Youth Worker- Rotherham

Job Title: Youth Worker
Location: Rotherham
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 Rotherham. This setting caters for 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 different 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