Hours: 09:00–16:30, 1–3 workdays per week, Wednesday afternoon being a key one with opportunity to expand depending on contracts
Pay: £13.50/hour (self-employed), rising to £15/hour after probationary period
Responsible to: Project Lead / Safeguarding Lead
Purpose of the Role
At Animals in Reach, we're looking for someone who wants to make a real impact on people's lives.
This role is for you if you believe everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued—no matter what challenges they face. We want someone who understands the power of person-centred work, who will approach every situation with curiosity rather than blame, and who is committed to supporting healing and growth through genuine connection.
As a Support Worker, you'll work alongside young people and adults (aged approx. 5–30+) who are out of education, at risk of exclusion due to mental health or behavioural difficulties, or accessing continuing health care placements. You'll help create a safe, nurturing space where participants can build trust, express themselves, and develop emotional coregulation and social skills through meaningful activities.
You'll be part of a team that values empathy, playfulness, respect, and the Thrive approach—seeing behaviour as communication and seeking to understand what's really going on for someone. If you want to help people find hope, confidence, and belonging, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
* Welcome and engage with young people and adults in a calm, respectful, and inclusive manner.
* Working 1:1 or in small groups through shared activities—animal care, crafts, horticulture, music, nature walks and getting stuck in.
* Observe and interpret behaviour as communication to inform appropriate, reparative support.
* Help participants understand and express emotions safely.
* Support young people in developing social skills, confidence, and resilience.
* Promote a safe environment, following safeguarding and health and safety procedures at all times.
* Maintain clear, factual records of sessions, concerns, and achievements.
* Attend team meetings, briefings, and supervision to share learning and support reflective practice.
* Contribute to risk assessments for site, activities, and individual needs.
* Participate in required training, including safeguarding and behaviour support.
Person Specification:
* Empathetic, curious, accepting, playful, enthusiastic, and non-judgemental.
* Strong communication and listening skills.
* Experience supporting young people with mental health needs, behavioural difficulties, or disabilities is desirable but not essential.
* Calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain clear professional boundaries.
* Willing to engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning.
* Able to work flexibly in a rural setting.
* Committed to upholding Animals in Reach's values of safety, inclusion, and respect.
What we're looking for
* A calm, kind, and curious person who wants to make an impact
* Someone who values inclusion, equality, and person-led work
* Experience with young people, SEN, or mental health is great—but we value attitude, not just CVs
* Strong communication skills
* Able to hold boundaries kindly and consistently
* Emotionally aware and willing to reflect on your own practice
* Comfortable working outdoors and in a rural setting
* Open to training, feedback, and ongoing learning
What we offer
* A supportive, reflective, and values-led team
* Full induction and training (safeguarding, behaviour support, etc.)
* Regular supervision and shared learning
* Meaningful work where you can see the impact of what you do
To apply:
Please send a short cover letter telling us about yourself—what you're passionate about, what you can bring to the role, and why this work matters to you—alongside your CV.
We are looking for long-term team members. Continuity is important to our young people, and we want to grow a consistent, trusted team around them.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £13.50-£15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 8 – 24 per week
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* What can you bring to this role e.g. hobbies, understanding, qualifications
Work Location: In person