Job Title: Youth Worker
Location: Bradford
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 Bradford. 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