Children residential support worker jobs in Manchester
How's your job search on our site?
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking to recruit Self-Employed Mental Health Advocates to work in the following areas:
Warrington - WA2 8TR
Atherton - M46 9NT
Luton - LU4 0LU
This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.
Our Service
NYAS provides mental health advocacy to individuals within mental health settings throughout the UK.
Our service provides independent advocacy to people within mental health hospitals and community-based settings. We support individuals to ensure their voice is heard regarding their care and treatment and that they are aware of their rights.
This also includes representing them during various meetings such as ward rounds and at multi-disciplinary team meetings. This role requires you to produce written reports to ensure that the views of patients are fully represented.
We work with adults and children and young people:
Warrington - WA2 8TR - Adults
Atherton - M46 9NT - Adults
Luton - LU4 0LU – Young People
DO YOU HAVE:
Direct experience of working with children/young people or vulnerable adults in a social care or mental health setting.
Experience and understanding of child protection/vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times
An understanding of the importance of listening to children/young people and vulnerable adults without bias or prejudice.
Ability to communicate in an effective way.
Ability to record concise case notes and produce good quality reports
You will need to evidence your skills using specific examples in your application meeting the criteria in the person specification.
Safeguarding and Training
You will be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance training including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity.
You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD.
In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.
NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.
About NYAS
As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.
We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.
NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer, and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Work with us to help change lives.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
At NYAS, we listen to what children, young people and vulnerable adults want. We empower them to have their voices heard.
Thank you!
Location:
- Charlestown Youth Centre [x1 position] - Southdown Cres, Manchester M9 7DQ
- Partington Youth Centre [x1 position] - 118 Moss Ln, Partington, Manchester M31 4FA
- Norbrook Youth Centre [x1 position] - Bordley Walk Wythenshawe Manchester M23 0AR
Contract: Permanent, Part-Time
Hours: 17.5 hours per week, worked flexibly to meet the needs-led nature of the programme. The role is primarily evenings typically across 3–4 days, with occasional weekend work.
Salay/Grade: Grades 4–5 FTE £26,403 - £32,061, pro-rata. Actual £12,453 - £15,122, dependent on qualifications and experience, for 17.5 hours/week plus 5% employer pension.
Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata)
Join Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF)—a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We’re dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage, through exciting activities, outreach, and outdoor adventures. Our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, and building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education, including residentials at our own Ormside Mill site in Cumbria and other sites nationwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop positive relationships with 8–16-year-olds using a young person-centred approach
- Plan and deliver engaging centre-based and outreach sessions
- Requirement to attend overnight residentials throughout the year (during the week and/or weekends)
- Support Outdoor Education, DofE, and adventure programmes
- Champion youth voice, leadership, and social action
- Monitor progress and ensure a safe, inclusive environment
While the post includes both youth and play sessions, we are particularly keen to attract applicants with youth work experience to strengthen this area within the team.
About You
- Experience working with young people
- Commitment to inclusive, relationship-based youth work
- Reliable, approachable and able to work well as part of a team
Why Join GMYF?
- Make a real difference to young people
- Access high-quality training, CPD and development opportunities
- Work in a supportive, values-led organisation
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with young people, demonstrating a young person-centered approach
- Good understanding of safeguarding and risk management
- Able to build and maintain positive relationships with young people
- Experience planning and delivering activities, projects and individual interventions on issues relating to young people’s health and wellbeing
- Good organisational and communication skills, including working with partner agencies
- Experience of record keeping and data capture using MIS systems including recording young people concerns
- Understand and implement policies and procedures, including completing risk assessments
- Implement innovative approaches and creative ways of engaging young people
- Strong team working skills and professionalism at all times
Desirable
- Youth Work Qualification L3 or above
- L2 safeguarding qualification or willingness to obtain in first 3 months
- Experience working creatively
- Experience of youth participation and using skills to capture the voice and views of young people
- Experience working 1 to 1 with young people and in small groups
- Ability to utilise technology and IT packages to develop projects with young people
- Driving license/access to car and/or willing to train to drive minibuses
- Experience of leading social action projects with young people
- First Aid & Fire Marshal certificates or willing to obtain in first 3 months
Other Requirements
GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; the applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks including enhanced DBS.
GMYF is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your covering letter.
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments during the application or recruitment process and we’ll be happy to support you.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday, 12th May, 12noon.
Interview date: This role includes a two-stage interview process. Candidates must be available to attend both stages.
- Stage 1 – Panel interview on Monday, 18th May 2026
- Stage 2 – Young people engagement session on Wednesday, 20th May 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible, subject to the completion of pre‑employment checks, including DBS and onboarding
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Youth Work Apprenticeship
Location: Based at a local GMYF Youth Centre in Manchester or Trafford with regular attendance at Ormside Mill Outdoor Residential Centre in Cumbria
Responsible to: Outdoor Education Manager
Contract: Fixed 3-year apprenticeship contract with potential for FT employment on completion of successful apprenticeship.
Hours: 30 hours per week to be worked flexibly, inclusive one day per week university study.
Salary/Grade: £20,982 with the option of an auto enrolement pension
Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
Introduction
Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage. A key part of our offer is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education activities, including residentials at our Ormside Mill Residential Centre in Cumbria.
Purpose of Role:
The Youth Work Apprentice will work alongside professionally qualified youth workers learning the skills and qualities of the youth work profession. The apprentice will attend sessions on a weekly basis as well as committing to a university study day each trimester. A central focus will be to engage and support young people 11 – 18 years to take part in outdoor education activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There will be an expectation for the apprentice to attend residential events, expeditions and wider outdoor activities e.g. canoeing, climbing and hill walking to encourage and support young people taking part in these activities. Apprentices will learn a range of essential youth work skills including mentoring, boundaries, safeguarding and reflective practice which they will utilise in their work with young people, carrying out their roles with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism.
An overarching skill and ethos of the role will be to build trustful and meaningful relationships with young people for which ongoing training will be provided. Understanding the barriers some young people face and how to overcome these will be a regular feature of the youth worker portfolio of skills. While the core components of youth work skills will be central to the role a significant amount of time will be spent supporting young people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities which is central to our mission of improving the life chances, inclusiveness and resilience of young people.
The role will involve regular travel and overnight stays which will need to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the charity. A TOIL system is in place which is subject to agreement with line manager.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme Delivery & Development
- Undertake a course of studies at degree level attending university one day per week developing a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve a professionally recognised youth worker Degree Apprenticeship.
- Develop a working knowledge of GMYF’s policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the organisation and to meet the Apprenticeship Standard.
- To have a high regard to and comply with GMYF’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to maintain a strong working knowledge of appropriate safeguarding developments.
- Provide high levels of performance which comply with GMYF’s commitment to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage and wider barriers to participation and achievement.
- Under supervision, work closely with other team members to assist (and as skills levels develop lead) in a range of youth work projects and areas of specialism e.g. outdoor education.
- Plan, coordinate, and support young people aged 11–18, up to 25 with additional needs, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting GMYF’s youth work approach, values and behaviours.
- Develop progressive outdoor learning pathways that support personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with youth workers to integrate outdoor education into wider youthwork programmes, targeted interventions, and school partnerships.
- Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, SEND and other barriers to participation.
- Through personal example promote the behaviours that exemplify GMYF mission and ambition.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure youth worker apprenticeship compliance and comply with university policy and procedures throughout the duration of studies. This will include working to GMYF professional guidance and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
- Adhere to relevant legislation, guidance, and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
- Read, understand and comply with risk assessments, operating procedures, and emergency action plans as required.
- Contribute to and support the organisation’s monitoring and self-evaluation process.
Administration & Organisation
- Maintain all academic and administrative duties aligned with the youth worker degree apprenticeship.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by line manager consistent with GDPR.
- Contribute to the promotion and marketing of GMYF to schools, youth groups, and partners.
Representation & Partnership Working
- Develop and maintain a professional partnership with the youth worker degree apprenticeship training provider, schools, DofE, funders, and outdoor sector regulator bodies.
- Represent GMYF within the youth work and outdoor education sectors at meetings and events.
- Advocate for the value of outdoor learning in supporting young people’s wellbeing, mental health, and personal development.
- Support GMYF’s strategic objectives and values through professional leadership, collaboration, and celebration of success.
Person Specification
Essential
- L2 qualification in Maths and English
- L3 qualification e.g. Youth Work, Sports Leader or similar (A’ Levels) *
- Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice
- Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team
- L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people – to be obtained within 3 months of employment – training provided via employer
Desirable
- Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers
- Experience and passion for outdoor education activities and or qualifications in this area e.g Mountain Leader, canoe instructor
*If an applicant does not have the essential qualifications stipulated, discretion may be applied if the applicant can evidence significant work experience and demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy for studying in Higher Education.
Other Requirements
GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your cover email.
Closing date for applications: 14th May 2026, midday.
Interview date: 20th & 21st May 2026
Start date: August 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.