Youth Worker

Principal Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Recruitment is seeking a dedicated youth worker to support pupils aged 11–19 at a specialist secondary school in Slough. You will build trust, mentor individuals and small groups, and help pupils stay in lessons and re-engage if they walk out.

The role involves collaborating with teachers, pastoral staff and external agencies, with a focus on guiding choices, consequences and future pathways. DBS check and two references are required.

Qualifications

• Experience as a youth worker, outreach worker, YOT worker or similar.
• Ability to handle teenagers who show challenging behaviour.
• A calm, consistent approach with clear boundaries.
• A genuine belief that every young person deserves another chance.
• School experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Build trust with young people who don't easily trust adults.
• Mentor individuals and small groups through the school day.
• Support pupils to stay in lessons, and help them return when they walk out.
• Work alongside teachers, pastoral staff and external agencies.
• Help pupils think about choices, consequences and what comes next.

Skills

Youth work experience

Behaviour management

Calm and consistent approach

Empathy for young people

School experience helpful

Job description

Are you the youth worker teenagers actually open up to?

We're working with a specialist secondary school in Slough for young people aged 11 to 19 who haven't been able to stay in mainstream. Every pupil has SEND, and most have an EHCP. Many have exclusion histories, tough home lives or past contact with youth justice. Classes are small and staffing is high, so you'll have time to build real relationships.

What you'll be doing

• Building trust with young people who don't easily trust adults
• Mentoring individuals and small groups through the school day
• Supporting pupils to stay in lessons, and getting them back in when they walk out
• Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and outside agencies
• Helping pupils think about choices, consequences and what comes next

What we're looking for

• Experience as a youth worker, outreach worker, YOT worker, key worker or similar
• Confidence with teenagers who show challenging behaviour
• A calm, consistent approach and clear boundaries
• A genuine belief that every young person deserves another chance
• School experience is a bonus but not essential

What you'll get

• A role where you can see the difference you make
• Support and training, including behaviour and de escalation training where needed
• A friendly, experienced team
• A route to a permanent role

You'll need an enhanced DBS (or be willing to get one) and two references.