Learning Mentor

About the job

Key information

Two-Year Fixed Term Contract until 4 January 2029.

37 hours per week.

Are you passionate about supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities? Do you enjoy building relationships, helping people access services, and being a voice for your community?

We are looking for a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Learning Mentor to work with children, young people and families across Somerset.

This is an exciting role where you will build trusted relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families, helping them access education, community support and other opportunities available to them.

You will act as a link between communities and public services, helping organisations better understand Gypsy, Roma and Traveller cultures, traditions and experiences. You will also work to improve opportunities and outcomes for children and young people.

What will I be doing?

This role is about making sure Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children, young people and families have the same opportunities as everyone else.

By building trust, breaking down barriers and improving understanding, you will help communities access the support they need whilst ensuring their cultures, identities and traditions are recognised, valued and celebrated.

If you are passionate about supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and want to make a real difference across Somerset, we would love to hear from you.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Building positive relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families across Somerset.
• Visiting families at home, in the community and on Traveller sites.
• Travelling across Somerset to meet with families, schools and partner organisations.
• Supporting children and young people to access and engage in education.
• Helping families understand and access education, Local Authority and community services.
• Supporting children who are not attending school, are home educated, or who travel as part of their way of life.
• Working alongside schools to remove barriers to learning and improve attendance and engagement.
• Acting as an advocate for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
• Sharing knowledge and raising awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller cultures and traditions.
• Developing and delivering training and awareness sessions for professionals, including schools, health services, local authorities, police and fire services.
• Encouraging positive relationships between communities and services to create lasting change.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• Have a good understanding of Somerset’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, cultures and experiences.
• Can build trust and positive relationships with people from all backgrounds.
• Have excellent communication and listening skills.
• Are passionate about helping children, young people and families succeed.
• Can work independently and manage your own workload.
• Are confident speaking with professionals and community members.
• Have access to a vehicle and can travel throughout Somerset as part of the role.
• Can demonstrate relevant experience or hold an NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications.

What is in it for me?

At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK’s most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council on our website

Supporting documents and information

• 28 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays per annum)
• This is a frontline, caseload‑based role working directly with education settings and families.
• You will need to travel across Somerset to support children and young people where needed.
• Interviews are scheduled for week 2 December 2026.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact:

Tom Rutland, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Manager – tom.rutland@somerset.gov.uk

Sarah Stabback, Senior Expert Advisor – sarah.stabback@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now