At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support vulnerable students in overcoming barriers to learning and wellbeing.
- Company: The Brookbank School, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Pension scheme, professional development, free parking, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
The predicted salary is between 22234 - 22234 £ per year.
Salary: Band F (NJC point 16-19) £21,164 - £22,234 per annum. April pay award pending.
Contract: Permanent, term time only plus 3 days. Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:15am to 2:45pm. Start Date: 1st September 2026.
We are seeking to appoint a Bridge Manager to strengthen the support provided to vulnerable Key Stage 3 and 4 students facing barriers to accessing the full curriculum, including mental health and wellbeing challenges. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate the Bridge provision, overseeing planning, delivery, monitoring and quality assurance of personalised learning programmes and resources for students within the provision. This will include supporting successful reintegration into mainstream learning and ensuring provision is responsive to individual student need.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide targeted support for vulnerable students and those with SEND, promoting inclusion, improving attainment, and developing confidence, resilience and independence.
- Plan and deliver personalised learning programmes and targeted interventions to support student engagement, progress and achievement.
- Manage day‑to‑day operation of the Bridge provision, including resources and allocated budgets, to ensure effective and efficient delivery.
- Work collaboratively with staff, parents, carers and external agencies to coordinate support and secure positive outcomes for students.
- Ensure effective safeguarding practice is consistently upheld and the wellbeing, engagement and progress of students remain central.
Qualifications & Requirements
We are looking for an individual with a strong track record of working with young people, alongside the skills, experience and motivation to make a meaningful difference to vulnerable learners. Applicants must be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check and comply with safeguarding commitments.
Benefits
- Automatic enrolment to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
- Supportive and forward‑thinking Leadership Team.
- Staff development through proactive personal and professional development.
- Working as part of a creative and supportive team.
- Free parking.
- Additional holidays linked to service.
- Eye care.
- Annual flu vaccines.
- Home & technology scheme.
- Rewards and discounts.
- GP online and prescription service.
- Your Care wellbeing platform & EAP.
- Lifestyle benefits & discounts.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must behave in a way that supports this commitment. Applicants barred from regulated activity relevant to children are not eligible.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Provision Lead – Bridge Manager - The Brookbank School in Elland employer: Kirklees Council
The Brookbank School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, our forward-thinking leadership team ensures that employees have access to numerous benefits, including automatic enrolment in the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, additional holidays linked to service, and a range of lifestyle discounts. Located in a vibrant community, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable learners while promoting a culture of collaboration and wellbeing among our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Provision Lead – Bridge Manager - The Brookbank School in Elland
✨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 Kirklees Council.
✨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 Kirklees Council!
✨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 Kirklees Council, 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 Kirklees Council 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 Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Provision Lead – Bridge Manager - The Brookbank School in Elland
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 Kirklees Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Council! 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 Kirklees Council
✨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.
