Job Title: Youth Worker
Location: Bradford
Contract Type: Full-time / Term-time
Salary: £100-£110 per day
Employer: Independent Alternative Provision School
We are currently recruiting a Youth Worker to support young people within a specialist alternative provision in Bradford. This setting works with children and young people who may present with challenging behaviour and are often described as "hard to reach" learners, requiring a patient, consistent, and trauma-informed approach.
The provision operates across two sites - a main education site and a outdoor learning based site, offering practical, outdoor and therapeutic learning opportunities. The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work across both settings as required.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide targeted support to young people within both classroom and alternative learning environments
* Build positive, trusting relationships with learners who may be disengaged from mainstream education
* Support behaviour management in line with organisational policies and agreed strategies
* Work towards individual targets set out in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
* Maintain accurate records relating to progress, behaviour and engagement
* Support learners with emotional regulation, social development and life skills
* Work collaboratively with teaching staff, SEND professionals and external agencies
* Promote positive engagement, self-esteem and achievement among young people
The Young People
* Aged 11-16
* Present with social, emotional and mental health needs
* Some learners may display challenging behaviour linked to trauma or adverse experiences
* Require consistent boundaries, empathy and creative engagement strategies
Person Specification
* Minimum of 6 months experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour would be advantageous (personal or professional capacity)
* Experience working with disengaged or "hard to reach" young people
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Experience working within safeguarding policies and procedures
Desirable Experience
* Experience delivering targeted or intervention-based work
* Experience working in alternative provision, youth work or specialist education settings
* Experience liaising with external agencies and partner organisations
Qualifications (desirable)
* Youth Work qualification or related field
* First Aid qualification
Knowledge & Understanding
* Understanding of creative and practical ways to engage young people
* Awareness of social issues affecting young people
* Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Skills & Abilities
* Strong communication skills with young people, families and professionals
* Ability to de-escalate challenging situations calmly and professionally
* Problem-solving and reflective practice skills
* Basic IT skills for record keeping and reporting
* Ability to promote young peoples achievements positively
Personal Attributes
* Patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
* Able to build rapport with young people who may mistrust adults
* Values equality, diversity and inclusion
* Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries
* Motivated, reliable and flexible in approach