At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with mental health challenges and help them thrive in education.
- Company: Axcis Education, a supportive partner to schools in Cardiff.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible roles, professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to creating safe and nurturing environments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them reach their potential.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth support, strong communication skills, and emotional resilience.
The predicted salary is between 14.25 - 14.25 £ per hour.
Make a real difference to a young person’s day — and their future. Are you passionate about supporting young people and helping them overcome challenges, build confidence and reach their potential? Axcis Education is working in partnership with welcoming and supportive schools across Cardiff that provide specialist education for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are looking for compassionate, patient and resilient Youth Mental Health Support Workers to join their teams.
You’ll work closely with young people who may experience anxiety, depression, attachment difficulties, behavioural challenges or self-harm. Every pupil has an EHCP relating to SEMH, and the schools are committed to creating safe, nurturing environments where every young person can feel understood, valued and supported.
About the role: As a Youth Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll play an important role in helping pupils feel safe, develop emotional resilience and engage positively with their education. You’ll provide 1:1 support and work with small groups, building trusting relationships and using a calm, consistent and nurturing approach to help young people manage their emotions and overcome barriers to learning. No two days will be exactly the same, but your role may include:
- Providing tailored 1:1 emotional and therapeutic support
- Supporting or co-leading small-group sessions focused on wellbeing, emotional regulation and social development
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and helping them recognise and celebrate their progress
- Working closely with teachers and therapeutic staff to put SEMH-informed strategies into practice
- Supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience and positive coping strategies
- Helping to maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive environment
- Following safeguarding procedures and contributing to the wider wellbeing of pupils
The schools use research-informed SEMH approaches, including clear routines, calm and consistent boundaries, strong relationships and reflective safe spaces.
What you can expect: You’ll be joining a welcoming, collaborative team where your contribution is genuinely valued. There are opportunities for professional development, including SEMH Safe Haven training and safeguarding conferences, alongside the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with young people in specialist educational settings. We can offer a range of flexible opportunities, including:
- Short-term and long-term positions
- Part-time and full-time roles
- Permanant opportunities
Could this be you? You don’t necessarily need years of experience — we’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a difference. You may already have experience working with young people with SEMH needs, or you may have experience in areas such as education, youth work, social care, counselling or support work and be looking to take your next step. We’re particularly interested in people who have:
- A genuine passion for supporting young people
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Patience, empathy and emotional resilience
- Confidence using calm, nurturing and structured approaches
- The ability to respond positively to challenging behaviour
- A strong understanding of the importance of safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion
You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face-to-face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role. Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience. Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up-to-date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines.
Youth Mental Health Support Worker in Cardiff employer: Axcis Education
Axcis Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. Located in the vibrant area of Stoke Newington, London, employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment that fosters personal growth. With a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with PMLD and complex needs, Axcis Education stands out as a rewarding place to work for those passionate about education and care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Mental Health Support Worker in Cardiff
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Axcis Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Axcis Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Axcis Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Axcis Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Mental Health Support Worker in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Axcis Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Axcis Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axcis Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
