Youth Development Worker | Temp to Perm | £475–£550 Weekly PAYE | Richmond | September 2026 Start
Are you passionate about supporting young people who face significant barriers to learning? Do you have experience working with children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and want to make a meaningful difference every day?
If so, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
The Opportunity
A specialist school in Richmond is seeking a dedicated Youth Development Worker to join their Key Stage 3 team from September 2026. The school supports pupils with complex SEMH needs, many of whom have experienced trauma and require additional support to engage successfully in education.
Many pupils have co-occurring needs, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and can present with behaviours that challenge. As a result, the school is looking for resilient, compassionate individuals who can build strong relationships and help young people achieve positive outcomes.
The provision is committed to creating a nurturing and structured environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and understood. Through personalised support and an engaging curriculum, the school helps students develop the confidence, skills, and independence needed for life beyond education.
Your Role
As a Youth Development Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom.
You will:
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Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and act as a consistent source of support.
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Encourage engagement in learning and help pupils overcome barriers to participation.
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Support emotional regulation, social development, and positive behaviour strategies.
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Act as a positive role model, promoting confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
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Assist pupils in developing independence, life skills, and self-care routines.
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Work closely with teachers and wider professionals to ensure pupils receive the support they need to succeed.
What We're Looking For
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Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, autism, ADHD, or other additional needs.
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Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
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A calm, patient, and resilient approach.
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The ability to remain positive and proactive in challenging situations.
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A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
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Relevant experience in education, youth work, social care, mentoring, psychology, sports coaching, or similar fields is highly desirable.
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Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Social Work, Education, or related subjects are encouraged to apply.
Why Join This School?
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Be part of a supportive and experienced team.
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Gain valuable experience within a specialist SEMH setting.
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Make a genuine impact on young people's lives and futures.
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Access ongoing training and development opportunities.
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Temp-to-perm opportunity with long-term career prospects.
If you're ready for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and every small success matters, we'd love to hear from you.
Please call 020 3011 4848 and ask for Bethany to discuss this opportunity further, or email bethany@psinclusion.co.uk.
If this particular role isn't quite right for you, please get in touch anyway. Parker Smith Inclusion is an ethical SEND recruitment agency dedicated to matching talented professionals with opportunities where they can thrive and make a lasting difference.