be required to share the outcome of the
DBS check with US in Schools - Mentoring staff at the University of Sheffield.
For further information, and to apply, please go to:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/schools/student-ambassadors/recruitment
AND/OR attend a Recruitment Briefing Session, which are being held on:

Mon 14 March, 3-4pm in AT LT09

Tues 15 March, 12-1pm in AT LT09

Thurs 17 March, 3-4pm in AT LT09
Closing date: Monday 18 April, 2016 at 5pm
We will contact all applicants by email to let them know the result of their application by
Monday 16 May. Interviews are due to be held on Tuesday 7 June & Wednesday 8 June 2016.
If successful at interview, candidates will then need to submit their timetable availability and
will only be guaranteed a place once they have been matched to a suitable partnership
school/college.
Informal enquiries: Telephone Kirsty Peach 0114 222 1389, Matt Truswell 0114 222 2199 or
Laura Evans 0114 222 28033. Alternatively, contact mentoring@sheffield.ac.uk