Are you a Youth Worker ready for your next challenge?
Do you already have the skills to support young people through difficult moments, build trusted relationships, and inspire positive change?
We are looking for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant, and we strongly encourage applications from experienced Youth Workers who are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.
Our schools support pupils with a range of needs including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), trauma-related behaviours, attachment difficulties and other additional needs. Many of our pupils need consistent adults who understand behaviour as communication — and that’s where youth work experience is invaluable.
Why Youth Workers Are a Great Fit
If you’ve worked as a Youth Worker, you already:
* Build strong, authentic relationships with young people
* Understand trauma, adversity and complex home backgrounds
* Stay calm during conflict and de-escalate challenging situations
* Set clear boundaries while maintaining trust and respect
* Motivate disengaged young people
* Act as a positive role model
* See potential where others may see behaviour
In a school setting, these skills are transformative.
You may not have worked in a classroom before but your relational approach, resilience and emotional intelligence are exactly what pupils need.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
* Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with additional needs
* Support learning within the classroom alongside the teacher
* Help pupils regulate emotions and manage behaviour positively
* Implement behaviour support strategies and personalised plans
* Support social skills, emotional literacy and engagement
* Be a consistent, trusted adult in a young person’s school day
This is a hands-on, relationship-driven role where no two days are the same.
The Personal Qualities We’re Looking For
* Calm and emotionally resilient – able to respond rather than react
* Patient and empathetic – understanding that behaviour communicates need
* Confident in setting boundaries – firm but fair
* Adaptable and flexible – able to adjust to changing situations
* Positive and encouraging – celebrating small wins
* Team-focused – willing to work closely with teachers and pastoral staff
Experience with SEMH, ADHD, Autism or trauma is desirable but not essential if you have a youth work background.
What We Offer
* Training and support to transition from youth work into education
* Ongoing CPD in trauma-informed practice and SEND strategies
* A supportive and welcoming team
* The opportunity to make a life-changing difference every single day
* Full time, part time and flexible working opportunities. Permanent vacancies can also be available.
If you are a Youth Worker who believes in second chances, restorative approaches, and the power of strong relationships, we would love to hear from you.
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.