Youth Worker Job Preston | Secondary School Support

Are you a passionate and experienced Youth Worker looking to make a significant impact on young lives? This thriving secondary school in Preston, Lancashire, is seeking a dedicated individual to enhance our pastoral and student support services. This is a vital role focused on empowering students, promoting their well-being, and fostering a positive school experience.

Located in the vibrant city of Preston, this school is a welcoming and inclusive secondary school committed to supporting every student's academic and personal growth. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people feel valued, understood, and confident to achieve their full potential. Our comprehensive pastoral care system is central to our success, and the Youth Worker role is a key component of this.

The Opportunity: As a Youth Worker at our Preston secondary school, you will play a crucial role in supporting students' holistic development. You will work directly with young people, individually and in groups, addressing their social, emotional, and practical needs, and helping them to overcome challenges. This position is ideal for a professional with a proven track record in youth engagement, mentoring, and support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building positive relationships with students, acting as a trusted mentor and role model.
• Providing pastoral support and guidance to students on a range of issues, including attendance, behaviour, emotional well-being, and social challenges.
• Developing and facilitating youth work programmes, workshops, and activities that promote personal and social development, life skills, and healthy choices.
• Working with students at risk of disengagement, offering early intervention and support to improve attendance, behaviour, and academic outcomes.
• Collaborating closely with teachers, the SENCO, pastoral leads, and other school staff to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.
• Liaising with parents/carers and external agencies (e.g., social services, mental health services) to ensure comprehensive support for students.
• Identifying and responding to students' emerging needs, including safeguarding concerns, and making appropriate referrals.
• Promoting student voice and participation within the school community.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records of interactions and interventions.
• Contributing to the overall positive ethos and safeguarding culture of the school.

The Ideal Candidate:

• A relevant qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, Education, Counselling, or a related field (e.g., a degree in Youth Work, or significant professional experience).
• Proven experience working directly with young people, particularly adolescents, in an educational, community, or support setting.
• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people today and effective strategies for support and engagement.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and maintain professional boundaries.
• Patience, empathy, resilience, and a non-judgemental approach.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour constructively and promote positive social interactions.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including record-keeping.
• A proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused approach.
• A deep commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

What We Offer:

• A highly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people in a Preston secondary school.
• A supportive and collaborative pastoral team and school community.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• The chance to develop and implement innovative youth work initiatives.

How to Apply: If you are an experienced and passionate Youth Worker seeking a fulfilling role in a Preston secondary school, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this position to (url removed).

Closing Date: open-ended.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and satisfactory professional references.