Student Support Worker

DescriptionEmployerLocation

‘Reigniting Learning, Nurture, Connect, Thrive’

Hawthorn Academy is looking for a caring, resilient and motivated Student Support Worker to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges, develop emotional resilience and re-engage with learning. You will play a key role in providing pastoral support, helping pupils build positive relationships, regulate their emotions and develop the confidence to thrive.

Hawthorn Academy is part of The Propeller Academy Trust and provides a nurturing, trauma-informed environment for pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs. We are a caring community built on trust, respect, and understanding. Our staff are dedicated, compassionate and committed to helping every young person grow emotionally, socially and academically. We offer a supportive, highly resourced setting where you can develop professionally and make a real impact.

What we Offer

• Competitive salary + £729 Fringe Allowance
• Full induction programme and ongoing SEMH and trauma informed training
• Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking
• Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)
• Local Government Pension (LGPS)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)
• Supportive, highly skilled staff team and therapeutic school culture

About the Role

• Provide immediate, on-call pastoral support to pupils experiencing emotional distress, dysregulation or difficulties engaging in the classroom.
• Create a calm, safe and welcoming environment within the Student Support Hub, helping pupils feel supported and understood.
• Use de-escalation, emotional regulation and restorative approaches to support pupils during challenging moments.
• Deliver planned one-to-one and small-group sessions focusing on emotional awareness, social skills, friendships, coping strategies and positive identity.
• Support pupils to return to lessons and re-engage with learning in a positive and restorative way.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils, recognising that behaviour can be a form of communication and responding with empathy rather than judgement.
• Facilitate restorative conversations and reflection sessions to help pupils understand the impact of their actions and repair relationships.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and school leaders to provide consistent, joined-up pastoral support.
• Maintain accurate records, contribute to pupil support plans and use behaviour data to inform interventions.
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every pupil.

About You

• Caring, patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient, with the ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging situations.
• Experience working with children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils who may be anxious, dysregulated or reluctant to engage with school.
• You understand that behaviour can communicate unmet needs and are committed to responding with curiosity, compassion and consistency.
• Strong communication skills and can work effectively as part of a team.
• Confident, or willing to develop your skills, in using de-escalation strategies, emotional regulation techniques and restorative approaches.
• Committed to inclusive practice, safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for every pupil.
• Reliable, flexible and able to respond calmly and professionally to changing pupil needs.
• Reflective, positive and solutions-focused, with a genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning.
• Hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or equivalent and are Team Teach trained, or willing to undertake the training.

How to Apply

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can genuinely make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today via the link provided and join our dedicated team at Hawthorn School. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Safeguarding Statement

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.