Job Title: Young Offenders Support AssistantLocation: LeedsContract Type: Full-time / Term-timeSalary: £100- £110 per dayEmployer: Independent Alternative Provision School
We are currently recruiting a Young Offenders Support Assistant to work with young people who are involved with, or at risk of, offending behaviour within a specialist alternative provision in Leeds.
This role requires a resilient, proactive, and trauma‑informed individual who can support young people to make safer choices, reduce risk, and re‑engage with education and positive pathways.
The provision supports learners who may present with complex behavioural needs and may be known to services such as Youth Offending Teams (YOT), social care, or other external agencies.
The setting operates across two sites – a main education provision and an outdoor learning environment – offering a blend of practical, vocational, and therapeutic approaches. The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work across both.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide targeted support to young people at risk of offending or involved in the youth justice system
- Build positive, professional relationships with learners who may be disengaged from education and authority
- Support behaviour management using restorative and trauma‑informed approaches
- Act as a positive role model, promoting pro‑social behaviour and decision‑making
- Support learners in understanding consequences, choices, and personal responsibility
- Contribute to risk management and intervention strategies
- Work towards individual targets set within EHCPs, behaviour plans, and intervention programmes
- Maintain accurate records relating to behaviour, engagement, and risk factors
- Support emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and life skills development
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, safeguarding leads, and external agencies (e.g. YOT, social care, police)
- Promote engagement, self‑esteem, and positive future pathways
The Young People
- Aged 11–16
- Present with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
- May be at risk of or involved in offending behaviour
- May display behaviours linked to trauma, exploitation (CCE), or adverse childhood experiences
- Require clear boundaries, consistency, and strong relational support
Person Specification
- Minimum of 6 months’ experience working with young people with challenging or high‑risk behaviours (professional or personal capacity)
- Experience supporting disengaged or “at risk” young people
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi‑agency team
- Understanding of safeguarding policies and risk management
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within youth justice, YOT, or intervention‑based roles
- Experience in alternative provision, youth work, or specialist education settings
- Experience supporting young people involved in anti‑social behaviour or offending pathways
- Experience liaising with external agencies and multi‑agency teams
Qualifications (Desirable, not essential)
- Youth Work, Criminology, Psychology, or related qualification
- First Aid qualification
Knowledge & Understanding
- Understanding of risk factors linked to youth offending
- Awareness of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), and county lines
- Understanding of trauma‑informed and restorative approaches
- Awareness of social and environmental factors impacting young people
Skills & Abilities
- Strong communication skills with young people, families, and professionals
- Ability to de‑escalate high‑risk and challenging situations calmly
- Ability to manage conflict and support restorative conversations
- Problem‑solving and reflective practice skills
- Basic IT skills for record keeping and reporting
- Ability to motivate and inspire positive behavioural change
Personal Attributes
- Resilient, calm, and emotionally intelligent
- Able to build rapport with young people who may mistrust authority or professionals
- Firm but fair approach with clear boundaries
- Values equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Motivated, reliable, and flexible
#J-18808-Ljbffr…