Engagement (Youth) Worker – Alternative Provision

Axcis Education; 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 Key Stage 4 pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs at a specialist Alternative Provision in Central Bristol. This is a full-time, term-time only role with long-term continuity to the end of the academic year.

You will build strong relationships, provide academic support, mentor students, and help with work placements in the local community, while collaborating with teaching staff to maintain a safe, structured

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour in young people.
• Background in TA, youth work, mentoring or engagement encouraged.
• Resilient, patient and calm in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Support KS4 pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Act as a consistent mentor and positive role model.
• Support pupils with academic work and re-engage with education.
• Help students develop confidence, resilience, communication and employability skills.
• 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 next steps beyond education, including employment or further training.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behavioural needs

Youth work background

Mentoring/Engagement

Education

Education background desirable

Job description

November 2026 Start • Full-time • Long-term to End of Academic Year • Term-time Only Pay: £92–£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, making it accessible by public transport.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant / Engagement Worker, you will:

• 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

We’re looking for someone who:

• 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: November 2026
• Duration: Long‑term to the end of the academic year
• Hours: Full‑time, Monday to Friday, term‑time only
• Pay: £92–£100 per day (dependent on experience)

Contact

Contact: Dan Davey

Telephone: [phone] | Ext: 2003

Equal Opportunities

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.

Safeguarding

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).

Legal Exemptions

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.

Agency Information

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short‑term and long‑term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

Qualification and Interview

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.