Trauma-Informed Pastoral Support Assistant

Are you experienced in trauma-informed care, ACEs support, and helping vulnerable young people build resilience?

A forward-thinking secondary school in Blackpool is recruiting a compassionate and resilient Trauma-Informed Pastoral Support Assistant to join their specialised inclusion and student well-being team starting this September 2026.

This role is tailored for professionals with a deep understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), developmental trauma, and attachment needs. Whether your experience comes from youth work, residential childcare, social care, mental health support, or education, your ability to provide a safe, regulating presence will make a transformative impact on students aged 11-16.

Position Overview:

Job Title: Trauma-Informed Pastoral Mentor / ACEs & SEMH Support Assistant

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire (Easily commutable via M55, local bus routes, and Blackpool rail stations)

Start Date: September 2026

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Term-time only - 30 to 32.5 hours/week)

Contract Type: Full-time, long-term for the 2026/27 academic year (with permanent school contract pathways)

Key Responsibilities

Trauma-Informed Mentoring: Deliver 1-to-1 and small-group sessions using relational, low-arousal approaches for students impacted by ACEs, family disruption, or developmental trauma.

Emotional Regulation & Nurture: Support students within the school's nurture room or well-being hub, helping them recognise emotional triggers, de-escalate anxiety, and utilise grounding techniques.

Classroom Re-engagement: Assist subject teachers by creating low-stress adaptations to help vulnerable learners remain engaged in mainstream lessons.

Safety & Positive Handling: Implement proactive de-escalation strategies (Team Teach, CPI, MAPA, or similar) to ensure a safe, calm environment during moments of crisis.

Multi-Agency & Safeguarding Collaboration: Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), SENCO, pastoral leads, and external services (CAMHS, Social Care, Early Help) to implement trauma-informed support plans.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Demonstrated practical experience supporting children or teenagers affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex SEMH needs.

Strong knowledge of trauma-informed frameworks, ACEs awareness, and restorative practices.

Background in youth mentoring, children's residential care, therapeutic support, or specialised school pastoral work.

Non-judgemental, patient, and emotionally resilient approach with clear professional boundaries.

Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to process one prior to start).

Why Join This Blackpool Pastoral Team?

Direct Therapeutic Impact: Play a key role in an inclusive school environment that prioritises well-being alongside academic attainment.

Sociable Schedule: Term-time only hours with no shift patterns, no nights, and all 13 school holiday weeks off.

Professional Development: Access to ongoing CPD in adolescent mental health, emotion coaching, and advanced safeguarding.

Help create a safe, supportive secondary school environment where vulnerable young people in Blackpool can heal and thrive.

Apply online today or search "Blackpool Trauma-Informed School Support Jobs 2026" to submit your CV