About This Role
Job Purpose
To provide high-quality pastoral support to pupils, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes. The Pastoral Support Worker will support behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and engagement, working closely with vulnerable students and those with additional needs.
Key Responsibilities
Pastoral & Behaviour Support
Act as a key worker for identified pupils, building strong and trusting relationships
Provide 1:1 mentoring and support for students with behavioural or emotional needs
Support pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties
Use de-escalation strategies to manage challenging behaviour
Implement individual behaviour and support plans
Promote positive behaviour and engagement across the school
Intervention & Support
Deliver targeted interventions such as ELSA, trauma-informed practice (TIP), or DDP-informed support
Support pupils in developing emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills
Adapt approaches to meet the needs of individual students
Monitor, evaluate, and record the impact of interventions
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider safeguarding team
Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with school policies
Support early intervention for vulnerable pupils
Maintain accurate and confidential records
Engagement & Inclusion
Support pupils at risk of exclusion or disengagement
Assist with reintegration following suspension or absence
Promote attendance, punctuality, and participation
Support students during unstructured times (break/lunch/transitions)
Collaboration
Work closely with teaching staff, SENCo, and pastoral teams
Liaise with parents/carers and external agencies where required
Contribute to a consistent and supportive school environment
Person Specification
Essential
Experience working with young people in a secondary school setting
Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
Desirable
Training or experience in:
Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)
Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP)
Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP)
Experience in alternative provision or specialist settings
Knowledge of behaviour management and de-escalation techniques
Key Skills
Empathetic and emotionally intelligent
Resilient and patient
Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
Able to work independently and as part of a team
What We Offer
A supportive and inclusive working environment
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Access to wellbeing support including EAP
Access to Wellhub for gym and fitness benefits