Job Description
The Youth Engagement and Inclusion Worker plays a central role within an intensive construction‑based NEET re engagement programme. The post holder provides day to day youth work support, safeguarding oversight and informal learning support to young people who are NEET or at significant risk of disengagement.
Working with very small cohorts of five to six learners and alongside a construction tutor, the role focuses on relationship building, emotional wellbeing, engagement, attendance and readiness for progression. The post holder acts as a consistent trusted adult for learners and works in close partnership with Positive Steps to support progression and sustained destinations.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Work and Engagement
Build strong, trusting relationships with learners through daily contact and consistent presence
Act as a key trusted adult for learners across all stages of the programme
Support re engagement, motivation and confidence building for young people with complex barriers
Use trauma informed, restorative approaches to manage behaviour and emotional regulation
Support learners through anxiety, low mood and moments of disengagement
Promote positive routines, punctuality and readiness for learning
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Act as a safeguarding practitioner within the programme and identify concerns at an early stage
Record, report and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policies
Liaise with safeguarding leads, Positive Steps and external agencies as required
Carry out daily informal welfare checks and support a safe, calm learning environment
Support learners to access mental health, wellbeing or specialist support services
Maintain accurate safeguarding and wellbeing records
Learning Support and Inclusion
Provide informal learning support during construction sessions, working alongside the tutor
Help learners understand instructions, break tasks into manageable steps and remain on task
Support learners with additional needs to access practical activities safely and confidently
Encourage development of communication, teamwork and confidence through activity
Support applied English, maths or digital tasks in context where required
Promote inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments
Attendance, Behaviour and Routine
Monitor daily attendance and punctuality
Follow up non attendance on the same day where learners do not arrive
Support learners to build routines gradually, particularly at early engagement stages
Contribute to individual support plans where engagement or behaviour becomes a concern
Maintain clear and accurate records of engagement and progress
Progression and Transitions
Work collaboratively with Positive Steps staff to support careers engagement and decision making
Encourage learner participation in progression activities such as tasters, interviews and visits
Support learners with preparation for college interviews, apprenticeships or employment
Maintain appropriate contact with learners during the transition and taper phase post exit
Help reduce drop off during the first weeks of a new placement
Team and Programme Working
Work closely with the construction tutor to plan supportive and inclusive delivery
Contribute to case discussions, reviews and programme evaluation
Support a calm, respectful and positive learning culture
Follow organisational safeguarding, health and safety and data protection procedures
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications
Desirable Criteria
Recognised youth work qualification or equivalent professional experience
Mental health first aid or wellbeing related training
How Identified: Application
Experience
Essential Criteria
Experience of working with vulnerable or disengaged young people aged 14–25
Strong youth work, mentoring or engagement background
Ability to build trust quickly with young people with complex needs
Calm, resilient and reflective approach to behaviour and emotional regulation
Confidence working in informal, practical and non classroom environments
Good communication, recording and partnership working skills
How Identified: Application
Desirable Criteria
Experience of acting as a safeguarding officer or deputy
Experience working with NEET learners or post 16 re engagement provision
Understanding of SEND, additional needs or trauma informed practice
Experience working alongside vocational or construction tutors
How Identified: Application
Specialist Knowledge
Essential Criteria
Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection processes
How Identified: Application
IT Skills
Essential Criteria
Sound understanding on Microsoft package – Word, emails
How Identified: Application
Hopwood Hall College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.