1:1 Youth Worker - Secondary School (Blackpool)

Are you a dedicated and compassionate Youth Worker with a proven track record of supporting young people to thrive? Do you possess the empathy and skills to build strong, trusting relationships with students who may be facing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges?

We are seeking an exceptional and proactive 1:1 Youth Worker to join our supportive secondary school community in Blackpool for the academic year commencing September 2025. This crucial role focuses on providing targeted, individualised support to students who require additional guidance and intervention to re-engage with education, develop essential life skills, and achieve their full potential.

About the Role:

As our 1:1 Youth Worker, you will be an integral part of our pastoral and student support team. You will work directly with identified students, offering a safe space for them to discuss concerns, develop coping strategies, and make positive choices. Your interventions will be tailored to each student's unique needs, aiming to address barriers to learning, improve well-being, and foster resilience. This may involve supporting students with attendance, behaviour, emotional regulation, peer relationships, and academic engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualised Support: Provide consistent, high-quality 1:1 mentoring and support to students facing a range of social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.

• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong, positive, and professional relationships with students built on trust and respect, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.

• Needs Assessment & Intervention: Identify the underlying needs of students, develop individual support plans, and implement effective interventions to address identified challenges.

• Behaviour and Attendance: Work proactively with students to improve attendance, reduce behavioural incidents, and promote positive engagement in school life.

• Emotional Well-being: Support students in developing emotional literacy, self-regulation skills, and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

• Safeguarding: Act as a vigilant advocate for student welfare, adhering strictly to the school's comprehensive safeguarding and child protection policies. Promptly report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and maintain accurate records.

• Collaboration: Liaise effectively with teachers, pastoral leaders, SENDCOs, parents/carers, and external agencies (e.g., CAMHS, social care, youth offending teams) to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to student support.

• Activity Facilitation: Where appropriate, plan and facilitate engaging activities, workshops, or small group sessions that promote social skills, teamwork, and positive behaviours.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of all interventions, progress, and communications.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• Qualifications:

  • A relevant qualification in Youth Work, Social Care, Education, or a related field (e.g., Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice, relevant Diploma/Degree in Health & Social Care, Psychology, or Education).

• Experience:

  • Significant proven experience working directly with young people aged 11-18, ideally in a 1:1 capacity within a secondary school or similar educational/youth setting.

  • Demonstrable experience in applying effective behaviour management strategies and de-escalation techniques.

  • Experience of supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Skills & Attributes:

  • Exceptional active listening and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust quickly with young people from diverse backgrounds.

  • Patience, empathy, and resilience when working with challenging situations and complex needs.

  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a caseload of students and maintain meticulous records.

  • A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving.

• Safeguarding:

  • A comprehensive understanding of UK safeguarding legislation and "Keeping Children Safe in Education" guidance.

  • An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (on the Update Service) or willingness to undergo one.

Why Join Our School?

• A dedicated and supportive pastoral team who value collaboration and professional growth.

• The opportunity to make a profound and lasting positive impact on the lives of young people.

• Access to professional development and training opportunities.

• A vibrant school community located in Blackpool, with excellent transport links.

Application Process:

To apply for this highly rewarding position, please submit your CV along with a compelling covering letter (no more than two A4 pages) to rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com outlining your relevant experience, your approach to 1:1 youth work, and how you meet the person specification.

Applications are strongly encouraged as soon as possible, with initial interviews likely to be conducted throughout the summer term for a September 2025 start.

This school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and relevant qualification checks.