The Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker plays a central role within an intensive construction‑based NEET re‑engagement programme. The post holder provides day‑to‑day youth work support, safeguarding oversight and informal learning support to young people who are NEET or at significant risk of disengagement.
Working with very small cohorts of five to six learners alongside a construction tutor, the role focuses on relationship building, emotional wellbeing, engagement, attendance and readiness for progression. The post holder acts as a consistent trusted adult for learners and works in close partnership with Positive Steps to support progression and sustained destinations.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Work and Engagement
* Build strong, trusting relationships with learners through daily contact and consistent presence
* Act as a key trusted adult for learners across all stages of the programme
* Support re‑engagement, motivation and confidence building for young people with complex barriers
* Use trauma informed, restorative approaches to manage behaviour and emotional regulation
* Support learners through anxiety, low mood and moments of disengagement
* Promote positive routines, punctuality and readiness for learning
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
* Act as a safeguarding practitioner within the programme and identify concerns at an early stage
* Record, report and escalation safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policies
* Liaise with safeguarding leads, Positive Steps and external agencies as required
* Carry out daily informal welfare checks and support a safe, calm learning environment
* Support learners to access mental health, wellbeing or specialist support services
* Maintain accurate safeguarding and wellbeing records
Learning Support and Inclusion
* Provide informal learning support during construction sessions, working alongside the tutor
* Help learners understand instructions, break tasks into manageable steps and remain on task
* Support learners with additional needs to access practical activities safely and confidently
* Encourage development of communication, teamwork and confidence through activity
* Support applied English, maths or digital tasks in context where required
* Promote inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments
Attendance, Behaviour and Routine
* Monitor daily attendance and punctuality
* Follow up non‑attendance on the same day where learners do not arrive
* Support learners to build routines gradually, particularly at early engagement stages
* Contribute to individual support plans where engagement or behaviour becomes a concern
* Maintain clear and accurate records of engagement and progress
Progression and Transitions
* Work collaboratively with Positive Steps staff to support careers engagement and decision making
* Encourage learner participation in progression activities such as tasters, interviews and visits
* Support learners with preparation for college interviews, apprenticeships or employment
* Maintain appropriate contact with learners during the transition and taper phase post exit
* Help reduce drop‑off during the first weeks of a new placement
Team and Programme Working
* Work closely with the construction tutor to plan supportive and inclusive delivery
* Contribute to case discussions, reviews and programme evaluation
* Support a calm, respectful and positive learning culture
* Follow organisational safeguarding, health and safety and data protection procedures
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications Desirable Criteria
* Recognised youth work qualification or equivalent professional experience
* Mental health first aid or wellbeing related training
Experience Essential Criteria
* Experience of working with vulnerable or disengaged young people aged 14–25
* Strong youth work, mentoring or engagement background
* Ability to build trust quickly with young people with complex needs
* Calm, resilient and reflective approach to behaviour and emotional regulation
* Confidence working in informal, practical and non‑classroom environments
* Good communication, recording and partnership working skills
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of acting as a safeguarding officer or deputy
* Experience working with NEET learners or post‑16 re‑engagement provision
* Understanding of SEND, additional needs or trauma informed practice
* Experience working alongside vocational or construction tutors
Specialist Knowledge Essential Criteria
* Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection processes
IT Skills Essential Criteria
* Sound understanding of Microsoft Office package – Word, email
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