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

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1. Direct Student Support:

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

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

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

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2. Strategy and Planning:

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

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

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

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3. Collaboration and Liaison:

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

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

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

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4. Group Work and Activities:

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

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

Essential Qualifications and Experience

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

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

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

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

Desirable Attributes

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

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

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Knowledge of local youth services and community resources