At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people academically and personally in a secure setting.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to nurturing young minds in North Leeds.
- Benefits: Free CPD, dedicated consultant support, and opportunities for long-term roles.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on positive relationships and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, or similar roles.
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker or Youth Worker looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference? Milk Education is working in partnership with a specialist secure children’s setting in North Leeds, supporting the education and development of young people who require a highly structured, nurturing and consistent environment.
We are looking for resilient, patient and emotionally intelligent education and support professionals who are confident working with young people who may present with challenging behaviour, complex social needs, SEMH needs or difficult life experiences. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to move away from a traditional classroom environment and work within a specialist setting where relationships, consistency and trust are at the heart of the role.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant or Support Worker, you will work closely with education and care professionals to support young people both academically and personally. Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support during education sessions
- Supporting young people to engage positively with learning
- Building trusting and professional relationships with young people
- Supporting pupils with SEMH, behavioural and additional needs
- Helping young people regulate their emotions and manage challenging situations
- Promoting positive behaviour and reinforcing clear boundaries
- Supporting engagement, confidence and independence
- Working as part of a wider multidisciplinary team
- Maintaining a safe, structured and positive environment
- Encouraging young people to recognise their strengths and make positive progress
Who We’re Looking For
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience as:
- Teaching Assistants
- Learning Support Assistants
- Behaviour Support Workers
- Youth Workers
- Residential Support Workers
- SEN Support Workers
- Pastoral Support Workers
- Cover Supervisors
- Sports Coaches with strong behaviour-management experience
- Graduates with relevant experience supporting vulnerable young people
Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, trauma, safeguarding, SEND, youth justice or children in care would be highly desirable. You do not necessarily need experience working within a secure setting. What matters most is that you are confident, consistent, calm under pressure and able to build positive relationships with young people who may initially find it difficult to trust adults.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be someone who:
- Is patient, resilient and emotionally mature
- Can remain calm in challenging situations
- Has strong boundaries and behaviour-management skills
- Understands the importance of safeguarding
- Can build relationships without being judgemental
- Is consistent and reliable
- Can work effectively as part of a wider team
- Wants to support young people to make meaningful progress
- Is passionate about helping young people who may have experienced significant challenges
Why Milk Education?
As a Milk Education candidate, you will receive:
- Free CPD through Milk Academy – choose from a range of training courses
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
- Access to specialist education and support opportunities across Leeds and West Yorkshire
- Regular check-ins and career guidance
- Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
Interested?
If you’re an experienced Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Youth Worker or education professional looking for a more specialist and rewarding role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Milk Education to discuss the opportunity in confidence. All applicants will be subject to the necessary safeguarding and compliance checks.
Specialist Teaching Assistants & Support Staff – Secure Children’s Setting in Leeds employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistants & Support Staff – Secure Children’s Setting in Leeds
✨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 Milk Education.
✨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 Milk Education!
✨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 Milk Education, 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 Milk Education 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 Specialist Teaching Assistants & Support Staff – Secure Children’s Setting in Leeds
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 Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk Education! 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 Milk Education
✨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.
