We are currently recruiting confident, resilient, and compassionate Youth Workers and SEN Teaching Assistants to work within a well‑established PRU in Cardiff. This alternative provision supports pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, and Additional Learning Needs (ALN). If you have experience in youth work, SEND education, alternative provision, or behaviour support, this is an excellent opportunity to progress your career within specialist education settings.
About the PRU Role
This Pupil Referral Unit provides structured, supportive education for students who require a more personalised and therapeutic approach to learning. As a Youth Worker, ALN Learning Support Assistant (LSA), or SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support
- Support pupils with SEMH, EBD, ADHD and trauma‑related needs
- Manage and de‑escalate challenging behaviour
- Help deliver personalised learning and behaviour plans
- Promote emotional regulation and resilience
- Build strong, consistent relationships with vulnerable learners
- Maintain a calm, safe and structured environment
This role requires individuals who are calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, and committed to making a positive impact in alternative education.
Who We’re Looking For
To be considered for this PRU Teaching Assistant or Youth Worker job in Cardiff, you must have:
- A minimum of 6 months’ experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour
- Experience within a PRU, SEND school, youth work setting, care environment, or alternative provision
- Strong behaviour management and de‑escalation skills
- A nurturing, patient and resilient approach
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Right to work in the UK
- A full 5‑year employment history with all gaps explained
- Two years of references (including education or care)
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)
Experience with trauma‑informed practice, restorative approaches, or Team Teach‑style strategies is highly desirable.
Working in a PRU in Cardiff offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people who need consistency, structure, and positive role models.
Benefits
- Dedicated education consultants available for ongoing support
- Access to CPD training and professional development
- Guaranteed Payment Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- £100 referral bonus scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Opportunities across PRUs, SEND schools and alternative provisions in Cardiff and surrounding areas
If you are ready to take the next step as a Youth Worker, ALN LSA, or SEN Teaching Assistant, apply today. Our team will contact you to discuss current PRU and SEND vacancies in Cardiff and how we can support your career in specialist education.
Equal Opportunities
TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services. Safeguarding and DBS Compliance Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Worker in Cardiff
✨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 TeacherActive.
✨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 TeacherActive!
✨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 TeacherActive, 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 TeacherActive or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 TeacherActive:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to TeacherActive! 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 TeacherActive
✨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.
