Outreach Worker

Full-time = Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm

Part-time = TBC

(Full-time 44.6 weeks per academic year including holidays) or Part-time considered (pay would be pro-rata’d in line with part-time hours.

Strive is increasing its educational provision and offer for those Young People whose needs can’t be met through the specialist core offer in classes of 6. This may include young people who have already attended a specialist setting without success. Higher level needs where being in a core class is not appropriate may include:

• Episodes of aggressive, violent and/or threatening behaviour
• High risk-taking behaviours
• Unsafe responses to demands placed on them
• Requirement of continued 1:1/2:1 support
• Significant functioning and communication difficulties
• Bespoke education which is not aligned to peers
• Risk assessment ratings which mean being educated in groups is not appropriate
• Risk assessment ratings which mean following a standard curriculum, which includes travelling off-site, is not appropriate
• High levels of criminality or risk to others
• Complex social services involvement due to vulnerability, residential status or other social factors

Unfortunately, these higher-level and complex needs often result lack of suitable placements. However, Strive has developed an Outreach Programme to allow young people to access bespoke and personalised education that effectively meets need and provides the correct level of support outlined in section E & F of their Educational Healthcare plans (EHCP).  We are looking for a skilled and qualified practitioner who will add capacity to the Outreach staffing team.

As a post-16 programme primarily, there will be a significant emphasis on preparing for adulthood, developing independence and self-care, personal finance and the being ready for the ‘world of work’. The curriculum will be tailored around the needs and interests of the young person and will be delivered through a blended curriculum to include 1:1, small group work, support at home if required, work experience and support into employment.

We are looking for the ‘right’ applicant to add value and contribute in a positive and dynamic way to this exciting and personalised programme. The applicant would help plan, prepare and deliver sessions that would be tailored towards meeting personal objectives. Experience in working with challenging young people with Autism/SEMH is essential.  The successful applicant would not require experience in all these areas, or be required to teach all these subjects.

Strive has a Leeds and Harrogate Outreach Programme and the applicant could be based or access either site. The Outreach Programme would have access to all Strive facilities to support the curriculum delivery. The applicant would be required to deliver/support lessons/learning in the areas of Maths, English, sports, outdoor education, cookery, preparing for independent living.

 This can be a challenging but rewarding environment, working with young people who may struggle to regulate their emotions at times. Students will at times present challenging behaviours and staff must have the confidence and emotional resilience to deal with this. 

• Maths and English (Functional Skills and GCSE levels)
• BTEC Sport and Leading an Active Lifestyle
• BTEC Catering, Hospitality and Tourism
• ASDAN IT and Computing
• Careers and Experiencing Work Short Course (ASDAN) covers Gatsby Good Career Guidance benchmarks.
• AQA Unit Award Scheme which links to all academic, social and emotional aspects of the Strive curriculum:
• Hair, Beauty & Make-Up
• Music & ‘DJ’ing
• Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)
• Outdoor Learning Programme (OLP)
• Woodwork, homecraft and basic joinery skills
• Bike mechanics

In addition to specific subject areas, the Outreach Programme offers:

• Opportunities for work experience and support into employment
• Careers meetings and independent guidance
• Preparation for Adult Life (PfA) and independent living
• Access to enrichment opportunities which include boxing, gardening, pallet craft, animal care, horticulture, golf, climbing, pool, darts, baking, and help and volunteering in the community.

The successful applicant would not require experience in all these areas, or be required to teach all these subjects. Their main skills must be in being able to support young people with high needs to access these areas. Sessions could be 1:1, 2:1 or in small groups and would be determined by a multitude of factors. The applicant may also complete home visits to help the transition process and complete safeguarding checks.

All students will have some form of SEND needs. Most will either be categorised as Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Most need extra support to access their work and help and guidance to manage emotions is often needed. Some students experience difficulties that regularly interfere with their social and learning development and have been directed to access specialist provision to receive this support. Students on our Outreach Programme will find it difficult to work in core groups of 6 students with 2 adults.

• Establish good relationships with students, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs
• Attend to students’ personal needs including social, health, physical, first aid and welfare matters
• Supervise and support students ensuring their safety and access to learning
• Use specialist knowledge and experience to support students to learn in line with their individual learning plans or targets
• Provide feedback to students in relation to progress, achievement, behaviour and attendance
• Encourage students to interact and work cooperatively and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance
• Develop 1:1 mentoring relationships with students and provide appropriate support at times of crisis

• Work with the fellow Outreach and core staff to establish a purposeful orderly and productive learning environment
• Work with the Outreach and core staff in lesson planning, evaluating and adjusting lesson plans and resources as appropriate
• Monitor, evaluate and evidence students’ progress and provide accurate information and analysis when required
• Promote and maintain health and safety through the pro-active management of student behaviour dealing promptly with incidents and issues in line with school policies
• Establish constructive relationships with parents and carers, exchanging information sensitively and effectively in a range of matters including progress, behaviour and attendance
• Liaise with other professionals and services as appropriate
• Administer and assess routine tests and invigilate when required
• Provide general administrative support and assist with the development of a range of plans and monitoring systems

• Support students to access the curriculum including, in particular, core skills, community and vocational options
• Implement agreed learning activities and programmes according to students’ needs
• Determine the need for, prepare and maintain equipment and resources

• Small class sizes, allowing you to build meaningful and effective relationships with young people and make a real difference.
• The opportunity to deliver/support an individualised curriculum for all students to give them the best chance to learn.
• You will enjoy high levels of autonomy within a progressive and collaborative culture.
• You will have the opportunity to be creative and contribute to the broader curriculum, including individual and flexible learning.
• We aspire to provide every young person with the best possible experience and skills. We provide every learner with the resources they need to progress and overcome their barriers to learning.
• Staff wellbeing is a priority at Strive
• We encourage staff to finish their day during their contracted hours
• Staff training and development is supported and encouraged

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of Strive
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other professionals to support the progress of students
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings and training as required
• Assist with the supervision of students on off-site activities
• Supervise students at lunch and break times
• Be responsible for maintaining and updating records, information and data in line with policies
• Strive utilises Arbor as MIS and CPOMS for safeguarding

Headteacher

Knowledge, experience and skills:

E = Essential  D = Desirable

Experience

1. Relevant experience in a school or similar setting.    E
2. Experience of working with children and young people with special educational needs and/or ASD and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.    E
3. Experience of effectively and positively managing small groups and leading learning with groups of students and 1:1, using appropriate strategies to enable them to settle to learn.    E
4. Experience of using restorative practices.                    D

Knowledge

1. Understanding of students’ needs in order to support them effectively by personalised and differentiated learning and appropriate interventions.   E
2. Knowledge of issues and needs that affect behaviour and strategies to support.   E
3. Knowledge of the range of ways that students learn and how to motivate them.   E
4. Full understanding of the range of multi-agency support required and available to students.   E
5. Full working knowledge of relevant safeguarding, equality and health and safety policies, codes of practice and legislation.                                                                                                                                                   E

Skills

1. Ability to relate well to students and adults and to build positive relationships.   E
2. Ability to work constructively as part of a team, understanding roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.   E
3. Ability to develop personalised strategies to support reluctant learners to engage and achieve learning goals/objectives.   E
4. Ability to respond calmly and use initiative, responding effectively to unexpected or unplanned situations or reactions throughout the day.   E
5. Ability to use a range of strategies to support positive behaviour and self-regulation.   E
6. Ability to use correct English in spoken and written communication.   E
7. Ability in the use of IT and other equipment to support learning.   E
8. Efficiency with the administration and maintenance of student records.   E
9. Ability to drive a 9-seater minibus – over 25yrs of age and have a clean driving license for a minimum of 2 years                   E

Qualifications

1. GCSE English/Maths/ grade A to C or equivalent.   E
2. Specific training in interventions ASD/SEN/SEMH   D
3. Commitment to all CPD offered.   E

All staff members are expected to adhere to and promote professional standards including Strive’s code of conduct and values.

The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties, commensurate within the grade, at the discretion of the Senior Leadership Team and develop and promote high standards of professional conduct throughout the school.

You will be expected to carry out your duties in line with policies, procedures and relevant legislation. You will be made aware of these in your appointment letter, statement of particulars, induction, ongoing performance management and development through school communications.

You will be required to work at any premises which Strive has or subsequently acquires or at which it may, from time to time, provide services.

There may be a requirement to transport students from time to time, subject to appropriate risk assessments being in place.

You will be expected to attend and participate in a wide variety of meetings as well as training and development activities to support Strive and your own professional development.

All staff, regardless of their position, are expected to undertake TeamTeach de-escalation training and work within “good practice” guidelines using a range of positive handling strategies, gradual and graded, involved in holding, guiding and escorting safely, from least intrusive to more restrictive holds.

As part of your wider duties and responsibilities you will be required to promote and actively support the school’s responsibilities towards safeguarding. Safeguarding is about keeping people safe and protecting people from harm, neglect, abuse and injury. It is about creating safe places, being vigilant and doing something about any concerns you might have. It isn’t just about the very old and the very young, it is about everyone who may be vulnerable.

The post holder must be willing to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that a conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For all roles we require a minimum of two references.  References provided must cover the last 3 years. We will need to request all references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults. 

Strive for Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Recruitment is carried out following safer recruitment principles.  All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and disclosures with the relevant body at an enhanced level. All staff are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We are an equal opportunities employer.  

Strive for Education Ltd is a “data controller”. This means we are required under data protection legislation to notify you of how we will, collect process and store your personal data during the application and recruitment process. Please review our ‘Privacy Notice for Prospective Employees’.

Applicants are asked to submit their completed application forms along with a covering letter detailing why you would like a position at Strive.  Successfully shortlisted applicants will be contacted to discuss interview dates.

If you have any questions that you’d like to ask us in advance of applying please do not hesitate to contact us, email info@striveforeducation.co.uk 

Application form available on the link below:

Strive for Education Application form Outreach Worker