At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality pastoral support to young people aged 16-25 with SEMH needs.
- Company: Marsh Lane College, dedicated to transforming lives through strong relationships.
- Benefits: Make a genuine difference, ongoing professional development, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Small class sizes and a personalised approach to education.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and help young people thrive in a safe, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with young adults and commitment to trauma-informed practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role: To provide high-quality pastoral support to young people aged 16-25 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, helping them to develop confidence, resilience, independence and the skills needed for adulthood. The Pastoral Support Worker will build meaningful relationships with students, support emotional wellbeing, promote engagement in learning, and contribute to a safe, inclusive and aspirational college community.
This role is ideal for someone who believes that strong relationships, consistency and high aspirations can transform the life chances of vulnerable young people.
Our Values:
- Every young person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and unconditional positive regard.
- Relationships are the foundation for meaningful change and progress.
- Behaviour is a form of communication.
- Young people thrive when they feel safe, understood and valued.
- High aspirations and appropriate support enable students to achieve outcomes they may never have believed possible.
- Preparation for adulthood, independence and community participation is central to everything we do.
Responsibilities would include:
Pastoral & Behaviour Support
- Act as a key worker for identified students, building strong and trusting relationships.
- Provide 1:1 mentoring and support for students with behavioural or emotional needs.
- Support students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.
- Use de-escalation strategies to manage challenging behaviour.
- Implement responsive co-regulation plans and ensure these are regularly updated to reflect progress.
- Promote positive behaviour and engagement across the college.
Intervention & Support
- Deliver targeted interventions such as ELSA, trauma-informed practice (TIP), or DDP-informed support.
- Support students in developing emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills.
- Adapt approaches to meet the needs of individual students.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record the impact of interventions.
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
- Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider safeguarding team.
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with college policies.
- Support early intervention for vulnerable students.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records.
Engagement & Inclusion
- Support students at risk of exclusion or disengagement.
- Assist with reintegration following suspension or absence.
- Promote attendance, punctuality, and participation.
- Support students during unstructured times (break/lunch/transitions).
Collaboration
- Work closely with teaching staff, SENCo, and pastoral teams.
- Liaise with parents/carers and external agencies where required.
- Contribute to a consistent and supportive school environment.
Preparation for Adulthood
- Support students to develop independence, self-advocacy and life skills.
- Encourage participation in work experience, enrichment and community activities.
- Support students in identifying and working towards personal goals.
- Promote confidence in preparation for employment, further education and independent living.
Student Voice & Belonging
- Support students to contribute to college life and decision-making.
- Promote inclusion, equality and positive relationships.
- Help create opportunities for students to celebrate success and develop a sense of belonging.
Person Specification:
The right candidate would be passionate about working within a trauma-informed, relational approach that prioritises safety, connection, co-regulation and restorative practice.
Essential Skills
- Ability to build authentic and professional relationships with young adults aged 16-25.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and relational practice.
- Understanding that behaviour often reflects unmet needs, anxiety, communication difficulties or previous adverse experiences.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries whilst demonstrating warmth and empathy.
- Commitment to promoting independence rather than dependence.
Desirable Skills
- Experience supporting young people with SEMH, autism, ADHD or attachment needs.
- Experience within post-16 SEND, specialist education or alternative provision.
- Knowledge of Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
Why join our team?
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs.
- A relational and trauma-informed culture where staff wellbeing matters.
- Small class sizes and a personalised approach to education.
- Ongoing professional development in SEMH, safeguarding and therapeutic approaches.
- Access to employee wellbeing support and Wellhub.
- The opportunity to work as part of a highly committed multidisciplinary team.
Pastoral Support employer: Oaktree Education Services
At Marsh Lane College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both our staff and students. Our commitment to a relational and trauma-informed culture ensures that employee wellbeing is prioritised, while ongoing professional development opportunities empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH needs. With small class sizes and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach, you will find a rewarding career where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Oaktree Education Services Recruitment Team
