Youth intervention coach jobs in Bristol

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: Northeast/ Yorkshire/Northwest
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

 

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: South of England / London
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE)
Location: Midlands 
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Join our Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH) and make a meaningful difference in everyday life for adoptive, kinship and care-experienced families. We’re recruiting an Occupational Therapist with specialist expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and attachment-informed practice to deliver practical, trauma-informed assessment and intervention that strengthens regulation, participation and connection. 

• Make a difference that families feel every day: co-produce practical strategies that support calmer routines, better sleep, smoother transitions and greater participation at home, school and in the community. 

• Bring specialist sensory expertise: assess sensory processing and regulation needs and translate findings into clear, realistic plans for parents/carers and partner professionals. 

• Work at the sensory–attachment interface: use a trauma- and attachment-informed lens to understand behaviour and build felt safety and co-regulation alongside sensory strategies. 

• Thrive in an MDT: contribute an OT perspective to formulation-led work within PATH, collaborating with psychology and therapy colleagues to create joined-up support. 

• Flexible, UK-wide reach: deliver support primarily online with occasional travel for team days, training or commissioned work (as required and agreed). 

You’ll need: 

• HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. 

• Strong experience supporting children/young people and their parents/carers (including complex presentations). 

• Proven skills in sensory processing assessment and intervention, including regulation strategies, activity adaptation and environmental modification. 

• Confidence working in an attachment- and trauma-informed way with adoptive/kinship/care-experienced families (or closely related work). 

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills, able to translate specialist thinking into practical, non-judgemental guidance that families can use. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Occupational Therapist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 - £43.471

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Occupational Therapist (Sensory & Attachment) will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed occupational therapy assessment and intervention to families with a history of adoption, kinship care and long-term fostering. The postholder will bring advanced expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and the impact of early adversity, attachment disruption and developmental trauma on regulation, participation and family life. The role will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) within PATH, contributing to formulation-led support, practical strategies and therapeutic approaches that strengthen safety, connection, and everyday functioning at home, school and in the community.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Provide specialist assessment and intervention where sensory processing differences interact with attachment needs, developmental trauma, neurodiversity and emotional/behavioural presentations.

·Co-produce practical, strengths-based support plans with parents/carers and, where appropriate, the child/young person; provide clear strategies that are realistic for family life.

·Deliver evidence-informed interventions (1:1 and group-based as appropriate) including sensory-based regulation strategies, activity adaptation, routine design, environmental modification and caregiver coaching.

·Integrate attachment- and trauma-informed principles (e.g., PACE/connection-based approaches) into OT recommendations, ensuring strategies support safety, relational connection and felt security.

·Contribute to MDT formulation and case discussions, offering an occupational therapy perspective on function, participation, sensory-motor development and regulation

·Prepare high-quality written outputs including assessment summaries, recommendations, letters and reports suitable for families and professionals; contribute to documentation required for commissioning/regulated service evidence as needed.

·Support families to understand the sensory, neurodevelopmental and trauma/attachment factors that may underpin behaviour and distress, and to implement strategies safely.

·Maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational policies, data protection and confidentiality requirements.

·Contribute to the development of resources (e.g., guides, webinars, workshops) that translate specialist OT knowledge into accessible tools for families and professionals.

·Contribute to delivery of training in your specialist area (sensory processing, regulation, sensory-attachment interface) internally and externally.

·Actively manage a caseload, prioritising risk and complexity, and working within agreed service pathways, timescales and outcome measures.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•  Significant experience working with children and young people and their parents/carers.

•  Experience delivering assessment and intervention for sensory processing differences and regulation needs.

•  Experience delivering remote/online OT interventions and caregiver coaching.

•  Experience of group work (parents/carers and/or young people).

•  Experience of working with adopted children, previously looked-after children, kinship or long-term foster families (or closely related settings).

•  Strong understanding of attachment, developmental trauma and the impact of early adversity on regulation, behaviour and participation.

•  Ability to integrate sensory strategies with relational/attachment-informed approaches.

•  Training/experience in DDP, PACE, NVR, therapeutic parenting or other attachment-informed models.

•  Expert knowledge of sensory processing and sensory-based regulation strategies.

•   Ability to differentiate sensory needs from (and understand overlap with) trauma responses, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental differences.

•  Sensory Integration training (e.g., postgraduate modules) and/or recognised competency frameworks.

•  Knowledge of neurodevelopmental profiles (e.g., autism, ADHD, DLD, FASD) and how these can interact with trauma/attachment and sensory processing.

•  Ability to provide accessible psychoeducation to families and partner professionals.

Qualifications and Education

   •Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy.

   •     Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Postgraduate       training/qualification relevant to sensory integration, sensory processing or advanced   paediatric OT practice.

•  Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•  Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. DDP, Theraplay, BUSS model, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

   •         Experience of working within an MDT and contributing an OT perspective to shared          formulations and plans.

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at      all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.