Child & Youth Support Worker

Paragon Social Care; March; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/Agency contract

PAYE including holiday pay

12-hour shifts (days/nights)

Supervision and training

Progression opportunities

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Paragon Social Care is seeking a Mental Health Support Worker to assist young people aged 11–17 with complex emotional and mental health needs. You will work in a crisis/long-term provision, building trust and providing consistent, compassionate care across day and night shifts.

Your role emphasizes emotional safety, practical support, and collaborative planning with professionals to ensure coordinated care for each young person. A strong commitment to safeguarding is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable young people or in crisis support.
• Full UK driving license with access to own vehicle is desirable.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and short-notice shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support daily living and routines to promote stability and wellbeing.
• Provide trauma-informed therapeutic support and guidance.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, interventions and communications.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Trauma-informed

Empathy

Teamwork

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Support Worker
Location: Peterborough/ Cambridgeshire
Salary: £17.50-£24.00 PAYE including holiday pay
Contract Type: Flexible/Agency Contract
Hours: 12 hour shifts- Days/Nights

About Us

At Paragon Social Care, we are committed to supporting young people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We believe that lasting change happens through safe, trusting relationships and that every young person deserves to feel understood, valued and supported. Our team provides compassionate, trauma-informed support for young people aged 11–17 experiencing complex emotional and mental health needs.

The Role

We are seeking an empathic, resilient and proactive Crisis Support Worker to be apart of our specialist team supporting a young person with complex emotional, behavioural and mental health needs within a long-term solo provision. This is an opportunity to become a consistent, trusted adult in a young person’s life where relationships are the key intervention.

Every shift is about helping the young person feel emotionally safe, developing trust through everyday interactions, encouraging independence and supporting them through moments of distress with patience, empathy and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

Support Daily Living and Routines- Encourage engagement in daily routines and activities that promote stability, structure, and wellbeing within the home. Plan and participate in various activities and fun days out to promote social and recreational development.

Provide Therapeutic Support and Guidance- Use evidence-based techniques (e.g.Trauma informed, grounding, emotional regulation strategies) to support recovery and help build the young person’s resilience. Prioritise the safety and security of the young person at all times.

Maintain Accurate Records- Document all incidents, interventions, and communications in accordance with safeguarding, legal, and requirements for the organisation.

Participate in Supervision and Training- Engage in regular supervision, reflective practice, and mandatory training to maintain professional standards and emotional resilience.

Transporting the Young Person- Ensuring the young person is taken to appointments, activities or education as accordingly.

Work Collaboratively with Key Stakeholders- Liaise with external professionals (e.g. CAMHS, social workers, emergency services) to ensure coordinated care and appropriate escalation when needed.

Could you be the right fit for us?

• Can you remain calm, patient and emotionally regulated during highly challenging situations?
• Are you naturally curious about the reasons behind behaviour rather than simply reacting to it?
• Can you build trust with a young person who may initially struggle to trust adults?
• Do you understand the importance of consistency, routine and relationship-based care?
• Can you celebrate small successes and help young people recognise their own strengths?
• Are you resilient enough to return each day with warmth, compassion and professionalism, even after difficult shifts?
• Are you flexible with your working rota and will be able to work evenings, weekends and at short notice?
• Do you hold a full UK driving license and have access to your own vehicle?

Experience within prison services, secure setting or hospital would be a bonus as well as mental health, youth work, social care, or psychology qualifications.

What We Offer

• A supportive, inclusive, and trauma-informed working environment
• A competitive hourly rate with great opportunities for progression
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions
• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people
• Casual dress – Wear something that is comfy, appropriate, and allows you to complete the job to the best of your ability
• Referral bonus packages – We want to give back to you as a support staff, recommend a friend when you come on board for a great referral bonus
• 3 day physical intervention training course provided free of charge with certificates provided for your personal development

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all shortlisted candidates must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks which includes an Enhanced DBS Check.