A Behaviour Support Worker helps children and young people who may have behavioural, emotional, or social difficulties. They usually work in schools, colleges, or specialist settings, supporting pupils to manage their behaviour and engage positively with learning. The role involves working closely with teachers, parents, and sometimes external professionals to develop strategies and interventions that help pupils succeed. Tasks might include one-to-one support, running small group activities, and helping to create a safe and encouraging learning environment. Good communication skills, patience, and the ability to build trusting relationships are key qualities for this job.
Behaviour Support Workers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £26,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 6,000 Behaviour Support Worker roles advertised annually across the UK, with demand particularly high in urban areas and special schools.
Most Behaviour Support Workers work around 37 hours per week during school term time, with some roles offering part-time or flexible hours.
Works specifically with children and young people who have autism, helping them develop social and communication skills in schools or community settings.
Supports pupils with emotional and behavioural challenges in the classroom, assisting teachers and helping students manage their behaviour and engage in learning.
Provides care and support to children and young people living in residential homes, helping them with daily routines, behaviour management, and emotional wellbeing.
Obtain at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths.
Most employers require a good standard of literacy and numeracy, usually proven by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Some employers may accept alternative qualifications, but having English and Maths is highly valued. You can also consider taking related subjects like Health and Social Care or Psychology.
Consider taking a college course such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or Supporting Teaching and Learning.
While you can enter this career without a specific qualification, having a relevant college course can improve your job prospects. Courses such as Health and Social Care or Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools provide foundational knowledge and skills needed when working with people who have challenging behaviour.
Get experience working with children or adults in schools, youth clubs or care settings.
Look for volunteering opportunities or part-time work in environments where behaviour support might be needed. Examples include after-school clubs, care homes, charities, or schools with special educational needs departments. This experience will help you build communication, patience, and practical skills.
Familiarise yourself with basic behaviour management strategies such as positive reinforcement and de-escalation.
You can learn about these techniques through online resources, short courses, or by observing experienced professionals during your work experience. Understanding these approaches will prepare you for the practical aspects of the role.
Look for behaviour support worker vacancies at schools, care homes, or local councils and prepare your CV.
Use job sites like Indeed, NHS Jobs, or your local council’s website to find relevant job adverts. Tailor your CV to highlight your qualifications and any experience working with people who have challenging behaviour. Include any voluntary work, relevant courses, and key skills such as communication, patience, and teamwork.
Be ready to answer questions about your experience and approach to supporting people with challenging behaviour. You will also need to pass an enhanced DBS check.
During interviews, employers will look for examples of how you have managed difficult situations and worked as part of a team. You must also undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as you will be working with vulnerable people.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Behavior Support Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Behavior Support Worker and a Residential Support Worker both provide direct support to individuals with behavioural or emotional needs, often within care or residential settings. They share similar qualifications in supporting vulnerable people, fostering their well-being, and promoting positive behaviour.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a course at college to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need to do this job.
Courses include:
Many courses include work placements, so this could be a good way for you to get experience.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an assistant support worker in a children's or adult care setting. You could then move into a residential support role through training and promotion.
You can get voluntary experience in a number of ways, which can help when applying for paid jobs. This might be from:
To apply directly for jobs in residential support, you'll need a qualification and paid or voluntary experience in the social work and care sector.
Experience in fostering could also be helpful.
Personal qualities are very important in this job. Employers will be looking for:
You can find out more about becoming a residential support worker from Think Care Careers.
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