Youth Worker

Youth Worker - Behavioural Support Specialist

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Youth Worker to provide targeted, person-centered support to secondary-aged children (typically 11-16 years old) who are experiencing significant behavioral difficulties. This role focuses on developing positive coping mechanisms, improving self-regulation skills, and fostering a constructive attitude toward learning and social engagement, primarily within an educational or community setting.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Direct Student Support:

  • Plan, deliver, and evaluate one-on-one and small group interventions focused on social-emotional learning, anger management, conflict resolution, and self-esteem building.

  • De-escalate challenging behaviors effectively and safely, using recognized strategies and maintaining a calm, authoritative presence.

  • Act as a mentor and positive role model, establishing trusting relationships with young people.

• 2. Strategy and Planning:

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of individualized behaviour support plans (BSPs) and safety plans.

  • Identify triggers and underlying causes of challenging behavior and provide feedback to the wider team (e.g., teachers, parents, social workers).

  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of sessions, progress, and incidents.

• 3. Collaboration and Liaison:

  • Work closely with school staff (SENCOs, Heads of Year, Safeguarding Leads) to ensure a consistent approach to behavior management.

  • Engage parents/carers to promote home-school consistency and provide support/resources for managing behaviour at home.

  • Liaise with external agencies (e.g., CAMHS, Youth Offending Teams) as necessary to ensure comprehensive support for the young person.

• 4. Group Work and Activities:

  • Facilitate structured youth work activities and programs that promote positive group dynamics, teamwork, and prosocial skills.

  • Organize and supervise extracurricular or after-school activities designed to build young people's confidence and engagement.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Experience: Proven experience (at least 2 years) working directly with young people (11-16) who display challenging or complex behaviors.

• Knowledge: Strong understanding of adolescent development, common mental health issues affecting young people, and effective de-escalation techniques.

• Skills: Excellent communication, active listening, and rapport-building skills. The ability to remain calm and objective under pressure.

• Commitment: A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable Attributes

• Specific training in therapeutic approaches (e.g., Restorative Justice, CBT, Trauma-Informed Practice).

• Experience in an Alternative Provision (AP) or Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) setting.

• Knowledge of local youth services and community resources.