Pastoral Support Officer

Applebough Recruitment Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Pastoral Support Officer to help students aged 11–16 overcome barriers to learning and promote their well-being. The ideal candidate will have strong behaviour management skills and experience in educational contexts. Responsibilities include providing emotional support and conducting mentoring sessions. This role offers an opportunity for potential long-term placement within schools in Birmingham.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people aged 11–16 in a pastoral or educational setting.
• Proven record of managing challenging behaviour.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral care and emotional support to pupils.
• Support students in developing self‑discipline and resilience.
• Conduct mentoring sessions focused on emotional regulation.

Skills

Behaviour management

Empathy

Communication skills

Interpersonal abilities

Education

Relevant qualification in education, youth work, or counselling

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a confident, empathetic, and highly capable Pastoral Support Officer to work with our partner secondary schools. The ideal candidate will have exceptional behaviour management skills and a genuine passion for supporting young people's personal, social, and emotional development. In this vital role, you will help students overcome barriers to learning, improve attendance, and promote positive behaviour and well‑being across the school. For the right candidate, this position may develop into a long‑term or permanent role within one of our partner schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day pastoral care and emotional support to pupils, ensuring their well‑being and inclusion.
• Demonstrate exceptional behaviour management to maintain a calm, respectful, and positive school environment.
• Support students in developing self‑discipline, resilience, and positive social skills.
• Work closely with teachers, heads of year, and safeguarding leads to monitor pupil welfare and behaviour.
• Conduct 1:1 and small group mentoring sessions focused on emotional regulation, attendance, and personal development.
• Address and de‑escalate incidents of challenging behaviour effectively and professionally.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure effective communication and coordinated support.
• Maintain accurate pastoral and behaviour records in line with school policies.
• Contribute to the school's ethos of inclusion, respect, and high expectations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with young people aged 11–16 in a pastoral, youth work, or educational setting (essential).
• Proven record of managing challenging behaviour and promoting positive conduct (essential).
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and school behaviour policies (essential).
• Relevant qualification in education, youth work, counselling, or a related field (desirable).
• Understanding of issues affecting young people's behaviour, well‑being, and engagement.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional behaviour management and de‑escalation skills.
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust and rapport with students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Calm, confident, and professional approach under pressure.
• Organised, proactive, and solution‑focused mindset.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student well‑being.