133 Volunteer youth support worker jobs

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker to join our friendly team and help support the continued work of our LifeSkills Plus team. You will provide intensive support to adults with complex needs who are further away from employment or training by using a strength-based approach, ensuring those accessing the programme receive appropriate practical and emotional support by visiting them at home or in the community.

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the linked LifeSkills programme, entitled LifeSkills Open.

YEF Detached Youth Work Area Lead

Relationships change lives.

At M13 Youth Project, we believe every young person deserves trusted adults who believe in them, walk alongside them and help them discover who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make. For over 30 years, we've built those relationships through detached youth work - meeting young people where they choose to be, listening deeply and creating opportunities for belonging, belief and hope.

We're now looking for an experienced Detached Youth Work Area Lead to join our team and play a key role in one of the UK's most ambitious detached youth work research pilots.

M13 is leading the Greater Manchester consortium delivering the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Detached Youth Work Pilot. The Pilot aims to build a strong evidence base for detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the YEF Detached Youth Work Project Lead, you'll work across three neighbourhoods and lead detached youth work in at least two of these, within M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll be responsible for delivering high-quality detached youth work outdoors in public spaces (on streets, in parks and other community spaces), modelling excellent relational detached youth work practice, supporting less experienced colleagues through day-to-day practice, contributing to monitoring and evaluation, and building positive relationships with young people, local residents, community organisations and partner agencies.

This is first and foremost a frontline detached youth work role. You'll spend much of your week in outdoors in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through conversation, consistency and purposeful informal education. Alongside this, you'll help ensure high-quality implementation of the YEF Shared Practice Model within your neighbourhood patches, contribute to monitoring and reporting and work closely with the Project Lead and wider team to support the successful delivery of the pilot.

We're looking for someone who is a qualified (NVQ L2 in Youth Work) and experienced (2 years) detached youth worker, confident leading excellent practice and passionate about relational detached youth work. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of taking responsibility for detached youth work within a neighbourhood, maintaining high-quality records, building effective local partnerships and supporting colleagues through encouragement, reflection and shared learning. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 22.5- 25 hour per week, community and office-based role (M13's full-time week is 37.5 hours). Your week will include six detached youth work sessions (three afternoons and three evenings), alongside planning, monitoring, partnership working and reflective practice. Some flexibility can be offered around when office-based work is undertaken, where operationally possible.

In return, we offer a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment, regular supervision, ongoing professional development, a generous employer pension contribution, TOIL for out-of-hours working, additional Christmas gift leave and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research that could shape the future of detached youth work.

If you're an experienced detached youth worker, confident in leading work in ourdoor community public spaces, ready to combine outstanding frontline practice with leadership of detached youth work across neighbourhoods, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

Accountable to: Support Team Manager

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £26,750

Location: Loughborough, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Start date: September 2026

Help Change Young Lives

At Baca, we support young people who have fled war, persecution, and trafficking, providing safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives.

As a Support Worker, you will be a key worker for several young people in Baca's care, providing high-quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood. You will deliver services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, ensuring the highest quality outcomes in physical and emotional wellbeing, education, employment, training, social engagement, and personal safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support young people using trauma-informed approaches (including PACE and recovery models)

• Promote safety and safeguard young people from exploitation and harm

• Support emotional wellbeing, independence, and life skills development

• Encourage engagement in education, training, and community activities

• Maintain accurate and compliant records

• Work closely with social workers, schools, and partner agencies

• Contribute to a reflective, learning-focused team culture

• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.

• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.

About you:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.

• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.

• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.

• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.

• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and ICT skills.

• Driving licence and access to a car.

• Enhanced DBS check required.

You will be:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.

• Supportive, responsible, and personable.

• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

• The chance to make a meaningful difference

• A supportive, values-driven team

• 33 days’ holiday (pro rata), pension, wellbeing support, and more

How to Apply

If you are passionate about creating lasting change for young people and have the skills needed, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK. You must also be able to legally drive in the UK for this role.

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate including a check of the children’s barred list.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to help young people experiencing homelessness build safer, more independent futures.

Position: Young People Support Worker, Day
Location: Durham
Salary: £26,436 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 4 October 2026

Please note that access to transport is essential due to the location of the projects and limited public transport links.

About the Role

At Depaul UK, we believe in people’s potential and take action every day to help unlock it. As a Young People Support Worker, you will support residents living in supported accommodation to develop essential life skills, strengthen their resilience and move towards greater independence.

Using an assets-based and psychologically informed approach, you will build positive relationships with young people and provide personalised support based on their individual strengths, needs and ambitions.

Key responsibilities include:

· Creating and reviewing SMART support plans with residents

· Completing risk and needs assessments

· Supporting young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering

· Promoting physical health, emotional wellbeing and independent living skills

· Helping new residents settle safely into the service

· Responding appropriately to incidents and safeguarding concerns

· Working with colleagues, external agencies and community partners

· Maintaining accurate records and contributing to a safe, welcoming service

About You

You may already have experience within supported housing, homelessness, social care, youth work or another support environment. More importantly, you will bring empathy, resilience and a genuine belief in the strengths and potential of young people.

You will be able to communicate clearly, maintain appropriate professional boundaries and remain calm when faced with challenging situations. You will also be organised, proactive and confident working both independently and as part of a team.

About Depaul UK

Depaul UK works to end homelessness and change the lives of people affected by it. Established in 1989 in response to rising youth homelessness, the charity now provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

Depaul UK offers tailored training and development, 26 days’ annual leave rising with service, a pension with employer contributions of up to 7%, a cash health plan, 24/7 GP access, an Employee Assistance Programme and a range of retail, travel, food and fitness discounts.

Depaul UK is committed to safer, fair and inclusive recruitment. Where required, the successful candidate will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Supported Housing Worker, Project Worker, Key Worker, Residential Support Worker or Young Person’s Support Worker.

Help young women thrive at Alford House through health, fitness and wellbeing.

We’re looking for a passionate and engaging Female Health & Wellbeing Youth Worker to help shape and lead our female provision in Kennington.

About Alford House

Alford House is a youth and community organisation with a long history of providing young people with safe, welcoming and structured opportunities. We believe young people need places where they can feel comfortable, build trusted relationships and develop their confidence.

We are looking for someone who can help us make Alford House an even more welcoming place for young women.

The role

As our Female Health & Wellbeing Youth Worker, you will lead our female participation strategy through health, fitness and wellbeing programmes.

You will deliver female gym sessions, provide mentoring and wellbeing support, promote healthy lifestyles and positive physical activity, and help young women access the wider opportunities available at Alford House.

This is more than delivering sessions. We want someone who can build genuine relationships with young women, understand what they need and encourage them to become part of the wider Alford House community.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver engaging female gym and wellbeing sessions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young women.
• Provide mentoring and wellbeing support.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and positive physical activity.
• Support our wider open-access youth provision.
• Encourage young women to take part in other Alford House activities and opportunities.
• Accurately record attendance and outcomes using Juice.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Work collaboratively with youth workers, volunteers and the wider Alford House team.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with young people and can create an environment where young women feel welcomed, listened to and supported.

You will need:

• Experience of working with young people.
• A good understanding of safeguarding.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships.

A Level 2/3 Youth Work qualification, PT or fitness qualification and First Aid training would be desirable, but we are particularly interested in your ability to engage and connect with young people.

What success looks like

The right person will help us increase female participation at Alford House, create safe and engaging sessions, and ensure that young women feel welcomed and supported.

Most importantly, we want participants to feel that Alford House is a place where they belong and where they can access opportunities beyond the sessions they initially attend.

Hours and pay

10 hours per week

Wednesday 3:00pm–8:00pm
Friday 3:00pm–8:00pm

£14.80 per hour

Part-time employment based at Alford House, Kennington.

Safeguarding

This role involves direct work with children and young people. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and completion of safeguarding training.

How to apply

Please complete the accompanying Alford House application form and provide a CV. In your application, please clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the essential criteria.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a compassionate Young People Support Worker to help young people build the confidence and skills needed for independent living.

Salary: £11,734.40 per annum (FTE £29,336 per annum)
Location: Hanley Gardens, Islington
Hours: 15 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday
Contract: Permanent, part time
Closing date: 27 September 2026

About the role

Join a close-knit and supportive team working tirelessly to ensure some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people receive the care and support they need.

As Young People Support Worker, you will support young people aged 18 to 25 living within a six-bed, low-support accommodation service. Working every Saturday and Sunday, you will help residents develop their confidence, resilience and independent living skills.

Your key responsibilities will include:

· Managing a caseload and acting as the named key worker for individual residents

· Completing risk and needs assessments and developing SMART, outcome-focused support plans

· Delivering one-to-one and group support within the accommodation and local community

· Supporting residents to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities

· Helping residents maximise their benefit entitlement, including Housing Benefit and Universal Credit claims

· Working with statutory services and other agencies to provide joined-up support

· Welcoming new residents and helping them settle into the service

· Maintaining a safe environment through safeguarding, health and safety checks and appropriate reporting

· Encouraging residents to influence decisions about their support and participate in wider activities

The role involves two 7.5-hour shifts each weekend, with working hours arranged flexibly between 8am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

About you

You will have experience of supporting young people or another relevant client group and understand the challenges associated with homelessness, poor mental health and substance use.

You will also bring:

· Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment and support planning

· An understanding of strengths-based or assets-based support

· Strong professional boundaries and personal integrity

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

· The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies

· A commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect

· A reflective and adaptable approach to your own learning and practice

About Depaul UK

Depaul UK exists to end homelessness and change the lives of people affected by it. Since 1989, the charity has provided accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK.

You will receive tailored training and development, 26 days’ annual leave rising with service, a pension with employer contributions of up to 7%, an Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access, a cash health plan, retail and lifestyle discounts and a death-in-service benefit.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Key Worker, Project Worker, Residential Support Worker or Young Person’s Support Worker.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, NFP People.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a resilient and compassionate Support Worker to help young people overcome homelessness and move towards brighter, independent futures.

Salary: £26,436 per annum
Location: South Tyneside
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, full time
Closing date: 27 September 2026

About the role

No two days will be the same in this rewarding role. As a Young People Support Worker, you will help young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to build their confidence, develop practical skills and achieve greater independence.

You will manage a caseload of young people who need homelessness prevention or pre-tenancy support, developing personalised plans that help them secure accommodation and improve their wellbeing. By building trusting relationships and taking a creative approach to engagement, you will help each young person identify their strengths, overcome barriers and work towards their goals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

· Managing a caseload and delivering tailored, outcome-focused support

· Completing risk assessments and developing effective support plans

· Providing homelessness prevention and pre-tenancy support

· Delivering drop-in and planned sessions at the community hub and other local venues

· Supporting young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities

· Working with statutory services and partner agencies to provide coordinated support

· Maintaining safeguarding, professional boundaries and accurate records

· Completing health and safety checks and reporting concerns

· Supporting and supervising volunteers who contribute to the service

The role will involve lone working and responding calmly and professionally to challenging situations.

About you

You will be passionate about helping young people create positive change and able to build effective relationships with individuals who may be facing significant challenges.

You will bring:

· Experience of completing risk assessments and support plans

· A clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures

· The ability to engage young people creatively and sustain positive working relationships

· Confidence working independently and managing challenging situations

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

· Strong professional boundaries and personal integrity

· An effective and collaborative approach to partnership working

· A flexible and responsive approach to meeting the needs of the service

· A commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect

About Depaul UK

Depaul UK exists to end homelessness and change the lives of people affected by it. Since 1989, the charity has provided accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK.

Joining Depaul UK means becoming part of an inclusive organisation where every achievement matters. You will receive tailored training and development, 26 days’ annual leave rising with service, family-friendly policies, a pension with employer contributions of up to 7%, an Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access, a cash health plan and a range of retail and lifestyle discounts.

Depaul UK welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to fair, inclusive and safer recruitment. An appropriate DBS check will be undertaken where required.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Youth Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Key Worker, Project Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Community Support Worker or Young Person’s Support Worker.

Please note this role is advertised by NFP People, the recruitment agency acting on behalf of Depaul UK.

Opoka is a subsidiary of Chrysalis Group and provides emotional support and guidance to women and children escaping domestic violence. Our services are delivered by specially trained bilingual IDVA’s, DV Outreach workers, Counsellors and Helpline & Crisis Response workers as well as a team of volunteers, peer-mentors, and community champions across the region.

We are seeking a Support Worker who will provide high quality practical and emotional support to women and children escaping domestic violence seeking refuge in our safe houses. You will oversee the smooth running of our safe houses and work alongside our Housing Team to provide an intensive housing management in our safe houses.

You will be bilingual in Polish and English and be able to converse fluently as organisational and communication skills are a key element to this role. You will have an understanding of safeguarding and domestic violence whilst bringing a trauma informed and a non-judgemental approach to this highly sensitive and confidential role.

High levels of time management skills and the ability to accurately enter highly confidential information into our databases so that your fellow team members can follow individual’s caseloads are essential.

As this role is working with women and children in extremely vulnerable situations, the post is only open to women applicants and as this role provides regulated activities under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) candidate are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

You will hold a full UK driving licence as you will be visiting our safe houses daily.

Youth Outreach and Community Worker (London - Waterloo)

Railway Children (UK Programme)

£32,000 per year plus 10% London weighting

Full-time – Permanent

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As part of our current strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

The role
We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach and Community Worker in London as part of our UK Programme.

This role requires close working with partners, engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping to identify and safeguard young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working closely alongside key partners such as British Transport Police, security staff, Train Operators, Youth Services and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s safeguarding programme in the UK.

About you
We are looking for someone who brings experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar community setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with community and statutory partners to safeguard young people.

You will have completed relevant training, have experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

Your base would be at Waterloo station with regular travel to other stations and some home working. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

A full job specification can be found in the job pack.

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience.

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September

Online Interviews: Wednesday 30th September/Thursday 1st October

In person interviews: Wednesday 7th October/Thursday 8th October

We’re looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning disabilities Social Care Service in Kent.

£13,988.00 per annum, working 20 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You’ll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures - we’ve thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension – we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff’s commitment and contribution
• Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing.

The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person.

Support Workers will need to be flexible and shifts will require some mornings, afternoons/Evenings and weekends.

The working pattern for this role consist of: 7.30am-23pm, 2.30pm-10pm, 10am-4pm

What you’ll do:
• Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
• Developing the customer’s independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
• Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
• Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
• Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
• Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
• Driving the customer to activities using the customer’s vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
• Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams;
• Acting in accordance with the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support plus those specific to the service including any statutory requirements;
• Consistently reviewing the customer’s life goals and their progress towards achieving them, in partnership with them and those important to them;
• Supporting the customer with personal care;
• Reporting any observations relating to customer welfare;
• Maintaining records as required at the project;
• Participating in team meetings/reviews, support planning, risk management and the general development of the service;
• Undertaking any other duties as requested by management

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you'll bring:
Essential:
 NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
 Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable:
 Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
 Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
 Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

SEND Experienced Creative Youth Support Worker

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Stretford, Manchester, with occasional trips, outreach work and residentials
Contract: Sessional / Freelance
Hours: Evenings, weekends and school holidays as required
Responsible to: Head of Inclusion and Participation 

Purpose of the Role

To support the delivery of high-quality, inclusive and creative youth work sessions for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The postholder will create safe, engaging and accessible opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop social and life skills, improve wellbeing, and achieve their personal goals through arts, creative activities, youth work, sports and community-based experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Young People

• Build positive, trusted relationships with children and young people with a range of SEND needs.
• Provide practical, emotional and behavioural support during sessions.
• Promote independence whilst ensuring young people remain safe and supported.
• Adapt activities, communication methods and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Support young people to participate fully and confidently in activities and discussions.
• Encourage the development of social skills, friendships, self-esteem and resilience. 

Session Delivery

• Support the planning and delivery of creative, recreational and youth work activities.
• Contribute ideas for arts, music, drama, film, sports, nature-based and wellbeing sessions.
• Assist with setting up and clearing away resources and equipment.
• Ensure sessions are engaging, inclusive and responsive to young people's interests.
• Contribute to showcases, performances, exhibitions and celebration events.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisational policies.
• Report safeguarding concerns and incidents immediately through agreed procedures.
• Ensure young people are appropriately supervised throughout sessions.
• Support positive behaviour using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. 

Administration and Teamwork

• Arrive in good time for briefings, set-up and preparation.
• Complete registers, session records and outcome monitoring following each session.
• Contribute to debriefs and share relevant information with colleagues.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and required training.
• Work collaboratively with staff, freelancers, volunteers, parents and carers. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Understanding of autism, neurodiversity and inclusive practice.
• Experience supporting group activities, youth work, education or community projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient and adaptable.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and school holidays.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)

Desirable

• Qualification in Youth Work, Education, SEND, Health & Social Care, Creative Arts or a related field.
• Creative skills in areas such as art, music, drama, film, photography, dance, crafts or digital media.
• First Aid qualification.
• Experience of trauma-informed practice.
• Experience supporting young people with complex needs or behaviours of concern.
• Knowledge of person-centred planning and outcome-based youth work. 

Values and Behaviours

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about inclusion and youth participation.
• Believes every young person has strengths, talents and potential.
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and proactive.
• Works positively as part of a team.
• Can think creatively and adapt activities to suit different needs.
• Creates welcoming, safe and fun environments where young people can thrive. 

Typical Activities

The role may involve supporting:

• SEND Short Breaks sessions.
• Arts, music and creative workshops.
• Youth clubs and social groups.
• Community events and festivals.
• Nature-based, wellbeing and outdoor learning activities.
• Trips, visits and residential experiences

Our Commitment to Diversity

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience, perspectives and voices. We celebrate the richness of our differences, including social class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, faith and age. We are committed to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Our Specialist Social Workers work closely with the Head of Expert Witness Service to ensure the delivery of high-quality independent social work reports (ISWRs). They supervise volunteer social workers, quality assure reports, carry out social work assessments themselves, and contribute towards volunteer training opportunities and service development to maintain excellence in social work practice. 

The core Specialist Social Worker role is three days per week, with the opportunity to work additional days by taking on service operations and referral coordination responsibilities. 

Benefits:

• Regular professional supervision from the Head of Expert Witness Service 
• Access to training and CPD opportunities to support Social Work England registration requirements 
• Professional development opportunities, including support to begin working towards a formal expert witness accreditation
• Laptop and mobile phone provided 
• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with expenses policy 

We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic Youth Worker to help us expand what we offer young people beyond sport.

About Alford House

Alford House is a youth and community organisation in Kennington, providing young people with safe, welcoming and structured opportunities to spend time, build relationships and develop their interests.

We want Alford House to be a place where young people can try new things, discover what they enjoy and develop their skills and confidence.

The role

As our Creative Spaces Youth Worker, you’ll help us develop and deliver creative and educational sessions for young people.

This is a varied role. You could be supporting young people with their homework, running an arts session, helping them explore dance and movement, supporting activity in our music studio or developing new creative ideas with young people.

We’re looking for someone who can bring their own creativity and interests to the role and turn them into engaging opportunities for young people.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and deliver engaging arts and creative sessions.
• Support our homework club and educational activities.
• Deliver or support dance and movement activities.
• Help young people make use of our music studio.
• Create opportunities for young people to explore different interests and develop new skills.
• Support youth-led creative projects.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with young people.
• Encourage young people to try new activities and get involved in the wider Alford House offer.
• Record attendance and outcomes.
• Work alongside our wider youth work team to create a positive environment for young people.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to be a traditional youth worker to be right for this role. We’re looking for someone who has something creative to bring and knows how to engage young people.

You’ll need:

• Experience of working with children or young people.
• Strong creative facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young people.
• Enthusiasm for creating activities that young people will genuinely want to take part in.

Experience or qualifications in youth work, arts, dance, teaching or tutoring would be an advantage.

Why work with us?

This is an opportunity to help shape something new at Alford House.

We’re developing our creative spaces and want to create a broader range of opportunities for young people alongside our established sports provision. You’ll have the freedom to bring ideas, develop sessions and help create a space where young people can explore their interests.

If you’re creative, enjoy working with young people and want to use your skills to create opportunities they’ll genuinely enjoy, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours and pay

10 hours per week
Preferably 2 hours per day across the week, with flexibility.

£14.80 per hour

Part-time employment based at Alford House, Kennington.

Safeguarding

This role involves working with children and young people. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and completion of safeguarding training.

How to apply

Please complete the Alford House application form and provide a CV.

In your application, tell us about your experience of working with young people, what creative skills or interests you could bring to Alford House, and how you would use them to create engaging opportunities for young people.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Service in Islington.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As a Peer Support Worker, you will manage a caseload of individuals requiring early intervention and preventative mental health support, using your knowledge and experience to empower them on their recovery journey. You will deliver group activities and programmes, promote peer support networks, and help service users actively participate in co-producing their support and achieving their goals. Working collaboratively with community mental health teams, social workers, housing providers, health professionals, and employment services, you will encourage engagement with wider support networks and opportunities. You will monitor wellbeing and safety, maintain accurate records, complete assessments and reviews, support colleagues, and contribute to the effective, inclusive, and recovery-focused delivery of the service.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

In this role, you will need lived experience of mental health care pathways and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals accessing mental health support services. You will be able to build trusting relationships quickly, communicate effectively with service users, carers, professionals, and partner agencies, and provide support with empathy, dignity, and respect. Strong listening, assessment, risk awareness, and signposting skills are essential, alongside knowledge of recovery tools, local wellbeing services, and safeguarding procedures. You should be confident working under pressure, managing competing priorities, and collaborating with colleagues and volunteers. Good IT, literacy, and numeracy skills are also required, together with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.