At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable teens with emotional and behavioural challenges in a school setting.
- Company: Dynamic educational institution focused on mental health and inclusion.
- Benefits: Standard school hours, weekends off, and a clear career pathway.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to transforming education for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care or youth work, with strong crisis management skills.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview. Read the complete job description below.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire (FY postcodes)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary-to-Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Term-time only | No night shifts, no weekends, no sleep-ins)
Swap 12-Hour Shifts and Sleep-Ins for Term-Time School Hours.
Are you currently working as a Children's Residential Support Worker (RSW), Residential Care Officer, or Youth Care Worker in Blackpool, feeling burned out by erratic shift patterns, 24-hour rotas, and waking nights? Your crisis de-escalation skills, trauma-informed instincts, and ability to build trust with vulnerable teenagers are in high demand in educational settings.
We are recruiting experienced residential care staff looking to transition their skill set into a structured, daytime role within an Alternative Provision (AP) and SEMH School in Blackpool. You will support Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students (ages 11-16) who face complex social, emotional, mental health, or trauma-related barriers to education.
Why Transfer from Residential Care to Alternative Provision?
- Balanced Working Lifestyle: Standard school hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM). Every evening, weekend, and school holiday off.
- Direct Application of Skills: You already understand PACE principles, trauma-informed care, and non-confrontational boundary setting - the exact pillars of alternative education.
- Micro-Ratios & Supportive Teams: Work 1:1 or within small group rooms (3 to 6 pupils) alongside dedicated class teachers and pastoral leads.
- Clear Career Pathway: Structured temp-to-perm transition offering immediate placement security with a smooth route onto a permanent school contract.
Key Responsibilities
- 1:1 and Small-Group Mentoring: Provide emotional regulation and behavioural support to pupils who have experienced trauma, school breakdown, or placement instability.
- De-Escalation & Crisis Prevention: Intervene early using low-arousal, therapeutic techniques to defuse frustration and support co-regulation.
- Re-Engagement with Learning: Guide learners through functional academic tasks, life skills, vocational workshops, and outdoor activities.
- Multi-Agency & Safeguarding Alignment: Maintain clear CPOMS/pastoral notes, tracking emotional baselines and working closely with the DSL, SENCo, and external social work teams.
Children's Residential Support Worker to SEMH / (AP) Mentor in Queenstown employer: Tradewind Recruitment Careers
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer for teachers seeking a fulfilling role in Barnet primary schools. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and transparent pay structures, we empower educators to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Our focus on personalised learning and support for diverse needs ensures that every teacher can contribute to a vibrant educational environment.
Contact Details:
Tradewind Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Support Worker to SEMH / (AP) Mentor in Queenstown
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers.
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers!
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers, 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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers 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 Children's Residential Support Worker to SEMH / (AP) Mentor in Queenstown
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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tradewind Recruitment Careers! 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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers
✨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.