SEND Community Support Worker
C&G Education – West Sussex & East Sussex
£20 per hour | Freelance | Term-time only
Typical shift Monday–Friday | 10:00am–3:00pm
C&G Education is looking for a driven and resilient Job Coach to work with young people aged 15–25 who have complex Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs and challenging backgrounds — including those with experience of youth justice, PRUs, and the care system.
This is a role for someone who has been around the block. You'll be working with young people — predominantly teenage boys — who don't respond to a standard classroom approach and need someone who's earned their respect before they'll take direction. If you've worked in youth justice, a Pupil Referral Unit, or a similar high-challenge environment and you know how to hold your ground while still getting the best out of a young person, we want to hear from you.
The Role
As a Support Worker, you will:
- Deliver 1:1 coaching and tailored employability sessions with young people who have complex safeguarding histories
- Build the kind of trusted relationships that allow young people with challenging behaviour to open up and engage
- Support students with CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation
- Accompany young people to work placements, providing hands-on support in the workplace where needed
- De-escalate difficult situations calmly and confidently — verbal challenges are part of the landscape
- Monitor, record, and report on progress and outcomes
- Work alongside schools, colleges, employers, and support agencies to coordinate the best outcomes
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Has direct experience working with young people in high-challenge settings — youth justice, PRUs, secure units, or similar environments
- Understands complex safeguarding and knows how to navigate it professionally
- Can command respect in a room without raising their voice — presence matters here
- Is a straight-talking, dependable communicator who young people can rely on
- Knows how to motivate and inspire someone who has been written off before
- Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle (business insurance required)
- Experienced (or keen to learn) in working with young people — full training provided
This isn't a desk job. It's demanding, unpredictable, and — when it works — one of the most rewarding things you'll do. If you're the kind of person who thrives in that environment, we'd love to talk.
Desirable experience:
Education, support work, youth work, psychology, mentoring, SEN or SEMH support.
What We Offer
- £20 per hour (inclusive of holiday and sick pay)
- Term-time only work with school holidays off
- Flexible workload: 6–30 hours per week
- Mileage reimbursement over 30 miles (£0.45 per mile)
- Work laptop and phone provided
- Ongoing training, CPD, and career progression opportunities
- A friendly, supportive team and meaningful work that truly makes a difference
About C&G Education
C&G Education supports young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), helping them develop the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to move forward positively into work or learning. We’re a growing organisation with a strong values-led culture and a real focus on impact.
Enhanced DBS check and references are required.
C&G Education is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of young people.
Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
Pay: £20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
