Support Worker

Post-16 Support Worker Job Description

Role Purpose

The Post-16 Support Worker provides tailored support to young people aged 16 and over, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to achieve their personal, educational, employment, and life goals. The role focuses on empowering young people to make informed choices, overcome barriers, and successfully transition into adulthood.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive, professional relationships with young people and their families.
• Provide one-to-one and group support tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
• Support young people in accessing education, training, apprenticeships, employment, and volunteering opportunities.
• Assist with developing independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, travel training, and managing appointments.
• Support young people with goal setting, action planning, and personal development.
• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-confidence.
• Advocate for young people and ensure their views and wishes are represented.
• Liaise with colleges, employers, training providers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and other agencies.
• Support young people to access community resources and specialist services.
• Monitor progress, review support plans, and maintain accurate records.
• Safeguard young people and report concerns in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and person-centred practice.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and inspire young people.
• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental approach.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good report-writing and record-keeping skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and the needs of vulnerable young people.
• Ability to promote independence while providing appropriate support.
• Cultural awareness and commitment to inclusive practice.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working with young people aged 16–25.
• Knowledge of further education, employment pathways, apprenticeships, and supported internships.
• Understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, SEND.
• Experience supporting care leavers, young people with additional needs, or those at risk of social exclusion.
• Knowledge of transition planning and preparing for adulthood frameworks.
• Relevant qualification in Health and Social Care, Youth Work, Education, Social Care, or a related field.

Core Values

A Post-16 Support Worker should demonstrate:

• Respect and dignity for every young person.
• A person-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Commitment to empowering young people to reach their full potential.
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Compassion, patience, and resilience.
• A belief in promoting independence, inclusion, and positive life outcomes.