At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people at risk of offending to make positive choices and re-engage with education.
- Company: Independent Alternative Provision School in Leeds focused on youth support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, term-time work, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them find positive pathways.
- Qualifications: Experience with challenging behaviours and a passion for youth support.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 € per year.
We are currently recruiting a Young Offenders Support Assistant to work with young people who are involved with, or at risk of, offending behaviour within a specialist alternative provision in Leeds. This role requires a resilient, proactive, and trauma-informed individual who can support young people to make safer choices, reduce risk, and re-engage with education and positive pathways. The provision supports learners who may present with complex behavioural needs and may be known to services such as Youth Offending Teams (YOT), social care, or other external agencies. The setting operates across two sites – a main education provision and an outdoor learning environment – offering a blend of practical, vocational, and therapeutic approaches. The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work across both.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide targeted support to young people at risk of offending or involved in the youth justice system
- Build positive, professional relationships with learners who may be disengaged from education and authority
- Support behaviour management using restorative and trauma-informed approaches
- Act as a positive role model, promoting pro-social behaviour and decision-making
- Support learners in understanding consequences, choices, and personal responsibility
- Contribute to risk management and intervention strategies
- Work towards individual targets set within EHCPs, behaviour plans, and intervention programmes
- Maintain accurate records relating to behaviour, engagement, and risk factors
- Support emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and life skills development
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, safeguarding leads, and external agencies (e.g. YOT, social care, police)
- Promote engagement, self-esteem, and positive future pathways
The Young People
- Aged 11–16
- Present with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
- May be at risk of or involved in offending behaviour
- May display behaviours linked to trauma, exploitation (CCE), or adverse childhood experiences
- Require clear boundaries, consistency, and strong relational support
Person Specification
- Minimum of 6 months’ experience working with young people with challenging or high-risk behaviours (professional or personal capacity)
- Experience supporting disengaged or “at risk” young people
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team
- Understanding of safeguarding policies and risk management
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within youth justice, YOT, or intervention-based roles
- Experience in alternative provision, youth work, or specialist education settings
- Experience supporting young people involved in anti-social behaviour or offending pathways
- Experience liaising with external agencies and multi-agency teams
Qualifications (Desirable, not essential)
- Youth Work, Criminology, Psychology, or related qualification
- First Aid qualification
Knowledge & Understanding
- Understanding of risk factors linked to youth offending
- Awareness of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), and county lines
- Understanding of trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- Awareness of social and environmental factors impacting young people
Skills & Abilities
- Strong communication skills with young people, families, and professionals
- Ability to de-escalate high-risk and challenging situations calmly
- Ability to manage conflict and support restorative conversations
- Problem-solving and reflective practice skills
- Basic IT skills for record keeping and reporting
- Ability to motivate and inspire positive behavioural change
Personal Attributes
- Resilient, calm, and emotionally intelligent
- Able to build rapport with young people who may mistrust authority or professionals
- Firm but fair approach with clear boundaries
- Values equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Motivated, reliable, and flexible
Young Offenders Support Assistant, Leeds employer: Engage Partners Limited
As an Independent Alternative Provision School in Leeds, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where dedicated individuals can make a real difference in the lives of young people at risk. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our staff have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, while our collaborative culture promotes teamwork and shared success. With a focus on trauma-informed practices and a blend of educational and therapeutic approaches, we offer a unique chance to engage with learners in a meaningful way, all within a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Offenders Support Assistant, Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Independent Alternative Provision School and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the youth support field on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think about your past experiences working with young people, especially those at risk. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations and supported positive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Young Offenders Support Assistant. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a team dedicated to helping young people thrive!
We think you need these skills to ace Young Offenders Support Assistant, Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Young Offenders Support Assistant role. Highlight your experience with young people, especially those at risk or with challenging behaviours, and show how you can bring a trauma-informed approach to the table.
Showcase Relevant Experience:We want to see your experience shining through! Whether it's professional or personal, share specific examples of how you've supported young people in similar situations. This will help us understand your ability to connect with our learners.
Be Authentic:Let your personality come through in your application. We value resilience and emotional intelligence, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations for wanting to work with young people who are at risk. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your Young People
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific challenges young people face in the youth justice system. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and how they can be applied in a supportive role. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences working with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully built relationships, managed conflict, or supported disengaged individuals. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency teams. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve liaised with external agencies like Youth Offending Teams or social care. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of a holistic approach in supporting young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and de-escalation skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving young people at risk of offending. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
