Youth Support Worker
Supporting Learners with SEMH Needs (KS3 & KS4)
Start Date: September 2026 | Full-Time | Supply via Teaching Personnel
We are seeking proactive, resilient, and engaging Youth Support Workers to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
This rewarding role is ideal for individuals who are confident, calm under pressure, and passionate about making a genuine difference to young people who present with challenging behaviour. Consistency is vital for our learners, therefore full-time availability is essential, and driving is highly desirable.
You will be working through Teaching Personnel, who partner closely with the school to ensure high-quality support and continuity for students.
The Role
You will support young people who come from a range of complex and challenging backgrounds and who may be cautious or anxious when forming new relationships. Your role will be crucial in helping them feel safe, understood, and motivated to re‑engage with education.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting students with SEMH needs in and outside the classroom
- Building strong, trusting relationships through mentoring and positive role modelling
- Using proactive and restorative approaches to manage behaviour
- Supporting engagement in both academic and vocational learning
- Encouraging participation in individual interests and hobbies to rebuild confidence in education
- Working closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to provide consistent support
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to work within alternative education, where learning is tailored to individual needs and often includes practical, vocational pathways that prepare young people for life beyond school.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in youth support, care, sports, coaching, mentoring, or similar backgrounds who are looking to transfer their skills into education. Experience does not have to be school-based, as full training and development will be provided over the summer to prepare you for the role.
You will be:
- Resilient, patient, and emotionally intelligent
- Confident, proactive, and engaging
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable young people
- Interested in long-term development within education
- Able to commit to a full-time role from September 2026
Essential Requirements
(Support to obtain the below will be provided as part of the registration process)
- Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service
- EWC (Education Workforce Council) registration
- Safeguarding Level 2 (children and vulnerable people) as a minimum
- Two professional references covering a 24-month period (or equivalent)
Onboarding Process
- Apply by submitting your CV
- Applications shortlisted within 48 working hours
- Telephone discussion to explore the role in more detail
- Face-to-face interview
- Successful candidates will complete compliance and safeguarding checks ahead of the September start
Teaching Personnel work in close partnership with the school to ensure consistency, passion, and quality across the support team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with inspiring young people while developing valuable experience and skills for a long-term career in education.
We look forward to speaking with you soon.
For any questions, please contact Teaching Personnel using the details provided.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
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