Trauma-Informed Pastoral Support Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is assisting a Blackpool secondary school in recruiting a Trauma-Informed Pastoral Mentor / ACEs & SEMH Support Assistant to join the inclusion and student wellbeing team from September 2026. The role focuses on mentoring students aged 11-16 using trauma-informed approaches, with responsibilities spanning nurture support and classroom re-engagement.

Ideal candidates will have experience with ACEs, developmental trauma, attachment needs, and a background in youth mentoring

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, or SEMH needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed frameworks and ACEs awareness.
• Background in youth mentoring, residential care, therapeutic support, or pastoral work.
• Non-judgemental, patient, and emotionally resilient with professional boundaries.
• DBS Update Service preferred or willing to obtain before start.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1-to-1 and small-group trauma-informed mentoring using low-arousal approaches.
• Support emotional regulation in the nurture/well-being hub and teach grounding techniques.
• Assist classroom teachers with low-stress adaptations to re-engage vulnerable learners.
• Support safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration with DSL, CAMHS, and social care.
• Contribute to trauma-informed support plans with external services.

Job description

Are you experienced in trauma-informed care, ACEs support, and helping vulnerable young people build resilience?

A forward-thinking secondary school in Blackpool is recruiting a compassionate and resilient Trauma-Informed Pastoral Support Assistant to join their specialised inclusion and student well-being team starting this September 2026.

This role is tailored for professionals with a deep understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), developmental trauma, and attachment needs. Whether your experience comes from youth work, residential childcare, social care, mental health support, or education, your ability to provide a safe, regulating presence will make a transformative impact on students aged 11-16.

Position Overview

• Job Title: Trauma-Informed Pastoral Mentor / ACEs & SEMH Support Assistant

• Location: Blackpool, Lancashire (Easily commutable via M55, local bus routes, and Blackpool rail stations)

• Start Date: September 2026

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Term-time only - 30 to 32.5 hours/week)

• Contract Type: Full-time, long-term for the 2026/27 academic year (with permanent school contract pathways)

Key Responsibilities

• Trauma-Informed Mentoring: Deliver 1-to-1 and small-group sessions using relational, low-arousal approaches for students impacted by ACEs, family disruption, or developmental trauma.

• Emotional Regulation & Nurture: Support students within the school's nurture room or well-being hub, helping them recognise emotional triggers, de-escalate anxiety, and utilise grounding techniques.

• Classroom Re-engagement: Assist subject teachers by creating low-stress adaptations to help vulnerable learners remain engaged in mainstream lessons.

• Safety & Positive Handling: Implement proactive de-escalation strategies (Team Teach, CPI, MAPA, or similar) to ensure a safe, calm environment during moments of crisis.

• Multi-Agency & Safeguarding Collaboration: Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), SENCO, pastoral leads, and external services (CAMHS, Social Care, Early Help) to implement trauma-informed support plans.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated practical experience supporting children or teenagers affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex SEMH needs.

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed frameworks, ACEs awareness, and restorative practices.

• Background in youth mentoring, children's residential care, therapeutic support, or specialised school pastoral work.

• Non-judgemental, patient, and emotionally resilient approach with clear professional boundaries.

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to process one prior to start).

Why Join This Blackpool Pastoral Team?

• Direct Therapeutic Impact: Play a key role in an inclusive school environment that prioritises well-being alongside academic attainment.

• Sociable Schedule: Term-time only hours with no shift patterns, no nights, and all 13 school holiday weeks off.

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing CPD in adolescent mental health, emotion coaching, and advanced safeguarding.

Help create a safe, supportive secondary school environment where vulnerable young people in Blackpool can heal and thrive.