Job Description

Transition Your Care Skills into Secondary Education

Are you currently working as a Child Residential Support Worker, Children's Home Practitioner, or in Youth Social Care, but looking to step away from 12-hour shifts, weekend rotas, and sleep-ins?

A vibrant Secondary Academy in Blackpool (FY postcode area) is seeking a compassionate, resilient support practitioner to join their pastoral and inclusion team. Your background in residential childcare equips you with the exact emotional intelligence, de-escalation skills, and trauma-informed mindset needed to support vulnerable secondary school students.

Why Your Transferable Skills Are in High Demand

Working in children's residential homes gives you an exceptional foundation for secondary school pastoral care:

  • De-escalation & Crisis Management: You know how to stay calm, set boundaries, and manage emotionally charged situations safely.

  • Trauma-Informed Practice: You understand how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment issues, and SEMH affect a young person's behaviour and ability to learn.

  • Rapport Building: You have proven success in earning trust and forming meaningful working relationships with disengaged or vulnerable teenagers.

  • Safeguarding Expertise: You already possess a sharp awareness of child protection legislation, recording procedures, and duty of care.

The Role & Responsibilities

  • Support students aged 11-16 with SEMH, behavioural barriers, or additional pastoral needs within the academy's inclusion unit and mainstream classrooms.

  • Work 1:1 and in small groups to boost student engagement, emotional resilience, and attendance.

  • Intervene early to diffuse potential conflicts and guide pupils through calming strategies.

  • Partner with the SENCo, pastoral leads, designated safeguarding officers, and class teachers to track student progress and wellbeing.

What We Are Looking For:

  • Minimum 6 months' experience in children's residential care, youth work, supported housing, or social care.

  • Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (Children and Young People's Workforce) is advantageous, but practical experience and attitude matter most.

  • Training in physical intervention/de-escalation (e.g., Team-Teach, MAPA/CPI, Price) is highly beneficial.

  • Strong communication skills, patience, and a non-judgmental, restorative approach.

  • Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service (or willing to complete one).

Key Benefits for You:

  • Work-Life Balance: Set daytime hours (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) with all evenings, weekends, and school holidays free.

  • Competitive Pay: Reliable, weekly pay via PAYE with full holiday accrual.

  • Professional Growth: Free accredited CPD courses in education-specific SEND strategies, Team-Teach, and classroom practice.

  • Impact: Direct, visible impact helping local Blackpool teenagers stay in education and achieve their potential.

How to Apply

Make the switch to education and bring your care background to a setting where it matters every single day.

Click 'Apply Now' with your CV or get in touch directly to discuss placements across Blackpool (FY1, FY2, FY3, FY4).