Youth Worker - SEN & SEMH Support
Location: Accrington, Lancashire (On-site)
Salary: £98.89 - £125.89 per day
Hours: 08:30 - 15:30, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Contract Type: Temp to Perm Start Date: ASAP
Role Overview
Are you a passionate Youth Worker looking to transition into a specialist educational setting? We are seeking a dedicated individual to support pupils within a highly regarded SEMH School in Accrington. This role is perfect for someone with a background in community youth work, sports coaching, or residential care who wants to make a long-term impact. You will be working in a small classroom setting with a maximum of 5 pupils, focusing on those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
Responsibilities
As a Youth Worker in this setting, your primary focus is engagement and emotional regulation rather than traditional academic instruction. You will act as a mentor and role model, helping pupils manage their anxieties and navigate social interactions within their small group of 5. Your day-to-day will involve supporting the class teacher, leading 1:1 breakout sessions, and using de-escalation techniques to maintain a calm, safe learning environment. You will play a vital role in helping these young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills on a consistent, daily basis.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have previous experience as a Youth Worker, Support Worker, or Teaching Assistant, specifically supporting young people with complex needs or challenging behaviours. You must have a strong understanding of ASC and SEMH and be comfortable working in an environment that requires patience and high levels of empathy. You must be available for the full school day, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and be looking for a temp-to-perm opportunity. A valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is required, or a willingness to apply for one immediately.
Benefits and Culture
This Accrington-based school offers a unique, non-standard educational environment where the focus is on the "whole child." By joining a team where classes are capped at 5 pupils, you avoid the burnout of large settings and can truly focus on relationship-based support. This temp-to-perm contract allows you to build a rapport with the staff and students before transitioning onto a permanent school contract, offering excellent job security and specialised training in MAPA/Team Teach and Trauma-Informed Practice