Youth Worker- Leeds

Job Title: Youth Worker

Location: Leeds

Contract Type: Full-time / Term-time 

Salary: £100-£110 per day

Employer: Independent Alternative Provision School

We are currently recruiting a Youth Worker to support young people within a specialist alternative provision in Leeds. 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.

The provision operates across two sites – a main education site and a outdoor learning based site, offering practical, outdoor and therapeutic learning opportunities. The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work across both settings as required.

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