At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in an Alternative Provision setting, fostering emotional wellbeing and personal development.
- Company: Engage Education, dedicated to empowering youth through compassionate support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive consultant by your side.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on positive outcomes and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or mentoring, with a passion for supporting vulnerable children.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are working in partnership with a specialist Alternative Provision setting in Bradford seeking a dedicated Youth Worker to join their team from September 2026. The setting supports children and young people from KS1 to KS3 who have been, or are at risk of being, excluded from mainstream education. The provision supports pupils with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma-related behaviours, and additional challenges linked to adverse childhood experiences. Many pupils may present with challenging behaviour and require consistent, therapeutic, and relationship-focused support from trusted adults.
The school is looking for a resilient and compassionate Youth Worker who can build meaningful relationships with young people while maintaining clear boundaries and high expectations. The ideal candidate will be calm under pressure, nurturing in approach, and passionate about helping vulnerable children overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
Your Role
- Providing one-to-one and small group support to pupils with additional behavioural, emotional, and social needs
- Acting as a positive role model and trusted adult to support young people’s emotional wellbeing and personal development
- Supporting pupils who may experience dysregulation, challenging behaviour, or difficulties with trust and authority
- Building positive relationships that promote safety, structure, confidence, and engagement
- Encouraging resilience, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and positive behaviour choices
- Supporting pupils both inside and outside of the classroom environment
- Working collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, families, and external agencies
- Supporting young people to develop coping strategies, improve social skills, and re‑engage with education
- Providing feedback on pupil progress, wellbeing, and behaviour
The Children You Will Support
- Have SEMH needs and trauma-related behaviours
- Be at risk of exclusion or returning from periods out of education
- Require support with emotional regulation, confidence, and social interaction
- Display challenging behaviours including verbal outbursts, refusal, or dysregulation
- Need consistent routines, boundaries, positive relationships, and strong role models
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- Is calm, resilient, and able to remain professional in challenging situations
- Can build trust and rapport while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations
- Has a nurturing and empathetic approach, while understanding the importance of structure and accountability
- Is passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people to reach their potential
- Works well as part of a wider pastoral, safeguarding, and support team
- Understands the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on behaviour and development
Ideal Backgrounds Include
- Youth work or mentoring vulnerable young people
- Residential care or support work with Looked After Children (LAC)
- Experience within Alternative Provision, PRUs, or SEMH settings
- Young Offender Institution (YOI) or youth justice experience
- Behaviour support, pastoral, or family support roles
- Community outreach, support work, or intervention programmes
- Sports coaching, mentoring, or engagement work with young people
The Ideal Candidate Will Be
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to think on their feet
- Confident supporting and de‑escalating challenging behaviour using calm and consistent approaches
- Able to form positive, professional relationships with young people
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children facing barriers to education
- Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and supporting every child to succeed
Why Choose Engage Education
- Competitive pay in line with Agency Worker Regulations
- A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support and guidance
- Access to free CPD and training opportunities delivered by experienced education leaders
- £50 Amazon voucher referral scheme
All candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Full assistance will be provided. By applying for this role, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your details securely in line with GDPR requirements.
Youth Worker, Bradford (September 2026 start) employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Youth Workers in Bradford. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from access to free CPD and training opportunities, alongside competitive pay and a dedicated consultant for ongoing support. The company fosters a culture of compassion and resilience, empowering staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people while promoting their emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Worker, Bradford (September 2026 start)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the youth work sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting vulnerable young people. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to youth work. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience and empathy. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in young people's lives!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Worker, Bradford (September 2026 start)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it helps us see your genuine commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Youth Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description, especially those related to SEMH needs and building relationships with young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how they relate to the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Youth Worker in an Alternative Provision setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by pupils with SEMH needs and how your experience aligns with their requirements.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've supported vulnerable young people in the past. Highlight your nurturing approach and how you've built trust and rapport while maintaining boundaries.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Expect questions about handling challenging behaviour. Prepare scenarios where you successfully de-escalated situations or provided support to young people in distress. This will showcase your resilience and ability to remain professional.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your collaborative spirit by discussing how you’ve worked with teaching staff, families, and external agencies in previous roles. Emphasise your commitment to being part of a wider support team focused on improving outcomes for children.