re you currently working in children's residential care or youth mental health and looking to swap unsociable shift patterns for term-time school hours?We are seeking a resilient, compassionate, and grounded Mental Health & Behaviour Support Mentor with a background in Children's Residential Care, CAMHS, or Youth Mental Health to join a forward-thinking secondary school in Blackpool.This role is designed specifically for professionals who already understand complex trauma, attachment disorders, and emotional dysregulation. You will bring your de-escalation skills and therapeutic mindset into a mainstream and pastoral secondary school environment-acting as a vital bridge between emotional wellbeing and educational engagement.Best of all, you get to keep making the deep, positive impact you love while working Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, with all school holidays off.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
- Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group pastoral support to secondary students (ages 11-16) facing mental health challenges, chronic anxiety, school refusal, or complex trauma.
- Support pupils in times of crisis, providing safe spaces and using therapeutic de-escalation and emotion coaching to help them regulate and return to learning.
- Deliver targeted mental health and wellbeing interventions focused on emotional resilience, healthy coping strategies, and self-esteem.
- Support students in the classroom to maintain focus and engagement, advocating for their emotional needs with class teachers.
- Collaborate closely with the school's Safeguarding Lead, SENCO, Heads of Year, and external agencies (such as CASHER, CAMHS, and Social Services).
- Keep clear, accurate pastoral and safeguarding records following school child protection policies.
Who We Are Looking For
- Background: Proven experience as a Residential Support Worker (Children's Homes / Semi-Independent Living), Youth Mental Health Practitioner, CAMHS Support Worker, or Therapeutic Care Worker.
- Understanding of Needs: Solid, practical understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), developmental trauma, attachment difficulties, and SEMH.
- De-escalation Skills: Calm under high-stress situations; trained in positive handling or de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA, or Restorative Practice) is highly desirable.
- Mindset: Non-judgmental, authentic, highly empathetic, and resilient-someone who naturally builds trust with vulnerable, hard-to-reach teenagers.
- Safeguarding: An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one immediately) and fully checkable reference history.
Location: Based in or easily commutable across Blackpool, Fylde, or Wyre (FY1-FY5).
Why Transition to Education?
- Say Goodbye to Shift Work: Standard school hours only-no night shifts, sleep-ins, 12-hour rotations, or working over Christmas and bank holidays.
- 13 Weeks Holiday: Enjoy every school holiday off, allowing genuine work-life balance and time to recharge.
- Long-Term Consistency: A permanent routine working with the same cohort of young people across the academic year.
- Weekly PAYE Pay: Reliable, transparent daily rates paid directly every Friday with no umbrella fees.
Residential Support Worker, Children's Residential, CAMHS, Mental Health Support, Youth Worker, Trauma-Informed, Secondary School, High School, Blackpool, FY1, FY2, FY3, FY4, Fylde Coast, Term-Time Only, PAYE.
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Residential Support Worker & Mental Health Support employer: Tradewind Recruitment LTD.
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs. With competitive pay, flexible opportunities across Croydon, and access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values inclusivity and empowers you to thrive in your role as a SEND Teaching Assistant.
Contact Details:
Tradewind Recruitment LTD. Recruitment Team
