Youth Mentor/ Pastoral Worker Alternative Provision KS2 to KS4

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. in Blackburn area partners with an Alternative Provision to recruit a Youth Mentor / Pastoral Worker for ages 7–16 with SEMH needs. The role focuses on bridging academic learning with emotional wellbeing, mentoring vulnerable pupils, and building positive coping strategies.

You will join a supportive team, working with staff across primary and secondary ages, and benefit from Tradewind’s local onboarding, ongoing CPD, and strong professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience: Proven experience working with children or young people.
• Enhanced DBS certificate (Child workforce) registered on Update Service or willing to process one through Tradewind.
• Ability to build rapport with challenging or disengaged learners.

Responsibilities

• 1:1 and small group mentoring with students, regular mentoring sessions and emotional check-ins.
• Pastoral care and intervention focusing on emotional regulation, social skills, resilience, and conflict resolution.

Skills

Youth Worker

Pastoral Support

Residential Care

Sports Coach

PRU/AP Mentor

Education

Youth Work qualification

Health & Social Care

Sports Leadership

Psychology related

Job description

Location: Blackburn area, Lancashire (easily accessible via local transport links)

Provision Type: All-Through Alternative Provision / Specialist SEMH Provision (Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 / Ages 7-16)

Contract Type: Long-Term Supply to Permanent (ASAP Start)

Pay Rate: £100 - £130 per day (Dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday (School hours)

About the School & Partnership

In proud partnership with Tradewind Recruitment are working with an Alternative Provision in the Blackburn area who are seeking a dedicated Youth Mentor / Pastoral Worker to join our team on an ASAP basis.

We cater to children and young people across Key Stages 2, 3, and 4 (ages 7 to 16) who have disengaged from mainstream education, experience Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, or face barriers such as anxiety, behavioural challenges, or exclusion risk. Through our exclusive partnership with Tradewind, we ensure our staff receive exceptional local support, streamlined onboarding, and access to top-tier professional development.

The Role

As a Youth Mentor and Pastoral Worker, you will bridge the gap between academic learning and emotional wellbeing. You will work closely with vulnerable pupils across primary and secondary age groups, acting as a trusted role model, sounding board, and guide.

Your objective is to help students navigate their emotions, build positive coping strategies, and re-engage with education, personal growth, and future life pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• 1:1 and Small Group Mentoring: Build strong, trusting professional relationships with students, holding regular mentoring sessions and emotional check-ins.
• Pastoral Care & Intervention: Deliver targeted interventions focused on emotional regulation, social skills, resilience, and conflict resolution tailored to varying age groups.
• Behavior Support & De-escalation: Utilise trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour management strategies to de-escalate crisis points and maintain a safe, productive environment.
• Curriculum & Activity Support: Support teaching staff during academic, creative, or vocational sessions to keep students engaged and on-task.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Proven experience working with children or young people (e.g., as a Youth Worker, Pastoral Support Worker, Residential Care Worker, Sports Coach, or PRU/AP Mentor) across primary or secondary settings.
• Attributes: High levels of emotional resilience, patience, firm boundary-setting, and a natural ability to build rapport with challenging or disengaged learners.
• Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Health & Social Care, Sports Leadership, Psychology, or related fields are highly desirable.
• Vetting: Must hold an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or be willing to process one immediately through Tradewind).

Why Join Through Tradewind Recruitment?

Competitive, reliable pay processed weekly via PAYE.

Exclusive access to over 2,500 free CPD courses, webinars, and accredited training through The National College.