Community youth worker jobs

Come join an incredible team using joy, adventure and the outdoors to transform the mental health of London's most disadvantaged children. We're looking for someone a little bit special who believes in the deep potential of children who are not thriving elsewhere in life.

The position is a dual role. You’ll join as one of three dedicated Youth Workers and will lead on a portion of Free to Be Kids’ year-round follow-on support for vulnerable young people who we have already engaged via our Thrive Outside residentials. Crucially, a core aspect of the role will be leading an average of 8-10 of our residential projects across each year - working on the ground with the children, leading the volunteers, and helping make the projects special, safe, and transformative for vulnerable young people, many of whom have complex needs. You’ll be joining a small staff team of 9, supplemented by a vibrant and committed group of volunteers.

Attendance at approximately 8-10 five-six night residential projects per year outside London is a core component of this role. A full driving licence is not required but may be an advantage.

Watch our 2 min introductory video to see the power of what we do. https://bit.ly/ASummaryOfOurWork

On offer to the right candidate:

Salary: Circa £29,000-£32,000, dependent on experience.

Hours: Fulltime: 37.5 hours per week. Essential attendance on at c.8-10 residential projects a year.

Leave: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays and up to 13 additional pre-set discretionary reward days in September and during the Christmas period.

Other benefits: 4% employer pension contribution paid on full base salary, rising by 1% per year of service, up to a maximum of 7%, hybrid working, office with great transport links, flexible working (outside core hours), employee reward scheme, a tight-knit effective team with great morale.

Based: Hybrid – our small office in Waterloo, London. Hybrid working is well established with the majority of the team splitting time around 50:50 between the office and home.

To start: February-March 2026

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Who we’re looking for:

Our next Youth Work hero. You'll be fun, active, energised, resilient, and experienced in work with young people with complex needs, and looking to join an organisation you can believe in and who in return will believe and invest in you.

You’ll have multi years’ experience working alongside young people who might struggle in other settings and will be used to dealing with a range of behaviours and complex support needs, ideally including mental health support needs,with a good understanding of safeguarding. A basic level of comfortableness in the outdoors, resilience to keep going with a smile when it's wet outside, and the silliness to be the first to jump into the lake will see you in good stead for this role.

You’ll have the flexibility to work away from home on up to 10 week-long residential projects per year. Ideally, you’ll also have experience of leading projects for children – whether residential or non-residential. Experience of working on or leading residentials projects themselves is not required but may be an advantage.

We are a small, vibrant, fun and friendly staff team of 9, growing to 11 when these 2 Youth Worker vacancies are filled, supported by a committed volunteer base of around 200.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from those who can help us represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.

To apply:

See full Job Description & Person Specification on our website.

Send all 3 application elements in one email to the address within the application pack by the closing date of 8pm, Tuesday 13th January 2026.

• CV or up to date LinkedIn profile.
• A short introductory video of 1-3 minutes (maximum) showing your vibrancy, fit for the role, recapping your existing experience, and telling us something interesting about yourself! (Top tips: Keep it fast paced and lively; shorter may be better; touch on the person characteristics set for the role; something filmed quickly on your phone which feels organic is what we’re looking for.) As this is a people facing role the video’s purpose is to help bring life to your application, whilst helping us filter out solely AI written ones. We want to get a strong sense of YOU as we are looking for FIT with the organization, as well as experience.
• (optional) A short (1 side max) cover letter to bring your application to life.

Selection Process and Timeline:

Selection will be via two stage interview. As there is only a short turnaround from application closure on 13th January to 1st stage interviews 8th-9th January, we will assess applications and offer interview slots throughout the window. However, you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till the closing date to submit.

1st stage interviews: Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st January (virtual). We may offer some interview slots throughout the window but you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till towards the deadline to apply.

2nd stage final interviews: Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th th January (in-person, London Waterloo)

Please hold interview dates as alternates dates are unlikely to be available.

​The role requires an Enhanced DBS check and existing right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions about the role, contact us via our website and we’d be happy to arrange an informal chat. We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Title: Advice & Information Worker 
Working Hours: 37 Hours per week
Salary: £28,050.00 per annum 
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hatfield Office / hybrid options

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity and has been supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire since 1998. We are professional, passionate, collaborative and supportive charity that provides guidance to everyone who is in need of support.

We are looking for two dedicated and passionate Advice and Information Worker to join our team based in Hatfield! You will be the first point of contact for anyone needing to access the ‘hyh hub’ and will ensure that all referrals are triaged to identify the most effective pathway for support. The worker will deliver accurate advice and information to young people, parents and professionals, and work undertaken in a coordinated timely manner. You will carry out appropriate assessments, with other agencies where needed, to assess the needs of the family to prevent family breakdown and homelessness.

Role Responsibilities:
- Manage a varied, short term case load with conflicting deadlines
- To offer realistic advice and options to young people, family members and professionals to prevent family breakdown and homelessness, identifying any other needs within the process.
- To carry out service user assessments under the JHP and liaise with statutory agencies, non-statutory agencies and family members to assist with a planned move on/secure accommodation for
16/17 year olds as required.
- Develop and maintain smooth, accurate pathways on the database for gathering and maintaining all relevant service user and statistical information
- To chair and coordinate family meetings, housing support meetings and liaison meetings with other agencies as required
- To liaise and refer into Crashpad as required and work within the set timescales
- Alongside team members and external partners, co-ordinate and implement focused action plans, working with families for a maximum of 6 weeks
- Working in strengths based way, support 16/17 year olds to advocate for themselves when appropriate and necessary
- Carry out the necessary follow-up work and write ups of service users files
- Encourage and promote a planned approach to solving conflict alongside the ‘hyh hub’ and explore the mediation / family link worker processes to young people and their families, in line with the ‘single pathway’ model.

As a successful candidate you will have...
- A full driving license and use of own car or motorbike for business purposes (Compulsory)
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the problems facing homeless young people
- Ability to engage and motivate young people, strong interpersonal skills including the ability to be appropriately assertive
- General administrative skills (filling, record keeping and computer literacy)
- Ability to work effectively with a full and varied workload with conflicting deadlines
- Excellent understanding of confidentially with strict professional boundaries and personal integrity
- Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
- Excellent planning, organisational & time management skills
- Have a flexible working approach to the needs of the service users
- Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- IT literacy including excel, word, teams and outlook
- An understanding of the voluntary sector and the constraints placed upon voluntary sector organisation (desirable)

What can we offer you?
-25 days annual leave per annum (in addition to Bank Holidays & Public Holidays)
-People's Pension Plan contribution
-Group Life Insurance plan
-Opportunities for personal and career development
-Hybrid working - option to work from home up to 2 days per week
-An additional annual leave day on your Birthday
-Monthly draws to win ‘lunch on your manager’ or ‘leave work early’
-Employee Assistance Programme - support with wellbeing & personal struggles
 

Please apply via the link on the vacancy found on our website submitting a cover letter  or a short video along with your CV . If you require any adjustments to support your application please let us know and we will be happy to help where we can.Closing Date 12th January 2026

Recruitment afternoon will be held on 21st January 2026 that will involve a variety of group based and individual tasks following by a competency interview.  and if successful there will be a personal interview stage held on a date to be confirmed. 

Should you need any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment day please confirm upon receipt of invitation.

Equal Opportunities

We treat everyone with equal dignity and respect, and promote equal opportunity for all and challenge any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any person on the grounds of race, colour, sex, marital status, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other perceived difference.

hyh strives to be an equal opportunities and inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our promise to you
Herts Young Homeless promises to act with the upmost integrity and respect when it comes to handling your data and will not share your details with any other client without 1) discussing the opportunity with you first and 2) without your verbal or written consent for us to do so.  

Role description: You will work with local residents to continue our community engagement work, empowering residents to bring about positive change for North Leatherhead and facilitating their engagement in decisions affecting the local area.

Pay and hours: £16 an hour. 15 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend working.

Contract: 6-month contract, initially.  

Location: LCH, Kingston Road, Leatherhead. KT22 7PX. Not suitable for remote working.

Context:

North Leatherhead is in the top 5% most deprived neighbourhoods in Surrey, with one of the highest concentrations of foodbank use in the county and healthy life expectancy rates that are, on average, seven years lower than in South Leatherhead. A listening exercise by Mole Valley District Council highlighted the lack of community provision and the damaging impact of the closure of the children’s centre and other community buildings in recent years.

Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) opened in March 2022 as a dedicated community centre in North Leatherhead. LCH provides opportunities for people to come together socially and build community, as well as giving partner organisations a permanent base from which to offer vital support. Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space at the heart of the community, where people of all ages can connect, learn, have fun, and find the support they need to thrive. The Hub attracts around 3,500 visitors a month to our community café and the many other community activities run by LCH and other local groups.

One of LCH’s core values is to be community-led, and we are always looking for opportunities to take on board people’s ideas and develop their gifts. Last year, we set up a non-contact boxing project and we have plans for a new football project, in response to parents’ concerns about the lack of provision for children and young people. Responsibility for both projects is being handed over to local residents.

Role description:

You will be responsible for listening to, engaging with and empowering local residents to facilitate positive change in their community, with the following specific objectives:

· To establish a residents’ panel (or similar), giving local residents a greater say in decisions affecting local community.

· To organise an Annual General Meeting (or similar), ensuring that LCH is accountable to the local community.

· To carry out a community survey (or listening exercise) for North Leatherhead, to increase our understanding of the concerns and hopes of local residents.

In addition, we would like to explore ways to increase ownership and involvement of local residents in all aspects of the running of LCH. You will be employed by LCH, using the Hub as a base for networking and capacity-building, whilst also reaching out to other sections of the community. This role will require you to have a regular presence at LCH and in the wider community.

Requirements of the postholder: 

Essential:

· Excellent listening skills – friendly and approachable, with the ability to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds and make them feel supported and valued.

· Experience of volunteering and/or working in a community setting.

· Strong organisational, time management and IT skills.

· A positive and creative approach to work – able to handle new or competing demands and work on own initiative without close supervision.

· A willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evening and weekend meetings.

· A firm commitment to the vision, mission and values of LCH.

Desirable:

· Good networking skills and experience of working with other organisations to achieve positive change for the community.

· An understanding of the principles of asset-based community development and other participatory approaches to community development.

· A proven ability to motivate and support people to use their strengths and skills for the benefit of the wider community.

· Experience of carrying out community research and/or grassroots organising.

· Experience of living, working and/or volunteering in the local area.

How to apply:  Please send us your CV and a cover letter (no more than 500 words), explaining why you would like this role and how you meet the job requirements.

 Posted on: 15th December 2025 

Closing date: 15th January 2026 

Interview date: 23rd January 2026

We are keen to appoint someone to start in February, or as soon as possible.

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Services Worker (Northern Ireland)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Northern Ireland

HOURS OF WORK: 25 hours a week (flexible with some evenings)

LOCATION: Office based, with travel across Northern Ireland.

DURATION: Fixed Term – 5 Years 

SALARY / GRADE: Grade 5 (£30,738 - £33,921 FTE)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•Adopted Young People in Northern Ireland

•  Director Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland staff

•  Wider AUK youth staff

 •Representative staff from educational establishments.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To develop, implement and evaluate the Banter Project youth service in partnership with adopted young people in Northern Ireland.  These young people range in age from 14-25 years and live throughout Northern Ireland.  The role will primarily work with the project participants, but has additional relationships with community organisations, educational establishments and employers to ensure that all project goals and outcomes are efficiently and effectively met.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To lead the development and delivery of all elements of the Banter Project adopted young people’s service within Northern Ireland in a fun, interactive, interesting and an ability appropriate manner.

• To support the project participants to play an active role in the design and implementation of a programme of monthly activities for adopted young people. Sustaining and developing a monthly social hub, supporting the development of basic life-skills, and preparation for opportunities in further education, training, employment.

• To support a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in its role to enable adopted young people to steer the Banter Project while developing skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

• To organise and supervise the work of the Youth Services Support Worker to deliver the Banter Project. 

• To provide opportunities to connect with, and signpost to, relevant services, particularly those who work with care experienced young people.

• To develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation to review individual goals, track progress and impact, via data and analysis of outcomes to assess effectiveness and areas for improvement.

• To record service activity using the electronic data management systems to collate in preparation for reporting and learning opportunities.

• To gather output and outcome data from the Banter Project service in accordance with the quality assurance systems within AUK. 

• Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality project for our adopted young people and their adoptive parents.  Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals. 

• To attend internal and external training/meetings as appropriate, to remain connected with broader adoption issues, relevant policies, working practices, and network with other youth work providers in Northern Ireland.

• To engage in supervision and professional development.

We have an exciting opportunity for a youth worker to join Oasis North Bristol. Our Youth Worker will work with young people and families across the community to develop positive activities which promote a sense of belonging.

We’re looking for an individual who has a passion for supporting young people and developing community led activities. The role will involve supporting young people and families in our local Oasis academies but also in the wider community, inspiring and enabling local people to be an active voice and developer in their local area.

The successful post holder must have:

· Good standard of basic education, including English and Maths Level 2

· Experience of youth work either as a volunteer or professionally

· Experience of managing and working with volunteers

· Ability to build long lasting, positive relationships with both young people and adults

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a real difference to communities on a local level. As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution

· A generous holiday allowance

· Working as part of a friendly, community-minded team of professionals

If you are interested in being part of this service, then please:

To apply, please apply via Charity Jobs or view our website for further details.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am Monday 19th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 26th January 2026.

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 

If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

As our HyPE Manager you will set up, embed and lead the implementation of Voyage’s Horizons Youth Programme for the Environment, a pioneering employability, mentoring and wellbeing programme combining a weekly Job Club, renewable energy and green-skills training, construction pathways and embedded therapeutic support linked to employment opportunities delivered in partnership with Repowering London, New city College and Talking Quest. 

The postholder will oversee recruitment, delivery and progression impact and outcomes for young people (16–21) from New City College, PRUs, Youth Offending Teams, courts, social workers and local schools, ensuring they are supported into education, apprenticeships, training or work. We are currently exploring expansion possibilities for the long term unemployed, as an alternative to custody and for refugee communities. We seek someone who can help embed the programme in the community college and assist our plans to expand.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Youth Development Worker to join our team. This role will lead and develop our youth work offer across the 4 villages area of North Bristol (Lawrence Weston, Shirehampton, Sea Mills and Avonmouth).

We’re looking for an individual who has a passion and flair for supporting young people, promoting a sense of inclusion and belonging. The right candidate will have experience of both targeted and open access provision and a desire to enable young people to promote their voice and views to shape the future of youth work in the area.

The successful post holder must have:

· Good standard of basic education, including English and Maths Level 2

· Level 3 or equivalent in youth work

· Experience of leading and developing youth programmes (both open access and targeted)

· Ability to build long lasting, positive relationships with both young people and adults

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a real difference to communities on a local level. As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution

· A generous holiday allowance

· Working as part of a friendly, community-minded team of professionals

If you are interested in being part of this service, then please:

To apply, please apply via Charity Jobs or see details on our website.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am Monday 19th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 26th January 2026.

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 

If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 9–18?
Do you want to make a genuine difference while being part of a supportive, values-driven team?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can socialise, build confidence, and develop skills for life. We are looking for a Youth Development Worker to support the delivery of engaging youth work sessions and contribute to the growth of our youth offer, including the opening of new clubs in Bedford town centre.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Youth Development Worker, you will support the planning and delivery of a range of youth work activities. This is a hands-on role working directly with young people, helping to create welcoming, fun and meaningful sessions that reflect the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about youth work who wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of youth work activities for young people aged 9–18
• Deliver a range of youth work activities, including centre-based sessions, outreach, school-linked programmes, mentoring and digital engagement
• Build positive, trusted relationships with young people, offering encouragement, guidance and support
• Assist with projects and new youth club development in Bedford town centre
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, engagement and outcomes to support monitoring and reporting
• Promote safeguarding, equality, inclusion and positive behaviour in all aspects of delivery

About You

You don’t need to be fully qualified - what matters most is your enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to young people.

You will be:

• Passionate about supporting children and young people
• Confident engaging with young people in group settings
• Willing to learn and develop your youth work skills
• Able to work as part of a team and follow safeguarding procedures
• Experience working with young people (paid or voluntary) is desirable but not essential.

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 10 hours per week, paid on a monthly salaried basis
• Working pattern includes evenings and weekends, with most sessions taking place after school

Additional Information

• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer
• Applications will be reviewed as received, so early application is encouraged

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and aim to create a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you need any support to apply or attend an interview.

Overview

Resilience Duty Worker (Young People)

Change Grow Live – Hertfordshire

Do you believe in the potential of young people—and in your ability to help unlock it?

At Change Grow Live, we see possibility in every person. Guided by our values — Be Open, Be Compassionate and Be Bold — we work alongside young people and their families to create safer, healthier futures. Our approach is grounded in evidence, shaped by compassion and rooted in the communities we serve.

As part of our 2030 Strategy, we are strengthening early intervention, safeguarding and whole-family responses so that young people can access the right support at the right time. This role is central to that ambition.

About the Role

We are seeking a Resilience Duty Worker to join our Integrated Whole Family Recovery Service across Hertfordshire. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will support young people affected by substance use and associated safeguarding risks—helping to reduce harm, build resilience and improve outcomes.

This is a varied, frontline role requiring strong engagement skills, sound judgement and a clear understanding of safeguarding practice. You will work flexibly across the county, responding to need and ensuring timely access to appropriate pathways.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Act as a key point of entry into the service, processing referrals and completing initial triage assessments.

• Identify, respond to and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance and best practice.

• Reduce drug- and alcohol-related harm for young people and the wider community through evidence-based interventions.

• Hold a small caseload, delivering brief interventions focused on substance use and risk reduction.

• Manage and monitor waiting lists, maintaining contact with young people awaiting allocation to a keyworker.

• Advocate for access to partner services and coordinate support across agencies.

• Support positive, holistic outcomes for young people’s health and wellbeing—reducing risk and increasing resilience.

• Monitor referrals, identify appropriate treatment pathways and ensure timely progression through services.

• Work peripatetically across Hertfordshire to meet the needs of young people and families.

• Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and community services.

Where: This role will be based across Hertfordshire County (Full UK driving licence and access to a car will be essential)
Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week
*Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35
Allowance: Outer Fringe £683.99

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

Working in Hertfordshire

Across Hertfordshire, Change Grow Live works in partnership with children’s services, education, health and community organisations to deliver integrated, safeguarding-led support. Our services are designed to reflect local need, remove barriers to access and ensure young people receive timely, effective interventions. In this role, you will contribute directly to a coordinated, whole-family approach that is built on evidence and compassion and rooted in local communities.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience of working with young people and a strong understanding of the challenges they face.

• Knowledge of safeguarding practice for children and young people, including the Fraser Competence framework.

• A sound understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience in a related field.

• Familiarity with evidence-based approaches to young people’s substance misuse treatment and best practice guidance.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong IT capability.

• The ability to maintain accurate records and meet reporting deadlines.

• The ability to work flexibly and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• A full UK driving licence and access to a car (essential).

We Thrive at Change Grow Live By:

• Recruiting for success and recognising the contribution of our people.

• Creating safe, healthy, agile and flexible environments where people can do their best work.

• Learning, developing and growing together, building confidence and capability.

• Fostering belonging, inclusion and openness, where every voice counts.

• Delivering world-class learning and organisational development, aligned to our values and strategy.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising by one day per year of service, capped at 30 days)

• A paid weekly Wellness Hour, access to our Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme

• Contributory pension scheme

• A wide range of benefits, including discounts for shopping, cinema and holidays

• A friendly, supportive team environment

• Training, career development and progression opportunities

• Refer-a-Friend scheme

Apply Now

Please ensure your application and supporting statement clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined in the job description.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early application is encouraged.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

Outer Fringe (£694.25)

Interview Date

26/1/2026

Closing Date

15/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality programmes.

Are you an experienced youth worker ready to take the next step in your development?
Do you enjoy leading sessions, supporting colleagues, and shaping meaningful opportunities for young people?

We are seeking a Senior Youth Development Worker to support the development and delivery of One YMCA’s Universal Youth Work provision in Bedford.

The Role

Reporting to the Youth Work Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality youth work for young people aged 9–18. You will lead engaging sessions, support and supervise sessional youth workers, and contribute to the growth and development of One YMCA’s youth work offer in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy.

This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, team support, and partnership engagement. You will help ensure young people feel safe, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth work sessions for young people aged 9–18
• Lead sessions and act as a positive role model for young people
• Support and supervise sessional youth workers during delivery
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, schools and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records to monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Contribute to the development and expansion of One YMCA’s youth work offer, including partnership and funding opportunities
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work

About You

You are passionate about youth work and committed to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. You are confident leading sessions, supporting others, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

You will have:

• Experience delivering youth work (paid or voluntary)
• Confidence leading group sessions and supporting small teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of inclusive and safeguarding-led practice
• A Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or willingness to work towards one (essential)

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 18 hours per week, salaried on a monthly basis
• Working pattern is flexible but will include evenings and weekends, with most delivery taking place after school

Additional Information

• Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, subject to a conditional offer

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support to participate fully.

Overview   

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young people seeking safety. We work alongside young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.  

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, experienced traumatic journeys, and are often here alone to find community and connection, a space to be a young person, and access support to address a range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.  

About the role  

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner with both youth work and casework experience to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people in the UK asylum system. You will support young people aged 18-25, including those age-assessed as 18+, living in contingency and dispersal accommodation, helping them access social, emotional and practical support as they navigate the asylum system. 

Working closely with Youth Welfare Caseworkers who hold more complex, long-term cases, you will provide early intervention and short-term casework support alongside consistent, relational youth work. You will also contribute to the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the service, as required, helping to evidence impact and inform service development. 

This role is primarily based in Brent, where you will coordinate the delivery of the Ahlan youth club with another Youth Welfare Officer and contribute to regular outreach to young people living in local hotels. You will help plan and deliver group sessions, trips and activities, creating safe, engaging and empowering spaces for young people. You will act as a trusted point of contact, building strong relationships, offering one-to-one support, and accompanying, referring and signposting young people to appropriate services, while working closely with colleagues to ensure safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised. 

You may also be required to support the delivery of our other Youth Welfare youth clubs in Croydon and King’s Cross, and some evening work may be required as part of the role. All work is delivered in line with Young Roots’ values, using a trauma-informed, asset-based and youth-led approach. 

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions: 

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? 
2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? 
3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?

Please ensure you refer to the minimum requirements on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. 

You may submit your personal statement in writing or via video. 

Please submit your application via CharityJobs. 

Please note that Young Roots is closed from Wednesday, 24 December 2025, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026. There may be a delay in getting back to you during this time. 

No agencies, please. 

Closing date: Midday on Monday, 5 January 2026 

Interviews: week commencing Monday, 12 January 2026 

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying, or if you'd like any adjustments to the process, or an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to organisations that support people from under-represented groups and can advise you on applying for this role - for example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust, and Experts by Experience.

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a training and supervision framework that everyone is expected to comply with, along with systems for monitoring, quality assurance, and collecting service user feedback. Upon joining, you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.

All posts are subject to safer recruitment protocols, which include vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references, and other checks.

For 30 years, XLP has helped thousands of young people aged 11 - 25 across inner-city London and the City of London, through mentoring, employability support, schools work and community-based support.

Our mission is to engage in long-term relationships that empower young people who experience a range of challenges and barriers to complete their education, avoid anti-social behaviour and ultimately become independent and confident contributors within their communities.

We have an exciting opportunity for a full time Senior Youth Worker to join the team. The role will be based in our East team which currently works in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

The Community Support Worker will contribute to the delivery of our LGBTQ+ youth provision supporting young people aged 13+ (and some pre-teens):

Specific Duties and responsibilities

• Work with an intensive caseload of approximately 12 young people maintaining regular contact, through arranged appointments, offering information, advice and guidance, practical support and encouragement.
• Maintain accurate and up to date written client database records and complete all admin tasks within required timeframes.
• Support clients to identify their strengths, interests, areas they would like to improve and barriers to progression, in order to develop their personalised action plan.
• Support clients to increase their self-esteem, become more resilient and improve their aspirations.
• Utilise the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Tool and Free2B tools, to monitor progression.
• Develop and deliver ‘safe space’ forums in schools, providing suitable group work activities (this may be alongside school staff or leading on your own).
• Working with the team to both lead and support our youth group provisions on a rota’d basis (both in person and online).
• Maintain relationships to work across multiple community and school settings, collaborating effectively with organisations to ensure positive service delivery.

General Duties

• Attend regular case supervision and team meetings and events as appropriate.
• Adhere to Free2B’s Equality and Diversity policies with respect to staff and service users.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and Free2B policies, to ensure safe working practices.
• Undertake any other appropriate tasks, as agreed. 

Person Specification

Essential  / Desirable

1. Experience of providing 1:1 targeted support to a caseload of young people, including undertaking assessments, planning, target setting and review (preferably in education settings). E
2. Knowledge & experience of the key issues impacting on LGBTQ+ young people (including trans and non-binary young people). E
3. Ability to set and work within clear and appropriate professional boundaries including challenging negative behaviours. E
4. Experience of responding appropriately to child protection and vulnerable adult safeguarding issues, following policies and procedures. E
5. Ability to manage client appointments and administrative tasks effectively to complete all elements of the role within the required timeframes. E
6. IT skills and experience of using applications including: Word, Outlook email, client databases and online platforms: Teams, Zoom and WhatsApp for internal communications.  E
7. Experience of remaining flexible and adapting your ways of working in order to meet client and service needs. E
8. One of our four core values is Listening, reflecting our commitment to being client-led.What do you believe is important in delivering truly client-led support? E
9. Experience of working independently across multiple settings (preferably including within secondary schools). D
10. Qualification in a relevant area such as social work, community work, gender studies or teaching, psychology etc D

The Youth Endowment Fund  

Senior Change Manager, Youth Justice 

Reports to: Change Lead for Diversion

Salary:  £52,700 per annum  

Location:  Central London or Hybrid*(see below) 

Contract: (2-year fixed term – potential to extend)

Closing date for applications: 12pm Monday 12th January 2026 

Interview dates: Week commencing 26th January 2026 

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

In recent years violent crime has risen significantly. Homicides, assaults, robberies and offences involving weapons have all seen sustained growth. We have also seen large increases in violent crime involving children and young people. This is a tragedy. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them.

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is a charity with a £200m endowment and a mission that matters. We exist to prevent children becoming involved in violence. Our mission is to find what works and build a movement to put it into practice. A big part of the movement that we need to build is in the world of youth justice. We need to inspire and connect with youth justice leaders across England and Wales to spread what works and make our country safer for some of our most vulnerable children. We are looking for someone to lead on making this happen.

Key Responsibilities  

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around youth justice to reduce violence. This year, in conjunction with the Centre for Justice Innovation, we published Diversion Practice Guidance and have recently launched our new self-evaluation tool for diversion practice (ORPIC). But the big risk is that we publish these resources and nothing changes. That’s where you come in.

Your role is to work out the best way to make this change happen by getting youth justice services (YJSs) and police forces to adopt evidence-based practice through our new change programme: the Whole Area Model (WAM). WAM helps police forces and youth justice services strengthen diversion practices by aligning their work with the 7 C’s: 

1. Culture – A child-centred, pro-diversion ethos 

1. Contact – Interactions are trauma-informed and maximise prevention and safeguarding opportunities 

1. Custody – Considered use of police custody, prioritising alternatives and swift triage. 

1. Criteria – Clear, consistent eligibility for diversion. 

1. Collaboration – Multi-agency decision-making panels; shared protocols and referral pathways.

1. Care – Evidence-based support, monitoring engagement, closing cases responsibly.

1. Checks – Ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and scrutiny to ensure quality and equity. 

Your role will involve: 

• Supporting the delivery of the Whole Area Model through activities like: 

• Facilitating completions of diversion self-evaluations with youth justice services and police forces. 

• Delivering training to youth justice, police and other relevant agencies about the evidence-base or specific areas of diversionary practice and governance (e.g. scrutiny panels). 

• Supporting the ongoing development of a National Diversion Network, which will contribute to a wider repository of diversion resources and evidence

• Identifying and creating practical resources which help youth justice professionals and police officers to put evidence into practice. 

• Developing great relationships with senior leaders, youth justice workers and police officers, generating a strong understanding of key issues and needs in relation to youth justice matters, and building credibility and trust with the sector.

• Working out other effective ways to connect people with the evidence, then making those things happen, from virtual learning events to presentations. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.

• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You 

You must have this sort of experience: 

• You’ve changed frontline practice and/or systems:You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within a youth justice setting. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

• You’re working in or around the youth justice service, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with children who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.  

• You work well in multi-agency environments: You have experience collaborating across police, youth justice, local authorities and other partners, and you can communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders to build alignment and drive change. 

You might have this sort of experience: 

• Supporting a youth justice team/service to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice in relation to diversion or wider youth justice activities.

You are this sort of person: 

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do. 

• You understand the youth justice sector and diversion specifically. You really understand how the youth justice sector works, from leaders to frontline officers.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to design and deliver high quality outputs such as reports and digital resources to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player. 

• You don't want young your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like, and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of violence affecting children and young people. 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.

Hybrid Working 

Our office is located in Central London. Team members who reside within the 32 London Boroughs or are within a 90-minute commute are expected to attend the office at least two days per week. 

For those living outside of London but within England, Scotland, or Wales, the expectation is to work from the London office two days per month. 

Travel  

Due to the nature of the programme there is some national travel required within England and Wales. This is likely to be up to five times per month; all travel costs can be reimbursed with flexibility for overnight stays if preferred.

To Apply 

Please click on the "Apply for this" button and submit your CV, your completed monitoring form and ensure your covering letter answers the following three questions below. Please submit your application by 12pm Monday 12th January 

When applying for this role, please ensure that you answer the application questions below:    

Personal and professional experiences in violence prevention
1. What personal and professional experiences shape your understanding of the youth justice sector and its role in preventing youth violence? (max 400 words) 

Developing strategy
2. Can you describe a time when you successfully supported youth justice partnership leaders to improve their practice or systems? Please be specific about the scale and context of your involvement. (max 400 words) 

Improving practice or systems 
3. Describe your experience improving diversion for children. What actions did you take, what impact did they have, and what did you learn? (max 400 words) 

Interview Process 

This will likely be a one stage interview process. Interviews will take place the week of 26th January 2026. 

Please Note: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays 

• Four half days for volunteering activities 

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support 

• Volunteering days - 4 half days per year 

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary 

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm 

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans 

• Employer contributed pension of 5%. 

Your Data 

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful, and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.