Graduate Youth Worker - Alternative Provision / Behaviour Support

Axcis Education Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education recruitment firm is seeking a Graduate Youth Worker in Fishponds, Bristol. This role involves supporting young people with emotional and behavioral challenges in a tailored learning environment. Candidates should hold a relevant degree such as Youth Work or Psychology and have experience or a keen interest in mentoring youth. The position offers training, competitive pay starting from £450/week, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to students' lives.

Benefits

Specialist training in behaviour support

Ongoing coaching and support

Competitive pay

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting young people facing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Experience in mentoring or supporting youths in various settings.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in small groups and one-to-one.
• Help students regulate emotions during difficult situations.
• Build trusting relationships with learners.

Skills

Behaviour management skills

Communication

Building rapport

Resilience

Patience

Education

Degree in Youth Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field

Job description

Graduate Youth Worker – Alternative Provision / Behaviour Support (Fishponds, Bristol) Location: Fishponds, Bristol Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm Pay: From £450/week Start date: ASAP, or 5th January 2026

Are you a recent graduate with a passion for supporting young people who face social, emotional, or behavioural challenges? Do you want to make a real difference in a setting designed to re‑engage learners who have struggled in mainstream education? We are recruiting for a Graduate Youth Worker to join a specialist alternative provision in Fishponds that supports pupils aged 11–16 with significant behavioural, social, and emotional needs.

About the Setting

This alternative provision offers high levels of pastoral support, small class sizes, and personalised learning for pupils who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion. Many students present with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties, low self‑esteem, and barriers linked to trauma or unstable home environments. The staff team works closely with external agencies, youth services, pastoral teams, and mental health professionals to create a safe, consistent space where young people can rebuild confidence and re‑engage with learning. The academy offers ongoing coaching, specialist training, and the chance to work within a highly committed and experienced behaviour support team.

Why This Role is Perfect for a Graduate Exploring Youth Work or Behaviour Support

• Develop advanced behaviour management skills, including de‑escalation and restorative approaches
• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people who may struggle to connect with adults
• Gain insight into ACEs, attachment, trauma, adverse experiences, and contextual safeguarding
• Learn modern practice models used by youth offending teams, pastoral services, and mental health professionals
• Support young people in crisis, helping them regulate, reflect, and re‑engage
• Strengthen your confidence working with challenging behaviour, conflict, and emotional dysregulation
• See real progress over time as pupils build resilience, self‑esteem, and coping strategies

What You’ll Gain

• First‑hand experience with young people facing significant behavioural and emotional challenges
• Specialist training in trauma‑informed practice, relational approaches, and behaviour de‑escalation
• Experience collaborating with pastoral teams, safeguarding leads, and external agencies
• A deeper understanding of adolescent behaviour, motivation, and risk factors
• A pathway into long‑term AP/SEND careers or postgraduate training
• Opportunity for a permanent position for strong performers

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils one‑to‑one and in small groups within an alternative provision environment
• Building positive relationships and acting as a consistent, trusted adult
• Helping students regulate emotions and de‑escalate challenging situations
• Leading or supporting therapeutic, enrichment, or engagement sessions
• Using restorative practices to support conflict resolution
• Encouraging attendance, participation, and positive behaviour choices
• Working closely with teachers, behaviour leads, and multi‑agency teams to keep pupils safe and supported

Who We’re Looking For

• A graduate in Youth Work, Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, or a related degree
• Experience supporting young people (youth clubs, mentoring, camps, schools, care, coaching, etc.)
• Someone resilient, calm, reflective, and confident working with challenging behaviour
• A strong communicator who can build rapport quickly
• Someone adaptable, patient, and committed to helping young people succeed
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

Why Work with Axcis Education

• We specialise in SEND and alternative provision recruitment
• Ongoing coaching, training, and support
• Competitive weekly pay
• Opportunities to build strong experience for future social care or behavioural careers
• Supportive consultants who understand the complexities of AP settings

If you are interested, please click on the apply button and contact Laura Dowson on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014.

If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, don’t forget that we offer £50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and 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.

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.

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

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.

Contact: Laura Dowson

Telephone: [phone] l Ext: 2014