Engagement/Youth Worker

Axcis Education Recruitment; West of England; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education is recruiting a Teaching Assistant or Engagement Worker to support KS4 pupils with SEMH and challenging behaviour at an Alternative Provision in Central Bristol. The role is full-time, term-time only, from ASAP with long-term scope to the end of the academic year.

You will build positive relationships, mentor students, support academic work and help pupils access work experience and placements in the local community. Experience with SEMH is essential.

Qualifications

• SEMH or behavioural needs experience
• Background in teaching assistant work, youth work or mentoring encouraged
• Resilient, patient and calm when dealing with challenging behaviour
• Able to build strong relationships with young people

Responsibilities

• Support KS4 pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Mentor pupils and encourage re-engagement with education
• Support pupils with academic work and employability skills
• Work with staff to provide a safe, structured environment
• Assist with work placements and community-based activities

Skills

Experience with young people

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Mentoring/engagement

Community involvement

Education

Education experience desirable

Job description

ASAP Start Full-time Long-term to End of Academic Year Term-time Only Pay: £92.63–£100 per day (dependent on experience)

Are you a Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, Youth Worker or Engagement Worker looking for a rewarding role supporting young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour? Axcis Education is working with a specialist Alternative Provision in Central Bristol to recruit a resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant or Engagement Worker to support Key Stage 4 pupils who have struggled to access mainstream education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young people and wants a role that goes beyond the traditional classroom.

The provision focuses on re‑engaging pupils with education, developing confidence and preparing students for life beyond school, including supporting them with work experience and placements within the local community.

The setting is conveniently located in Central Bristol, just a few minutes from Temple Meads, making it easily accessible by public transport.

The Role

• Support KS4 pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced difficulties within mainstream education
• Act as a consistent mentor and positive role model
• Support pupils with their academic work and encourage them to re‑engage with education
• Help students develop confidence, resilience, communication and employability skills
• Regularly support pupils with work placements and vocational activities within the local community
• Work alongside teaching, pastoral and support staff to provide a safe and structured environment
• Help students prepare for their next steps beyond education, whether that be employment, further education or training

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience working with young people with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs
• May have a background in Teaching Assistant work, youth work, mentoring, engagement, sports coaching or similar
• Is resilient, patient and calm when dealing with challenging behaviour
• Can build strong and consistent relationships with young people
• Is confident working both inside and outside the classroom
• Is proactive, adaptable and willing to get involved in community‑based activities and work placements
• Is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes

Education experience is desirable, but candidates from youth work, mentoring or similar backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Why Apply?

• A highly rewarding role supporting young people who have struggled within mainstream education
• A varied position combining education, mentoring, engagement and community‑based work
• The opportunity to support pupils with work placements and employability skills
• Work within a specialist Alternative Provision with a strong focus on positive relationships
• Excellent opportunity for candidates looking to develop a career within SEND, SEMH, youth work or alternative education
• Ongoing support and professional development through Axcis Education
• Long‑term work through to the end of the academic year

Key Details

• Role: Teaching Assistant / Engagement Worker
• Location: Central Bristol
• Setting: Alternative Provision
• Pupils: Key Stage 4
• Needs: SEMH and challenging behaviour
• Start Date: ASAP
• Duration: Long‑term to the end of the academic year
• Hours: Full‑time, Monday to Friday, term‑time only
• Pay: £92.63–£100 per day (dependent on experience)

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.