Lead youth development 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

.

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!

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

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.

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.

The successful candidate willdeliver a high-quality service to young people aged 16–17 and their families across Hertfordshire, working alongside the Family Link Work and Mediation services to prevent family breakdown and reduce repeat homelessness. They will also support the wider team and work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the service achieves its key performance indicators (KPIs).

What will you be doing? 

Lead the hyh Hub, overseeing its day-to-day operations and ensuring the effective delivery of services. The Hub acts as a gateway for young people aged 16–17 to access hyh’s prevention services. In this role, you will build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and commissioners, while supporting the recruitment, training, and professional development of Advice & Information and Admin Workers. You will also monitor outcomes and produce reports for the leadership team and funders to demonstrate impact and inform future service development.                             

What will the role involve: 

• Leadership of the Advice and Infromation Team 
• Service Delivery offering advice and options to young people, family members and professionals to prevent amily breakdown and homelessness.
• Partnership and Stakeholder Mangement 
• Full job description attached and avaialble on our website.

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 15th January 2026.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.

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.  

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.

Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. We’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker

Location: Reading office with hybrid working arrangements and frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Reading, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Oxford City.

Contract: Permanent part time – 15 hours per week, weekdays.

We’re open to discussing working patterns that match both your needs and our service delivery.

Salary range: £10,433 - £12,751 pro-rata per annum (full time equivalent range £25,735 - £31,453 per annum) 

About the role:

As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:

· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families

· delivering group work for children and parents

· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need

· supporting our families through providing outreach support 

About you:

A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.

If this sounds like you please visit our website to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.

Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. From April next year, we’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker

Location: Homebased with frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Oxfordshire area including Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Oxford City.

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week, weekdays.

Salary range: £25,735 - £31,453 per annum

About the role:

As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:

· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families

· delivering group work for children and parents

· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need

· supporting our families through providing outreach support

About you:

A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.

If this sounds like you please apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.

For more information about the role and to apply please visit our website.

Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

About the role:

Step into a role where your drive, resilience and belief in young people can truly change lives. As a Young Person’s Worker across our accommodation services in Islington and Waltham Forest, you will be right alongside young people at risk of homelessness, helping them move from uncertainty towards stability and independence. This is hands on, purposeful work where every day matters, and where your determination can unlock real opportunity for those who need it most.

In this role, you will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and empowering them to lead their journey forward. You will create and review personalised support and safety plans, support moves into independent accommodation, and help young people take confident steps into education, training or employment. Working within a trauma informed and strengths based approach, you will champion each young person’s goals while developing practical life skills such as budgeting, self care and cooking. You will also support access to essential services including mental health support, housing advice and employment pathways, motivating and coaching young people to take ownership of their futures.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you will be part of a tenacious, values driven team that does not shy away from challenge and believes in doing things differently to achieve lasting change. We will support your ambition with ongoing training, development and the chance to grow your career while making a genuine impact. If you are ready to bring your energy, compassion and persistence to a role that truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

About you:

• You bring experience working with young people in the community and in accommodation services.
• Your toolkit includes practical skills in motivation and coaching young people
• Your approach is creative, analytical, trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths and recovery model.
• You can creatively inspire opportunities for our young people to thrive and to develop to their highest potential.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with complex needs young people and to promote a strengths-based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a collaborative approach to supporting young people achieve the outcomes and goals we support them to set for themselves.

About Us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important Info:

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and progressing those suitable to interview at our Head Office in Kings Cross on an adhoc basis. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert once suitable candidates are identified. 

Please note there will be a second round of interviews in service for progressed candidates.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

We're Hiring: Play & Youth Work Lead | Doorstep Homeless Families Project

Location: North London

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum.

Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin

Benefits:

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% of gross salary
• 30 days paid holiday

The hours onsite will be worked over Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday, with normal working hours falling between 9.30am ( the earliest start) and 8pm (the latest finish).

Job Introduction

At Doorstep, we open more than just doors — we open possibilities.

Every day, we stand alongside families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe, welcoming space within a large family hostel where children can play, learn, and simply be themselves.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Lead Play and Youth Worker to guide and inspire our work with children and young people aged 0–18. This is a special role — one that blends leadership, imagination, and empathy. You will manage a small, dedicated team, shaping and delivering play and youth activities that bring light, laughter, and a sense of belonging to children whose early experiences have often been marked by instability.

At Doorstep, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We work with families over years, not weeks — building trust, celebrating progress, and helping each young person discover their strengths. Our unique model of support is widely respected and deeply valued, and this role offers the chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in young lives.

If you are someone who believes in the power of play, creativity, and care to transform childhoods — we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Lead Play and Youth Worker at Doorstep, you’ll be at the heart of our mission — creating moments of joy, stability, and growth for children and young people who are living through uncertain times. No two days are the same. One moment you might be leading an energetic after-school club session; the next, you’re supporting teens to express themselves through art, music, or discussion.

You’ll manage and inspire a small, talented team of play and youth workers, ensuring that every activity we offer — whether it’s creative play, learning support, or outdoor adventure — reflects Doorstep’s core values of respect, belonging, and hope. You’ll plan and deliver programmes across all age groups (0–18 years), adapting to the needs and interests of children and young people as they grow.

Collaboration is central to this role. You’ll work closely with families, colleagues, and partner organisations to provide continuity and care, helping to make Doorstep a place where children feel seen, valued, and free to thrive.

This is not just a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to build something lasting. Your creativity, empathy, and commitment will help shape the next chapter of Doorstep’s play and youth work, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors is met with warmth, opportunity, and care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and support a small team of play and youth workers and volunteers.
• Provide regular supervision, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that reflects Doorstep’s values.

Programme Planning and Delivery

• Design, plan, and deliver a varied programme of play, creative, and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Ensure all activities are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the needs and interests of participants.
• Encourage children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop positive relationships.
• Plan and oversee trips, events, and holiday programmes, ensuring safety and inclusivity at all times.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• To fulfill the statutory responsibilities of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in Doorstep’s services.
• Ensure staff and volunteers follow safeguarding procedures and receive appropriate training.
• Respond appropriately to any concerns, working in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary.

Partnership and Family Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging their involvement in children’s play and learning.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals and partner organisations to enhance support for families.
• Represent Doorstep at relevant meetings, forums, and networks to share best practice and strengthen partnerships.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and outcomes in line with organisational requirements.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes to demonstrate impact and inform future development.
• Support funding applications and project reports by providing relevant data and case studies.

General Duties

• Uphold Doorstep’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Contribute to the overall running and development of Doorstep as a small, specialist organisation.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective delivery of Doorstep’s mission.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Relevant qualification in playwork, youth work, early years, or a related field (Level 3 or above) or equivalent.
• Significant experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating play and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff and/or volunteers within a play, youth, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and the role of play in supporting wellbeing, resilience, and growth.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Experience of working with families facing disadvantage, housing instability, or other complex challenges.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, and professionals.
• Creative and resourceful approach to planning activities that engage children of different ages and abilities.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team to achieve shared goals.
• Confidence in managing behaviour in a positive, trauma-informed way.
• Competent IT skills for administration, reporting, and communication purposes.

Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable, and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for families experiencing homelessness.
• Reliable, flexible, and resilient in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Reflective, open to learning, and committed to professional development.
• Enthusiastic about play and youth work as powerful tools for change and belonging

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it.

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.

Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. From April next year, we’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker

Location: Homebased with frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Oxfordshire area including Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and the wider Oxfordshire area.

Contract: Permanent part time – 18.5 hours per week, weekdays.

We’re open to discussing working patterns that match both your needs and our service delivery.

Salary range: £12,868 - £15,727 pro-rata per annum (full time equivalent range £25,735 - £31,453 per annum) 

About the role:

As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:

· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families

· delivering group work for children and parents

· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need

· supporting our families through providing outreach support

About you:

A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.

If this sounds like you please visit our website for further details on how to apply.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.

Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Youth Services Development Manager

Location: YMCA St Helens
Salary: £37,000 + 5% on-call allowance
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (flexible with occasional weekends)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to shape services that empower and inspire? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

At YMCA St Helens, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive. We’re looking for a Youth Services Development Manager to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our youth services, including the Youth Hub and Listening Service.

What you’ll do:

• Drive the growth and impact of youth services across St Helens and Warrington.
• Lead and inspire a dedicated team of youth workers and volunteers.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Champion safeguarding and ensure the highest standards of care.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve what we do.

What we’re looking for:

• A proven leader with experience in youth services and safeguarding.
• Someone who can think strategically and deliver results.
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder.
• Passionate about giving young people a voice and helping them flourish.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and on-call allowance.
• Flexible working and supportive team culture.
• Opportunities to innovate and shape the future of youth services.
• Be part of an organisation that lives by its values: Connection, Trust, Compassion, and Growth.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and help young people reach their full potential, apply today and join us on this exciting journey!

Closing date: Friday 17th January 2026
How to apply: Send CV and covering letter to our recruitment team. 

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 to strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality services.

Are you passionate about youth work and ready to lead and shape provision for young people aged 9–18?
Can you inspire, motivate and support young people while coordinating engaging, safe and impactful youth programmes?

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide welcoming and supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop life skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We are now seeking a Youth Work Coordinator to lead the development and delivery of our Bedford Town Centre Youth Clubs.

The Role

As Youth Work Coordinator, you will take a lead role in the planning, coordination and delivery of youth clubs and activities. You will be responsible for setting up and developing new sessions, coordinating day-to-day delivery, supporting youth workers and volunteers, and ensuring high-quality youth work practice in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

You will also work closely with local partners, schools, and community stakeholders to strengthen engagement and create positive opportunities for young people. This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, outreach, and leadership responsibilities.

The role includes working 2–3 days per week after school, with some evening work required. Additional daytime hours are allocated for planning, coordination, partnership working, and administration, bringing the total to 37.5 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver centre-based and outreach youth work sessions
• Lead the development of new youth clubs and activities
• Support, mentor, and coordinate youth work staff and volunteers
• Build positive relationships with young people aged 9–18
• Work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and quality standards are met
• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of youth provision

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in youth work or a related field (paid or voluntary)
• A strong commitment to inclusive, young person–centred practice
• Ability to coordinate sessions and support a small team
• Strong communication, organisational, and partnership-working skills
• Willingness to undertake a Level 3 or Level 6 qualification in Youth Work (essential)
• An understanding of both outreach and centre-based youth work

What We Offer

• Opportunity to accrue up to 5 additional days of leave
• Paid training and tailored learning and development opportunities
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling and GP access)
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and compassionate leave
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee discount scheme (brands, travel, groceries, and more)

Additional Information

• This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week)
• Working pattern includes shifts over 7 days, including evenings
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• The role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer

At One YMCA, we actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dedicated Youth Work team at One YMCA.

ID: 1653 Job Title: Recovery Worker Young Adults Lead

Service:                    BAND – Living Well

Salary: £25,221 - £27,780 FTE per annum

Location: Bolton BL4 (Based within NHS Living Well Team)

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract type:  Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Living Well is a transformative programme to deliver real change and improvement to mental health services for individuals in Bolton.  Its aim is to design a service that sits around individuals to support their health and wellbeing rather than expecting people to fit into our services. The role of Recovery Worker young adults lead will be hosted by Family Action and will be part of the Living Well Team in Bolton.

We are looking for someone with knowledge and understanding of Mental Health conditions and their impact on daily living and a strong track-record of working with individuals and their families to deliver positive outcomes.  You will work within the team to prototype new ways of supporting individuals, and contribute to the ongoing development of the team by sharing learning and by listening and responding to feedback from people who use the service

Main Responsibilities:

· You will carry a caseload of clients, working with individuals and their families to plan, support and achieve goals and outcomes that are important to them.

· To Develop trusting working relationships and provide practical and emotional support to individuals accessing the Living Well service.

· To develop and maintain positive professional working relationships and referral pathways to local statutory and community-based services which support adults

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Strong interpersonal, consultation and holistic assessment skills.

· An interest in working with people to make sustainable positive changes.

· An effective communicator, who works in a person-centred way.

· Knowledge of Mental Health conditions and strategies to improve health and wellbeing

· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – Enhanced Adult workforce.  

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the “Apply Now” link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

· To learn more about Family Action: Careers

· To help us fulfil our commitment to diversity and promoting equal opportunities: complete our anonymous Equality & Diversity Monitoring Information survey

Interviews are scheduled to take place in Mid-January 2025 in person in Bolton, with slots throughout the working day.

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: Dan Harrison, full email located on the advert document 

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

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.