Youth Worker- Pontefract

Job Title: Youth Worker

Location: Pontefract

Contract Type: Full-time / Term-time

Salary: £95- £100 per day

Employer: Independent Alternative Provision School

We are currently recruiting a Youth Worker to support young people within a specialist alternative provision in Pontefract. This setting works with children and young people who may present with challenging behaviour and are often described as "hard to reach" learners, requiring a patient, consistent, and trauma-informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted support to young people within both classroom and alternative learning environments
• Build positive, trusting relationships with learners who may be disengaged from mainstream education
• Support behaviour management in line with organisational policies and agreed strategies
• Work towards individual targets set out in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Maintain accurate records relating to progress, behaviour and engagement
• Support learners with emotional regulation, social development and life skills
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, SEND professionals and external agencies
• Promote positive engagement, self-esteem and achievement among young people

The Young People

• Aged 11-16
• Present with social, emotional and mental health needs
• Some learners may display challenging behaviour linked to trauma or adverse experiences
• Require consistent boundaries, empathy and creative engagement strategies

Person Specification

• Minimum of 6 months' experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour would be advantageous (personal or professional capacity)
• Experience working with disengaged or "hard to reach" young people
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience working within safeguarding policies and procedures

Desirable Experience

• Experience delivering targeted or intervention-based work
• Experience working in alternative provision, youth work or specialist education settings
• Experience liaising with external agencies and partner organisations

Qualifications (desirable)

• Youth Work qualification or related field
• First Aid qualification

Knowledge & Understanding

• Understanding of creative and practical ways to engage young people
• Awareness of social issues affecting young people
• Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication skills with young people, families and professionals
• Ability to de-escalate challenging situations calmly and professionally
• Problem-solving and reflective practice skills
• Basic IT skills for record keeping and reporting
• Ability to promote young people's achievements positively

Personal Attributes

• Patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
• Able to build rapport with young people who may mistrust adults
• Values equality, diversity and inclusion
• Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Motivated, reliable and flexible in approach