Job Description

Educational Support Worker (SEMH & ASC Specialist - Post-16 / Key Stage 5)

Agency: Tradewind Recruitment

Location: Leyland, Lancashire

Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary-to-Permanent

Start Date: As Soon As Possible

Pay Rate: £100 - £130.89 per day (dependent on experience, paid via PAYE)

Job Overview

Tradewind Recruitment is working alongside a specialist post-16 educational provision and sixth-form setting in the Leyland area that supports young adults with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

We are seeking a dedicated, mature, and empathetic Educational Support Worker to join their team on a full-time basis, working with students in Key Stage 5 (KS5). This role focuses on helping older teenagers navigate the transition into adulthood, independence, further education, or employment. This position is offered on a temporary basis through Tradewind with a clear pathway to a permanent contract for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

  • Post-16 Mentoring: Support young adults (ages 16-19) with complex SEMH needs and ASC in managing their workloads, emotional regulation, and independence.

  • Transition & Life Skills: Assist students in developing essential life skills, employability skills, and independence as they prepare to leave education.

  • Vocational & Academic Support: Help students access KS5 coursework, vocational programs, work placements, or functional skills training.

  • Proactive De-escalation: Use trauma-informed practice and calm, mature approaches to handle challenging behaviors in a more independent, college-style environment.

  • Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work alongside teachers, career advisor, and pastoral leads to monitor student pathways and wellbeing.

Candidate Requirements

  • Experience: Previous experience working with young adults (post-16, FE college, youth work, residential care, or specialist secondary settings) supporting SEMH or ASC.

  • Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional emotional resilience, patience, and the ability to act as a positive role model for older teens.

  • Desirable Training: Relevant qualifications in youth work, support teaching, or certifications such as Team-Teach or MAPA are a distinct advantage.

  • Compliance: Must hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or be willing to process one immediately through Tradewind).

What Tradewind Recruitment Offers

  • Competitive Pay: Weekly pay processed efficiently via PAYE.

  • Career Progression: Direct transition opportunities from a temporary agency placement into a permanent contract.

  • Specialist CPD Training: Free access to continuous professional development courses tailored to SEN, mental health, and autism support.

How to Apply

Passionate about changing lives and want to make a meaningful difference we want to hear from you! Click below to submit your CV and a brief cover note or contact christina.grindy@twrecruitment.com or call 01772 977 333