At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students facing personal challenges and provide 1:1 mentoring.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, dedicated to student wellbeing and support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, weekly pay, and free training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and build meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or education, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
Every secondary school has students who need more than academic support - young people navigating difficult home circumstances, friendship breakdowns, mental health challenges, or simply struggling to find their place. Teaching Personnel is recruiting a Pastoral Support Officer for a long-term temporary position across secondary schools in Durham from September 2026, to work directly with those students. This isn't a classroom support role. It's a people role. You'll be working within the pastoral and inclusion team, building trusted relationships with some of the school's most vulnerable students, and acting as a consistent, reliable presence for young people who may not have many of those in their lives.
If you have a background in youth work, social care, mental health support, or education - and you're drawn to the relational, interventional side of school life rather than the purely academic - this is a role worth exploring.
What the role involves:
- Acting as a key point of contact for students experiencing personal, social, or emotional difficulties
- Delivering structured 1:1 mentoring and pastoral support sessions
- Working alongside the SENCO, heads of year, and wider pastoral team
- Liaising with families and external agencies where appropriate
- Monitoring attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing and contributing to reviews
- Supporting reintegration after exclusion or prolonged absence
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to individual support plans
The right candidate will bring:
- Experience in a pastoral, youth work, social care, or educational support role
- A warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach
- Confidence working with young people who present with complex needs
- Strong communication skills across students, staff, and families
- An understanding of safeguarding and its application in a school setting
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service
- A relevant qualification in youth work, mental health, or education is desirable
With Teaching Personnel you'll receive:
- Competitive daily rates reflecting your experience
- Weekly pay via PAYE
- Dedicated consultant support
- Free CPD and pastoral development training
- Opportunities for permanent employment
Pastoral Support Worker in North East employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Pastoral Support Workers in Durham. With a focus on personal development, competitive daily rates, and dedicated consultant support, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable students. The company fosters a culture of empathy and collaboration, ensuring that staff have access to free CPD and pastoral development training, paving the way for career growth and permanent opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Worker in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Teaching Personnel, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Worker in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Teaching Personnel. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Teaching Personnel. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Teaching Personnel.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Pastoral Support Worker role at Teaching Personnel, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Teaching Personnel that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
