Experienced youth workers jobs

Participation Worker

We are seeking a passionate and organised participation professional to lead work with care experienced young people and ensure their voices shape policy, practice, and change across Scotland.

Position: Participation Worker, Scotland
Salary: £27,953 to £33,130 per annum
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid, Scotland, with links to the Glasgow office and travel across Scotland
Closing date: 11.59pm Sunday 1st Feb

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in improving the lives and outcomes of children and young people in foster care. Working as part of the Scotland and Policy and Campaigns teams, you will lead participation activity with care experienced young people and ensure their voices are heard, valued, and acted upon.

A key focus of the role is leading and coordinating the Young Person’s Advisory Board in Scotland, supporting young people to campaign for change in children’s social care and to shape the organisation’s work through meaningful participation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and coordinating the Young Person’s Advisory Board, including meetings, one to one support, and skills development
• Co producing, planning, and delivering a programme of participation and engagement events
• Supporting young people to campaign and influence policy and decision making
• Acting as the main point of contact for participation activity in Scotland
• Using trauma informed and strengths based approaches to support wellbeing and engagement
• Building strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, and funders across Scotland
• Coordinating communications and producing project updates and reports
• Managing project budgets, monitoring outcomes, and contributing to evaluation and impact reporting
• Contributing to organisational participation strategy and safeguarding practice

This role requires some travel across Scotland and occasional evening and weekend work, including residential activity.

About you

You will bring experience of participation or co production work with young people, ideally care experienced young people or those from marginalised communities. You will be highly organised, creative, and confident working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of participation and engagement work with young people
• Experience supporting young people to campaign or influence change
• Understanding of children’s social care and the issues affecting care experienced young people and foster carers
• Experience of planning and delivering events and projects to agreed timescales and budgets
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice, safeguarding, and children’s rights
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with internal and external partners
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly when required
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice

Lived experience of care, experience of chairing groups, youth work qualifications, or use of social media in a professional context would be an advantage but are not essential.

About the organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, working to improve the lives of children and young people in foster care and to support fostering families and services.

The organisation is committed to listening to those with lived experience and placing their voices at the heart of its work, campaigning for positive change across children’s social care.

What’s on offer

• 38 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working
• A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• 24 hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension and life assurance
• Contribution to eye tests and lenses
• Season ticket loans

The organisation is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, particularly those from under represented and minoritised backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process, and job share applications are welcomed.

Applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Care Leaver Covenant.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Participation Officer, Youth Engagement Worker, Youth Participation Coordinator, Engagement Officer, Policy and Participation Officer, Young People’s Worker, Community Engagement Officer, Youth Projects Officer, Participation and Inclusion Officer. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.    

 We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*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

About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

 What we Offer 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

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. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

19/2/2026

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

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

We are looking for Bank Supported Housing Support Workers to join our Our 16+ Older Looked After Young People (OLYP), Care Leavers and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) services. Our OLYP services delivers specialist 24-hour supported accommodation where young people are supported to acquire the necessary skills in preparation for living independently, safely explore their increased freedom of choice and develop responsibilities associated with adulthood, whilst still having the appropriate level of support from an experienced team.

We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and support residents into independent accommodation. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building

Our Bank Support Worker roles are similar to our Support Workers roles, but they work on a more flexible, temporary basis – they are great way into the organisation and can be a stepping stone into other roles. 

You will be offered available shifts (day, evening, night, weekends and bank holidays) in advance and at short notice – you choose which ones you want to work.

In this rewarding role you will work proactively and creatively alongside young people providing support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building. You will contribute to the smooth and safe running of the services by providing consistency and reliability.

You will ideally have experience of working with a similar client group and a good understanding of the key risks, challenges and opportunities for young people.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Team Manager with extensive social work experience to manage our Sheffield Team. In this role, you’ll be supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer by managing a team of social care staff who deliver services in line with our organisation’s service specifications.

You will be based at Sheffield Children’s Hospital where most of the team are based with one Social Worker based also at Weston Park Hospital. This is a hybrid role with flexibility to work both from home and from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, however, there is an expectation that the majority of time (70% minimum) you will be present at the hospital with the team, especially on Tuesdays as this is when the whole team is together.

About you

Our work is rewarding but also complex and demanding; you will need to be resourceful and resilient.

We are looking for a social work qualified experienced people manager to take responsibility for operational management and development of our social work services.

You will ensure that effective services are delivered to children and young people with cancer and their families through the professional supervision of our staff group, working across split sites.

You will have:

• You must hold an appropriate social work qualification.
• Extensive experience of working with children and young people including complex case work and risk assessment and care planning, caseload management and interagency working
• Experience of managing safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults, legislation, procedures and best practice
• Experience of supervising students and / or staff in a social care setting
• Experience of delivering support to young people and families via different mediums including individuals, groups and digital delivery.
• A proven ability to manage expectations of key stakeholders including staff and service users

This role is subject to an Enhanced level Criminal Record Check. In the event of a successful application a Disclosure report will be sought.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation.

We are committed to taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities and creating equitable opportunities for all. We are passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation, as well as reflective of the diverse children and young people we support. Click here to find out more about our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

What we offer

In return for your commitment, we offer a great reward package, which includes generous annual and family/ caring leave entitlements, enhanced pension and employee savings scheme. To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

If you join us, you will be part of a community that is committed make a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Louise Dolphin.

We are looking for a Key Support Worker to join Hummingbird Homes, a new and innovative supported accommodation model for young people aged 16/17 leaving care.

Be part of something genuinely differen

This is not a traditional support role. As a Key Support Worker, you will be part of a small, committed team offering relational, trauma-informed support to young people at a crucial point in their lives, helping them move towards independence with stability, dignity and hope.

Hummingbird Homes has been designed to bridge the gap between care and independent living, offering young people their own homes alongside consistent, trusted adult support in a nearby Support House.

Our Values

Everything we do at Handcrafted is shaped by our values. We are a Christian charity, and while we do not expect service users to engage in faith-based activity, our work is grounded in the following principles:

• Creativity Everyone can make something to be proud of

• Empathy We walk alongside people through challenges

• Empowerment Everyone can learn to take back control of their life

• Community We accept people as they are and support one another

These values underpin the way our Key Support Workers build relationships, respond to need, and create safe, supportive environments.

About the Role

As a Key Support Worker, you will play a central role in supporting young people living in Hummingbird Homes. You will work relationally and practically to help each young person develop the skills and confidence they need to move forward.

This is a hands-on, people-centred role that combines emotional support, safeguarding, practical life skills and community building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trusted, consistent relationships with young people aged 16–17

• Provide day-to-day support within the Hummingbird Homes model

• Support young people to develop independent living skills

• Maintain a safe, welcoming and supportive environment in the Support House

• Contribute to care planning, risk assessments and support reviews

• Work collaboratively with social workers, local authorities and partner agencies

• Support young people during challenging moments and periods of crisis

• Participate in rota-based working, including evenings, weekends and on-call

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding and quality assurance

(Full responsibilities are detailed in the recruitment pack.)

The Support House – A Core Part of the Role

This role includes your accommodation made available rent-free for the better performance of this role

• A base for staff while on shift or on call

• A safe and welcoming space for young people

• A hub for community activities and relationship-building

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting vulnerable young people or care leavers

• Is emotionally resilient, calm and able to build trust

• Understands safeguarding and trauma-informed practice

• Can work flexibly, including evenings and weekends

• Shares our values and is comfortable working within a Christian ethos

• Is committed to helping young people grow in confidence and independence

A full UK driving licence and Enhanced DBS are required.

Why Join Handcrafted?

• Be part of an innovative, relational model of care

• Work within a values-led organisation making real impact

• Join a supportive, close-knit team

• Receive ongoing training and development

• Play a meaningful role in transforming young people’s futures

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Training and Support Worker to deliver our Propel programme across Yorkshire, building partnerships and championing neuroinclusion. 

As the Training and Support Worker, you'll engage with schools, colleges, community settings and employers, delivering training, supporting implementation, and empowering neurodivergent young people into sustainable employment. You'll play a key role in developing the programme through partner insight and keeping up with best practice in workplace neuroinclusion. 

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face-to-face training within schools, colleges, community settings and workplaces across Yorkshire. 

What We're Looking For 

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people with experience in SEND, employability, or community engagement 

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences 

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community and employer sectors 

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently 

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration 

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us 

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values-driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You'll have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programme in Yorkshire, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter. 

For more information about The Mason Foundation and our work please visit our website. 

The Mason Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We positively encourage applications from candidates regardless of sex, race or ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or belief, marital or civil partnership status, parental or carer status, education, socioeconomic background, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected under equality legislation.

We are especially keen to encourage and welcome applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, these include but are not limited to those from the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and candidates who are Black or People of Colour. Those with disabilities meeting the minimum requirements for the post will be shortlisted and reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged during the interview process.

37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum / fixed-term maternity cover (12 Months) / working Monday - Thursday 9.00-1700, Friday 9.00-16.30.

At YMCA DownsLink Group,is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

YMCAis our child sexual exploitation project which works with children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. Our primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation through raising awareness, education and empowerment.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner. You will work alongside the Service Manager, Early Intervention Worker and two other practitioners, co-located at Staines Police Station with the Exploitation Team. The role involves a significant amount of lone working with frequent travel across Surrey to see clients and attend meetings, with occasional travel further afield.

In delivering the role, you will involve carrying a caseload of young people aged 10-25 who are vulnerable to sexual or criminal exploitation, providing intensive, client-centred care and working closely with professionals across agencies.

Key responsibilities are:

• Manage a caseload of vulnerable young people and supporting them to stay safe and leave the influence of perpetrators
• Work with other professionals to deliver tailored care packages and provide consultation
•  Maintain accurate case records and contributing to timely reports
•  Liaise with Children’s Services, Surrey Police and other agencies to disrupt abuse and support prosecutions
• Deliver training and awareness-raising workshops to professionals and foster carers
• Contribute to strategic development and deputising at relevant meetings

This is a challenging role where children and young people do not always identify the level of risk they are exposed to or the abusive nature of the relationships they are in. The support of victims can be distressing and emotionally demanding for the workers, consequently 1-to-1 clinical supervision, weekly team meetings and regular line management supervision of cases and wellbeing.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.

Qualifications, experience and knowledge:

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people
• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support young people aged 10 to 25 years old
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 8 February at midnight. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.

This role will take the lead in creating and developing an exciting, safe, fun and vibrant young people’s ministry at St. Andrew’s Church that sees young people come to faith and grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus.

Join Our Team – Youth Support Worker

Ready for a new challenge in 2026?
Do you have a passion for working with young people, helping them grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and explore new opportunities?
If so, we'd love to hear from you!

About the Role

The Barnardo's Co-op Partnership is an exciting, innovative project aiming to support over 1 million young people to build positive futures.
Our Sedgemoor for our Future service is co-designed by young people and built around a social kitchen concept. We create welcoming spaces where young people can:

• Learn to cook healthy, nutritious meals
• Share food and eat together
• Have fun through games and activities
• Explore topics that matter to them
• Build confidence, teamwork, and life skills

Session Details

• Tuesdays – Highbridge, 4:30pm–6:00pm
• Wednesdays – Bridgwater, 4:30pm–6:00pm

Applicants must be available to facilitate these two sessions, you will need to be able to design and deliver these workshops in different places and spaces to help young people develop confidence, teamwork, and skills. You will also need to attend events, find creative ways to engage young people across Sedgemoor, and evaluate sessions by recording outcomes.

Contract Hours

Hours will be between 18.5 – 25 per week (flexible, including evenings).

What We're Looking For

• Experience engaging with young people aged 10–25
• Creativity and confidence in designing inclusive group sessions and workshops
• Ability to provide emotional and practical support in line with safeguarding policies
• Flexibility to adapt to young people's needs
• Strong partnership skills to work with Co-op, Children's Services, and the community

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in please apply and if you would like more information please Contact Jess Hanson, Children's Service Manager

When applying, please refer to your skills and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description.
Apply early – this advert may close before the stated deadline due to high interest.

Support Worker (Women’s Homelessness)

Esther Women Supported Community, Exeter (on-site)
25 hours per week | Fixed-term (12 months, with potential to extend)
£13.29 – £13.65 per hour | 6 weeks’ annual leave (pro rata)

Make a real difference in women’s lives

Are you passionate about supporting women to rebuild their lives after homelessness and trauma? Do you believe that everyone deserves more than just a roof over their head?

At Keychange, we’re looking for a Support Worker to join our Esther Community in Exeter — a small, specialist service providing safe, trauma-informed accommodation for women experiencing homelessness.

About Esther Community

Esther Community offers a supportive, all-female environment where women can begin recovery, rebuild confidence, and prepare for a more secure future. Our women’s provision consists of five self-contained bedsits, alongside shared communal spaces and a garden, creating a calm and respectful place to live.

As a Christian charity, we are inspired by Christ’s example of love and service — but we warmly welcome people of all faiths and none, both as residents and colleagues.

About the role

As a Support Worker, you’ll play a vital part in the day-to-day running of the service and in supporting women on their individual journeys. This is a varied and rewarding role combining practical support, emotional encouragement, and casework. There is some flexibility to autonomously choose your working hours to suit your schedule.

You will:

• Build trusting relationships with women and provide strengths-based, person-centred support
• Act as a key worker, supporting women to identify goals around health, wellbeing, housing, education, employment, and relationships
• Carry out assessments, support planning, reviews, and accurate case recording
• Support women to access benefits, housing, and external services
• Work closely with partner agencies to ensure joined-up support
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-run living environment
• Respond calmly and professionally to challenging or crisis situations
• Contribute to a supportive, values-led team culture

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to tick every box — we’re looking for someone with the right values, attitude, and resilience, alongside relevant experience.

Essential:

• Understanding of the issues facing women who are homeless or vulnerably housed
• Experience supporting women with complex needs
• A non-judgemental, caring and flexible approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful or crisis situations
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting women’s wellbeing
• Experience in supported housing or homelessness services

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification (e.g. social care, housing, mental health)
• Training in trauma-informed practice or mental health
• Knowledge of housing legislation or welfare benefits
• Experience with being a floating support worker

Occupational Requirement

This role is open to women only, under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. This is a genuine occupational requirement to ensure a safe, supportive environment for women who have experienced trauma and abuse.

Why work for Keychange?

• Be part of a supportive, values-driven charity with over 100 years’ experience
• Make a meaningful impact every day
• Access personalised learning and development opportunities
• Join a warm, collaborative team where relationships really matter

How to apply

Please submit your most recent CV to your application. 

Closing Date: 6th February 2026

Interviews will take place on w/c 16th February 2026

Starting Date: 2nd March 2026

If this role feels aligned with your experience and values, we’d love to hear from you. 

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
• Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
• Annual performance and pay progression reviews
• Up to 5% pension contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering access to free therapy
• Work phone and laptop
• A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events
• Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity   

Personal development programme: 

• You will have a line manager dedicated to growing your strengths and supporting your professional skills development 
• You can work with your manager to set your own objectives within the scope of the job description 
• You will have a dedicated buddy within the team 
• You will take part in external and internal training to help grow your knowledge and skills

Please note that care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our team and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to being a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diversity is celebrated. In our last staff survey, 95% said they feel a sense of belonging at Settle. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

We are looking for a Partnerships Engagement Officer to join us at this exciting stage in Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we aim to significantly grow the number of young people we are working with while maintaining the quality and impact of our programme. The Partnerships Engagement Officer will join the Business Development Team, reporting to the Senior Partnerships Manager. You will be integral to helping us to grow our reach so that we can work with more care-experienced young people across London. 

The successful candidate will nurture and strengthen our existing partnerships to maximise referral numbers. The core of the role will be to build strong formal and informal relationships with partners and increase awareness and a deeper understanding of Settle’s work. You will make regular in-person visits to Local Authority, Housing Association and charity referral partners across London to promote the Settle programme and ensure our offer is well understood and uptake is maximised.  Ideally, you will spend some of your time working from partner offices. 

With some experience of working for or with local authorities, housing associations or charities, you enjoy working collaboratively to improve processes and widen access to opportunities in order to create better outcomes for young people. This role will suit someone who can work independently and appreciates variety in their work: one day you might enjoy a lively conversation with a group of social workers and another you will delve into the data to produce informative reports for partners.

Can you help us keep changing lives and breaking the cycle of reoffending for good? As Project Support Worker you will be working closely with our Proejct Manager to engage and support mentors and mentees in HMP Brinsford, Birmingham and the West Midlands. You will have previous Criminal Justice experience, will be a driver with access to a car and will use your experience to develope and encourage a positive and meaningful mentoring relationship for both the mentee and mentor. Your ultimate aim is to understand the key challenges facing each mentee and how these impact on each individuals ability in desisting from crime. 

You will be a proven self starter who is used to working in a challenging environment with hard to engage and disaffected people. You will be able to work independently and have the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.

A full job description and person specification is attached to this post.

37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum / fixed-term until 31 March 2027 / working Monday - Thursday 9.00-1700, Friday 9.00-16.30.

At YMCA DownsLink Group,is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

YMCA  works to prevent and disrupt the sexual exploitation of children and young people aged 5-25 across East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and Surrey.

We are a specialist team of passionate, dedicated professionals who support each other to work in this challenging area.

We deliver trauma informed, consent-based work with young people, schools, statutory services and Sussex Police. The WiSE SOLAH ("safer online at home") project focuses on one-to-one interventions as well as group work, training for professionals and creation of resources to challenge the risk presented from the online space.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH. We are looking for someone who is passionate about safeguarding children and young people, working creatively around promoting healthy relationships, online safety whilst creating safe spaces for children and young people to be heard.

You will provide early intervention support to children and young people 5-25 years who have been identified as being at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.

Working primarily across Rye, Eastbourne, Robertsbridge and Hastings, you will support children and young people to stay safe online and within their communities by providing consultation, guidance and professional support to those working directly with individuals at risk of exploitation. As the role involves travel across East Sussex, you will ideally need access to a car and the ability to drive. Your work will include exploring key topics with young people such as risk, healthy and unhealthy relationships, sex and consent, negotiation and assertiveness, protective behaviours, personal boundaries, harmful sexual behaviours, gender identities, and concepts of masculinity.

Key responsibilities are:

• Manage a caseload of vulnerable young people and supporting them to stay safe and leave the influence of perpetrators
• Work with other professionals to deliver tailored care packages and provide consultation
•  Maintain accurate case records and contributing to timely reports
•  Liaise with Children’s Services, Sussex Police and other agencies to disrupt abuse and support prosecutions
• Deliver training and awareness-raising workshops to professionals and foster carers
• Contribute to strategic development and deputising at relevant meetings

This is a challenging role where children and young people do not always identify the level of risk they are exposed to or the abusive nature of the relationships they are in. The support of victims can be distressing and emotionally demanding for the workers, consequently 1-to-1 clinical supervision, weekly team meetings and regular line management supervision of cases and wellbeing.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.

Qualifications, experience and knowledge:

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people
• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support young people aged 10 to 25 years old
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 15 February 2026 at midnight. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.

Would you like to use your partnership-building skills to make a difference in the lives of learning disabled and autistic young people?

Are you an experienced fundraiser looking for an opportunity to help shape new business opportunities?

This is a new role in the organisation to help us meet the growing need for a safe space for learning disabled and autistic young people to thrive in. You will play an important role in shaping our new business offer and work closely with the Fundraising and Communications Manager to grow our corporate income, partnerships, and major donor income streams. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Contribute to and help deliver our new business strategy in line with our organisational priorities 

• Actively pursue and create new opportunities for Caxton’s fundraising 

• Develop a new business pipeline by researching and building relationships with companies whose values align with our work 

• Design and deliver tailored cultivation journeys to convert prospects into high-value partners 

• Prepare clear proposals, pitch decks and budgets to support partnership development 

• Work closely with the Fundraising and Communications team to create materials and pitches for potential and existing partners 

• Maintain accurate records of all partnership activity on our database to support good stewardship, forecasting and reporting 

General requirements: 

• To amplify the voices of learning disabled and autistic young people

• To ensure that no young person suffers discrimination in access to provision as a result of their gender, ethnic identity, sexuality, disability and/or social background.

• To work within and according to Caxton Youth Organisation’s policies and procedures. 

• To work in a supportive manner with the staff team, volunteers, and trainees.

• To undertake training relevant to the post, as identified through supervision. 

Caxton Youth Organisation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of moving fundraising relationships through a pipeline from identification to active supporters.

• Significant and demonstrable experience of building five figure partnerships.  

• Good, demonstrable knowledge of commercial sector and how to access decision makers.  

• Working to KPI’s and annual targets 

• Understanding and experience of brand and strategic charitable partnerships and/or Charity of the Year style partnerships 

• Demonstrable experience of supporter relationship management to aid retention, maximise income and secure repeat support 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn 

Desirable 

• An understanding of challenges faced by learning disabled and autistic young people

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements 

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Highly motivated, curious and thoughtful 

• Self-starter, able to use own initiative to show insight and manage competing deadlines. 

• Is dependable and professional. 

Caxton Youth Organisation:  

Caxton Youth Organisation is the only specialist youth club of its kind for learning disabled and autistic young people in Westminster aged 11 to 25. There is nowhere quite like Caxton Youth Club; that’s what the young people we work with and their families tell us, and we passionately believe it too. 

Caxton has been around for 77 years, quite something for a small but mighty charity, and our longevity says so much about the importance of the services we provide to ensure young people with disabilities in Westminster are able to advance in their personal development, develop a sense of belonging in our community, and lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

The majority of our work is delivered at our dedicated youth club in South Westminster. Our youth work team focus on young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, independence, employability, creating community and opportunities, social action and health & getting active. All these topics are explored during weekly youth club sessions which take place in the evenings, and young people are supported to attend thanks to our very own Caxton minibus which collects and drops participants home across the borough. During school holidays we run trips, including residential trips, giving our members the opportunity to experience life outside London, and parents and caregivers some much needed respite.

Essential Safer Recruitment Criteria 

1. A cleared Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level. This check is necessary as the work involves dealing with or having access to children and vulnerable adults whilst undertaking normal duties. 

2. The candidate must be able to provide at least two relevant references prior to taking up the post. 

Application Process: 

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role through Charity Jobs before the closing date. We will be doing rolling interviews as we receive applications.

We will host first-stage interviews the week of the 26th of January. 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. You will also be required to work from our London office/clubrooms at a minimum of once a fortnight, preferably once a week, as part of our hybrid arrangements