At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people at risk of offending, helping them make safer choices and re-engage with education.
- Company: Independent Alternative Provision School dedicated to positive youth development.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work collaboratively across multiple agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with challenging behaviours and a passion for supporting at-risk youth.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 22000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Rotherham
Contract Type: Full-time / Term-time
Salary: £95–£110 per day
Employer: Independent Alternative Provision School
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 Bradford. 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, Rotherham employer: Engage Partners Limited
Contact Detail:
Engage Partners Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Offenders Support Assistant, Rotherham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of youth work or education. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for an informal chat! When you apply through our website, be prepared for a quick phone call or video chat. This is your chance to show off your personality and passion for supporting young people. Keep it casual but professional!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Think of specific examples from your past roles where you’ve made a difference. Whether it’s helping a young person turn their life around or managing a tricky situation, these stories will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and open-minded! The role of a Young Offenders Support Assistant can be unpredictable. Show that you’re adaptable and willing to take on various tasks, whether it’s working outdoors or collaborating with different agencies. It’ll show you’re the right fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Young Offenders Support Assistant, Rotherham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and have the resilience to handle challenging situations.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with young people, especially those at risk or with challenging behaviours. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you fit the role.
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 position. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your Young People
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific challenges young people face in the Rotherham area. Understanding their backgrounds and the issues they may encounter will help you demonstrate your empathy and readiness to support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
This role requires a resilient individual, so be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging situations. Highlight how you maintained a calm demeanour and used problem-solving skills to support young people in distress.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Trauma-Informed Approaches
Make sure you understand trauma-informed care and restorative practices. Be ready to discuss how these approaches can be applied in your work with young offenders, and provide examples of how you've used similar strategies in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since this position involves working with various external agencies, think about your experience in collaborative settings. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and worked alongside other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for young people.