At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and engage young people in a construction-based re-engagement programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on youth empowerment and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only role, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience working with vulnerable youth and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28374 - 32818 £ per year.
The Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker plays a central role within an intensive construction‑based NEET re-engagement programme. The post holder provides day‑to‑day youth work support, safeguarding oversight and informal learning support to young people who are NEET or at significant risk of disengagement. Working with very small cohorts of five to six learners and alongside a construction tutor, the role focuses on relationship building, emotional wellbeing, engagement, attendance and readiness for progression. The post holder acts as a consistent trusted adult for learners and works in close partnership with Positive Steps to support progression and sustained destinations.
Key Responsibilities
- Youth Work and Engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with learners through daily contact and consistent presence
- Act as a key trusted adult for learners across all stages of the programme
- Support re‑engagement, motivation and confidence building for young people with complex barriers
- Use trauma‑informed, restorative approaches to manage behaviour and emotional regulation
- Support learners through anxiety, low mood and moments of disengagement
- Promote positive routines, punctuality and readiness for learning
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Act as a safeguarding practitioner within the programme and identify concerns at an early stage
- Record, report and elevate safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policies
- Liaise with safeguarding leads, Positive Steps and external agencies as required
- Carry out daily informal welfare checks and support a safe, calm learning environment
- Support learners to access mental health, wellbeing or specialist support services
- Maintain accurate safeguarding and wellbeing records
- Learning Support and Inclusion
- Provide informal learning support during construction sessions, working alongside the tutor
- Help learners understand instructions, break tasks into manageable steps and remain on task
- Support learners with additional needs to access practical activities safely and confidently
- Encourage development of communication, teamwork and confidence through activity
- Support applied English, maths or digital tasks in context where required
- Promote inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments
- Attendance, Behaviour and Routine
- Monitor daily attendance and punctuality
- Follow up non‑attendance on the same day where learners do not arrive
- Support learners to build routines gradually, particularly at early engagement stages
- Contribute to individual support plans where engagement or behaviour becomes a concern
- Maintain clear and accurate records of engagement and progress
- Progression and Transitions
- Work collaboratively with Positive Steps staff to support careers engagement and decision making
- Encourage learner participation in progression activities such as tasters, interviews and visits
- Support learners with preparation for college interviews, apprenticeships or employment
- Maintain appropriate contact with learners during the transition and taper phase post‑exit
- Help reduce drop‑off during the first weeks of a new placement
- Team and Programme Working
- Work closely with the construction tutor to plan supportive and inclusive delivery
- Contribute to case discussions, reviews and programme evaluation
- Support a calm, respectful and positive learning culture
- Follow organisational safeguarding, health and safety and data protection procedures
Qualifications
Desirable Criteria
- Recognised youth work qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Mental health first aid or wellbeing related training
Experience
Essential Criteria
- Experience of working with vulnerable or disengaged young people aged 14–25
- Strong youth work, mentoring or engagement background
- Ability to build trust quickly with young people with complex needs
- Calm, resilient and reflective approach to behaviour and emotional regulation
- Confidence working in informal, practical and non‑classroom environments
- Good communication, recording and partnership working skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of acting as a safeguarding officer or deputy
- Experience working with NEET learners or post‑16 re‑engagement provision
- Understanding of SEND, additional needs or trauma‑informed practice
- Experience working alongside vocational or construction tutors
Specialist Knowledge
Essential Criteria
- Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection processes
IT Skills
Essential Criteria
- Sound understanding of Microsoft package – Word, email
Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker (Term Time Only + 4 weeks) in Leeds employer: Hopwood Hall College
As a Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker at our Middleton location, you will be part of a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive work culture that values collaboration, professional development, and emotional wellbeing, offering opportunities for growth and training in youth work and safeguarding practices. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive and progress towards their future goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker (Term Time Only + 4 weeks) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions related to youth engagement and inclusion, and get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for youth work! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've built relationships with young people or supported them through challenges. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker (Term Time Only + 4 weeks) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker. We want to see how you can build those strong, trusting relationships with young people!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your past experiences working with vulnerable or disengaged young people. We’re looking for that strong youth work background, so let us know how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hopwood Hall College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around building relationships and supporting young people with complex needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully engaged with vulnerable or disengaged young people. Highlight any trauma-informed approaches you've used and how you've built trust quickly. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your ability to connect with the learners.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the programme, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's goals.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key when working with young people. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for youth work and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people. This will help the interviewers see you as a potential trusted adult for their learners.
