178 Young people support worker jobs

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.

YEF Detached Youth Work Project 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 Project Lead to join our team and play a central 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 researching detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the Founding Director, you'll provide the day-to-day leadership of M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll lead a small team of detached youth workers, coordinate operational delivery across intervention neighbourhoods and ensure the project is delivered safely, consistently and in line with the YEF Shared Practice Model and research requirements.

This is first and foremost a practice leadership role. You'll spend much of your week out in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through high-quality detached youth work. Alongside this, you'll supervise and support colleagues, oversee monitoring and reporting, build positive relationships with community members and partner organisations, and, together with the Founding Director, work closely with the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) and consortium partners to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

We're looking for someone who is an experienced detached youth worker, confident leading others and passionate about relational practice. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of supervising staff, coordinating projects, maintaining high-quality records and working collaboratively with partners. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 35-hour per week, office- and community-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 team leadership, partnership working, supervision, monitoring and project coordination. 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 ready to combine excellent frontline practice with leadership, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

Night Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a calm and compassionate Night Support Worker to keep young people safe and supported within accommodation services in Durham.

Position: Night Young People Support Worker
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 Night Young People Support Worker, you will help ensure residents within our supported accommodation remain safe, secure and well supported throughout the night.

You will respond to incidents, manage safeguarding concerns and provide practical and emotional support when residents need it. You will also help new residents settle into the service, maintain accurate records and complete essential health and safety tasks.

Working as part of a close and supportive team, your responsibilities will include:

· Maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming environment overnight

· Responding calmly and appropriately to incidents and emergencies

· Safeguarding vulnerable young people and escalating concerns

· Offering reassurance and support to residents experiencing difficulties

· Helping new residents settle into the service

· Conducting appropriate building, welfare and safety checks

· Maintaining clear and accurate records

· Communicating effectively with day staff, colleagues and external agencies

· Supporting residents to develop resilience and move towards independence

About You

You may have experience within supported housing, homelessness, social care, youth work, security or another care and support environment.

You will be calm, resilient and confident working overnight, including responding to challenging or unexpected situations. You will communicate clearly, maintain professional boundaries and treat every resident with dignity and respect.

You will also be organised, dependable and able to work independently while contributing positively to a close-knit team.

About the organisation

You will be joining an established national charity providing accommodation, prevention and support services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The organisation is committed to ensuring the people it supports have a meaningful voice in how services are designed, delivered and improved.

Benefits include 26 days' annual leave, increasing with service, pension contributions of up to 7%, tailored training and development, flexible working options where suitable, a cash health plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access and a range of retail, travel and wellbeing discounts.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Night Support Worker, Waking Night Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Supported Housing Worker, Residential Support Worker, Project Worker or Night Concierge.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People. #INDSCP

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.

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.

The Youth Worker (Mentoring) will support Inspiring Inclusion’s Our Schools, Our Change programme by providing trauma‑informed, one‑to‑one support to Black and racially minoritised young people with adverse childhood experiences. Working closely with Camden schools and community partners, they will build trusting relationships that help young people feel seen, heard, and empowered while wider systems change progresses. They will use holistic, strengths‑based, participatory approaches, contribute to a test‑and‑learn model, and bring strong reflective and organisational skills. Personal experience of racial profiling in state education is essential, enabling deep empathy and authenticity. The postholder will be a collaborative practitioner committed to equity, inclusion, and ensuring young people have real influence over decisions shaping their education and futures.

Could you make a difference to Young Carers in Wandsworth? 

We are currently offering a rewarding opportunity for a motivated and proactive self-starter to join our friendly and dynamic team and organisation. 

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:  

Friendly team and working environment, hybrid working on completion of induction period with a minimum 60% office based. 

Annual leave starts at 31 days increasing to 36 days plus bank and public holidays, contributory company pension, ongoing training and development opportunities and an employee assistance program. 

Our Charity:  

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caringroles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more. In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate,often helping Carers through difficulttimes. 

Young Carers Support and Development Worker 

Salary: £31,402.80 per annum (inc. Inner London Weighting) 

Full time (35 hours per week) 

The role: 

You will work across three key age groups, 5–11, 12–16 and 16-25, delivering and supervising activities, supporting events and trips, and providing behavioural management where needed as well as being required to plan and facilitate a weekly After School club for ages 5-11 and 12-16. Alongside group activities, you will offer one-to-one support to individual Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, ensuring they feel heard, included, and supported as they navigate the challenges of their caring roles. You will also deliver awareness training sessions, run stalls, and build partnerships in the community to identify and engage Young Carers. 

Skills and experience: 

The successful applicant will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, be confident organising trips and activities for children and experience working with children.  They will be able to manage conflicting demands with tight deadlines, be a key team player and be committed to working with Young Carers and volunteers. 

They will have excellent IT skills and be able to adapt to providing services both face to face and via virtual platforms, whilst maintaining a consistent service for Carers.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce. 

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

At One YMCA, we work alongside young people to help them develop confidence, skills, resilience, and positive futures. We are looking for an inspiring, experienced and motivated Youth Work Manager to lead and develop our local youth work provision, ensuring that high-quality, impactful services reach young people across our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our Youth Work Strategy, managing a dedicated team, driving quality and developing services that make a real difference in the lives of young people.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will take operational responsibility for the delivery, development, monitoring, and quality assurance of our youth work services. You will lead and support Youth Work Coordinators and wider youth work staff, ensuring services are safe, effective, youth-centred, and aligned with One YMCA's strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of youth work programmes, specialist support services, mentoring initiatives, life skills courses, and large-scale youth events.
• Managing and supporting staff through recruitment, induction, supervision, training, and performance development.
• Monitoring contract performance, outcomes, impact data, and key performance indicators to demonstrate the difference our services make.
• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Leading quality assurance, compliance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement across the service.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and participating in the safeguarding on-call rota.
• Working with young people and teams to ensure youth voice is at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for someone who combines strong operational leadership, experience in managing contractual compliance, with a genuine commitment to young people.

You will bring:

• Significant experience delivering and managing youth work programmes, projects, or contracts.
• A strong understanding of issues affecting young people's lives and a passion for helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing staff teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and partnership-working skills.
• The ability to analyse data, monitor impact, and use insight to improve services.
• A youth work or related community-focused qualification at degree level, or significant equivalent experience.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Location: Home-based role but with regular travel to YMCA youth work delivery sites across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, as well as to support the broader youth work within One YMCA. 

Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.

If you are an experienced youth work leader ready for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you! 

Important: Please include a supporting statement with your application/CV.

We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday but with flexibility of working pattern to support both the ideal candidate and business need. Some evening work expected, and occasional weekend, overnight stays or residential work.

Advert

CARE (Child at Risk of Exploitation) Boys and Young Men Practitioner

Permanent contract but funding for this role ends on 31st March 2028 (with the potential for further funding)

35hours per week

£29,855 per annum

Essex - Countywide role based in Chelmsford

Benefits include but not limited to:

-36 days' annual leave, inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service

-Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

-We match up to 8% pension

-Free counselling service

-Opportunities to develop and widen your skills

-2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us:The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.

About the role:

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for young people who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services within the Essex area.

We wish to recruit a specialist Boys and Young Men's workerto join our established Essex CARE (Child At Risk of Exploitation) Together team, supporting male young people aged 8-25 who are at medium risk of exploitation; criminal, sexual, financial or domestic servitude.

You will provide direct therapeutic support to vulnerable young males and support and signpost families who are affected by exploitation. You will provide professional expertise in various panels that review individual risk as well as offer training and resources for other professionals supporting potentially exploited young people.

Support offered will include one to one face to face interventions, targeted group work & online support across the County as well as consultation with professionals.

The young people will require a skilled practitioner who is experienced in working with hard to reach, vulnerable young people at risk through the use of therapeutic approaches. You should have experience of facilitating groups or delivering training with knowledge of the issues and legislation affecting young people who are at risk of exploitation.

Key skills and experience

-You will have substantial experience in working with vulnerable young people either in a paid or unpaid capacity.To be able to evidence your ability to build positive relationships with groups of young people to raiseawareness aboutsubstance use and the associated risks and impact.

-You will haveexperience of carrying out individual and group work interventions with young people and/or adults, either in an intervention or educative capacity.

-You have an understanding of exploitation inclusive of weapon carrying risk.

-You will haveexperience in using Microsoft Office Applications and other relevant data systems.

-You can demonstrate the ability to work on your owninitiative as well as be able to contribute to a multi-agency approach so as to enable effective interventions with young people, including delivering training to a range of professionals.

-You hold a full UK driver's license and have access to you own transport.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 11th October 2026.

Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Interview date: Monday 19th and Wednesday 21st October 2026.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our Chelmsford office.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You're welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.

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 Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As a Support Worker, you will empower service users to engage confidently with community mental health teams, social workers, housing providers, healthcare professionals, and employment or training services, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are effectively represented. You will support ongoing assessments, advocate for appropriate levels of support, and help individuals progress towards greater independence. Working collaboratively as part of a flexible team, you will contribute to service delivery, develop co-produced activities and peer support opportunities, and encourage meaningful community engagement. You will monitor health, wellbeing, safety, and service quality, complete timely referrals and reviews, support colleagues, and use your initiative to respond effectively to emerging needs and challenges.

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 a strong understanding of recovery-focused practice and the ability to apply a range of recovery approaches that promote independence, resilience, and positive outcomes for service users. You will have experience supporting individuals with mental health needs and dual diagnosis, including providing effective support during periods of crisis while maintaining dignity and respect. The ability to work collaboratively with frontline statutory services, including the NHS, is essential, as is knowledge of relevant mental health legislation and safeguarding procedures. You will be an effective team player with strong communication, literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, capable of maintaining accurate records and working flexibly across shifts, weekends, and bank holidays to meet service needs.

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.

Salary: Grade B – £25,877.80 plus anti-social hour’s payment of £650 per annum. Total starting salary of £26,527.80 per annum.

Hours:Full-time 37 hours per week: hours vary, Monday to Sunday, in accordance with a rolling rota. Anti-social working; evenings, weekends and bank holidays. 

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of Oasis Community Housing’s Young People’s Supported Housing Service (Ofsted registered). The service operates two 24-hour staffed supported housing projects, one for children and young people aged 16-17 with medium needs, and one for those aged 16-21 with complex needs. To provide trauma informed, holistic, personalised support to children and young people, which is in line with relevant pathway and safety plans. 

To work closely with Gateshead Council, including Children’s Services, to ensure children and young people achieve the best outcomes, in line with project specific aims and objectives. Under the guidance of the Team Leader and Registered Service Manager, to ensure the service is compliant with the Supported Accommodation Regulations and we maintain successful Ofsted registration for these projects.

Organisation Context:

Oasis Community Housing (OCH) is a Christian response to homelessness and disadvantage providing housing, support and other services. The support provided aims to develop life skills that will enable people to live successful independent lives.

Oasis Community Housing is part of the Oasis group of charities. The group includes charities dedicated to education, housing and campaigning against  human trafficking and we work to a common vision of creating communities in which everyone can thrive and reach their God-given potential. 

We welcome applicants from all faiths or none, but it is important that all employees understand and sympathise with the Christian vision, ethos and culture of the organisation. However, it will be an occupational requirement that a practising Christian is needed for some specified roles. This will be highlighted in the qualifications section of the job description and will be clearly stated in the job advert.

Oasis Community Housing is an experienced charity, with its Central Office in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

This post is located in Gateshead, within the two registered supported housing projects.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, meeting essential criteria and Enhanced DBS (dependent on role).

Project specific:

Our projects are places of safety, Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), from which we work with children and young people using person-led, holistic, trauma-informed and solution-focused approaches. We aim to provide accommodation and support that helps children and young people find self-worth and the belief that they deserve a better future, supporting them in safe, positive transitions including where relevant from care into more independent accommodation, and from childhood to adulthood; providing holistic support to gain essential life skills, achieve health outcomes, to realise and achieve their aspirations, and reach their full potential. 

This role is based in a new service, which goes live on 1st June 2025:

• A 24-7 staffed 8 bed Ofsted registered supported housing project for young people aged 16-21 with complex needs.

• A 24-7 staffed 5 bed Ofsted registered supported housing project for young people aged 16-17 with medium needs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To provide holistic (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual) support to children and young people within our supported housing projects, in accordance with the ethos and values of Oasis Community Housing. Ensuring support provision is personalised to individual needs, and progress is regularly reviewed.

• To engage in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approaches to support children and young people, including working closely with Children’s Services and other professionals and partner agencies. To include; attending meetings and effective information sharing.

• To ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to in your practices, and that concerns are reported appropriately and expediently, both internally, and externally, as needed.

• To navigate challenging situations effectively and sensitively.

• To maintain records needed to ensure excellent and consistent support provision; maintaining comprehensive case files, using our In-Form data system, completing reports and assisting in the measurement of outcomes. 

• To ensure the Project Handbook, including the service expectations, are explained to children and young people at the point of entry; being reiterated, and enforced as needed.

• To deal with informal complaints made by residents in accordance with OCH's procedures.

• To organise and encourage activities which are of interest to those being supported. 

• To support the active participation of residents in project design, delivery and evaluation; working with our Co-Production Worker to encourage involvement, and assisting in recording access and engagement.

• To work in accordance with regulatory requirements. Under the guidance of the Team Leader and Head of Supported Housing (Registered Service Manager) to ensure your practices are compliant with the Supported Accommodation Regulations.

• To clean the office space and communal areas, and support those living in our service to keep their rooms/properties clean.

• To work closely with Housing Management Team colleagues.

• To attend regular supervision sessions with your line manager

• To attend relevant training sessions as required by the role / your line manager

• To undertake any other reasonable duties as required 

• To ensure all working practice and interactions are in line with organisational ethos and values

• To be able to work in any Oasis Community Housing project as required. 

Personal Specification/Key Competencies:

Qualifications: 

• Relevant qualification to NVQ Level 3 (Essential)