Youth community support worker jobs

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Norwich.

Location: IntoUniversity Norwich
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until August 2026
Applications close: 9am Monday 13th April 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the successful candidate

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

At Dandelion Time, we support children facing significant emotional challenges, often, but not always, rooted in adverse childhood experiences such as domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. Our systemic, trauma‑informed approach focuses on the whole family, helping them build healthier relationships, create positive change, and move towards brighter futures.

Nature is at the heart of everything we do. Through hands‑on activities in the natural world, children and families connect with the earth, plants, animals and with each other.

About the Role 

As a Family Support Worker, you’ll play a key role in delivering our therapeutic programme. Working alongside the Therapeutic Programme Manager and Family Caseworker, you will help plan, prepare and facilitate meaningful therapeutic sessions for children and their families. This may include leading group sessions supported by Teaching Assistants or collaborating with teaching staff involved in each child’s care.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a welcoming, energetic and committed team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The work is deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to help families rebuild relationships and create new beginnings.

What can you bring to Dandelion Time?

To thrive in this role, you will have experience supporting disadvantaged children or those with SEND, as well as an understanding of the challenges faced by parents and carers managing their own wellbeing. Experience as a Youth Leader, Scout Leader, Forest School Leader,  or in a similar child‑centred, outdoor or community role, will be a real asset.

You’ll have a genuine passion for hands‑on, creative activities, whether that’s crafting, working with the land, or caring for animals. An interest in our land‑to‑table ethos, including the preparation and cooking of healthy, nutritious food, will help you feel right at home.

Above all, you’ll bring a warm, joyful presence to the families you support, helping to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, explore and flourish.

Do you have the ambition to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic children and young people?

At St. John's, we've been making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people for nearly 140 years. We are now looking for incredible Residential Support Workers to help us continue making that difference!

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work under the supervision and guidance of the Care Management Team, Senior Residential Support Workers, and Therapy Teams. You will support learners in all residential houses and the community, assisting with social and academic activities.

Our aim is to ensure all learners have equal opportunities to develop their independence and social skills, preparing them for adult life.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting learners with self-care and independence skills such as eating, drinking, washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence, dressing, mobility, and medication administration.
   
• Ensuring learners' care files are kept up to date and accurate.
   
• At the start of each shift, reviewing communication and log books, and liaising with staff at handover to ensure learners' needs are well documented and addressed.
   
• Establish supportive relationships with learners and encourage the development of stable relationships.
   
• Promote the emotional health and self-esteem of learners and support them through changes in their living situation and personal circumstances.

• Accompanying learners into the community to take part in social and recreational activities such as bowling, cinema trips, and dining out, helping them build confidence and enjoy meaningful experiences beyond the college setting. 
   

We are recruiting for our Ashington Gardens, College View, and Pier View homes. Residential Support Workers will primarily be based at one location but may be required to work flexibly across all homes as operational needs require. 

In return, we offer a fantastic working environment, generous holidays, career development opportunities, and more!

If you'd like more information or wish to have an informal, confidential discussion about the role.

Please note that sponsorship for this role is not available at this time.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

As Community Connector you will play a vital role in fostering meaningful relationships between Raw Material and its diverse local communities, and stakeholders across the education, arts, youth work, community, and social and healthcare sectors. 

Working as part of the Programmes Team (and closely with other Raw Material staff) you will develop, coordinate and participate in the delivery of Raw Material’s CEP, building awareness of the charity’s creative and wellbeing programmes, facilities and broader services (e.g. workspaces).

You will develop creative ideas, partnership opportunities and produce and organise activities, events and initiatives that amplify Raw Material’s mission, and boost our reach, increase participation and engagement in our services, and enhance the accessibility, relevance and impact of our work, particularly amongst marginalised communities.

You will champion the use of music and creativity as tools to support wellbeing, personal development and social inclusion; communicate the benefits and value of Raw Material’s programmes and services; and create inclusive pathways for underrepresented and marginalised communities with lived experience to access Raw Material opportunities.

About You:

You are a reliable, compassionate and calm individual who is committed to supporting vulnerable people. You are able to work independently during night shifts while remaining a supportive member of the wider team.

You communicate well, build positive relationships with residents and colleagues, and handle challenging situations in a professional and respectful manner. You are organised, attentive to detail and comfortable completing records, handovers and routine checks.

Most importantly, you are motivated to create a safe, welcoming environment and to support residents in developing confidence and independent living skills.

Main Purpose Of The Job:

This role is responsible for delivering a safe and supportive service to all residents living at O’Hanlon House during the night. The post holder needs to work alongside the day and night teams to ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire Policies and Procedures.

Main Areas Of Responsibility:

• Ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.

• To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including nights and weekends. Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners, contractors and the local community.

• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment.

• To support and encourage clients to care for themselves and develop independent living skills.

• To assess and manage risk for individuals and in the service, making use of emergency services as required.

• Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with the charity’s policies and procedures.

• Comply with the charity’s health and safety standards.

• Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Actively ensure security of the building through regular checks and monitoring of CCTV system.

• To carry out designated cleaning and laundry duties (and any other housekeeping tasks).

• To participate in handovers at the beginning and end of shifts, ensuring that information is properly recorded and passed on where appropriate and relevant and in a timely fashion.

• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.

• Ensure clients are aware of and support them to maximise their opportunity to be involved in Client Participation.

• To participate in the induction of and support new team members.

• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.

• To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required, and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this position.

• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied promoted in carrying out duties of the post.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

Open To: People wanting to work weekends. This role is a shift and rota'd role that includes weekends, bank holidays, early and late days.

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate .

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Furnishing Futures is a charity that creates beautiful healing homes for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse, and been given empty social housing, using unwanted furniture from the interiors industry. We are looking for a Senior Specialist Support Worker, to provide maternity cover for 12 months managing our specialist support service and providing focussed support to beneficiaries.

Our specialist support team works alongside our home designers to provide advice and support on a range of issues to help alleviate social isolation for survivors, as well as facilitating women’s groups and managing relationships with referral partners.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs from a wide variety of backgrounds, and an understanding of the impact of deprivation, discrimination and domestic abuse on individuals, families and communities. Based in Leyton you will be managing a small team and helping the charity develop its service across London. 

Location: Tower Hamlets
Hours: 35 hours per week
Starting Salary: £33,500 (Top Salary Band for this role: £35,000)
Job title: Young Person Intervention Coach: Targeted Intervention Casework and Street Work.
Contract: Permanent, subject to funding

Do you have the values, personal qualities, and experience to support high risk young people who are hard to engage and those involved in harm and affected by exploitation and violence?

Do you have the tenacity, resilience, determination and consistency to identify, disrupt, challenge, and support young people to move out of harm and prevent further involvement in harmful activities. Are you committed to social justice, equity and inclusion?

Do you want to be part of a growing and developing Charity that is ambitious for the young communities that we serve? If yes, then you could be joining our innovative, specialist Intervention Team

Benefits Summary:

• Working in a values-led, award-winning charity with local, national, and international connections.
• 25 annual leave days plus bank holidays per year
• A fair and benchmarked salary with consistent salary reviews and structured career progression pathway with opportunities for senior roles.
• A generous Pension Scheme
• A supportive working culture with Employee Assistance Scheme available 24/7.
• Comprehensive, ongoing training and professional development across fields of targeted intervention, harm reduction, youth development.
• A Referral Bonus Scheme of up to £150
• An Individual training budget (up to £200 pa) for external professional development training once completed first 12 months of employment
• Excellent professional supervision with monthly and quarterly reflective practice sessions.
• Great location near tubes, Spitalfields, Brick Lane, and direct access to Central London.

DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS

Who we are: Streets of Growth is an award-winning, value-led, outcome-driven charity, working to reduce harm and positively transform the lives of the most vulnerable and at-risk young people in Tower Hamlets East London. We do not wait for young people to walk through our doors, instead we are relentless in reaching out to at risk hard to reach young people across the streets and neighbourhoods. Working to build a relationship of trust, truth, and transformation with each young person, coaching and enabling them to support themselves to change negative lifestyles, move away from violence and harm, stay out of prison, get good jobs, and create a better future for themselves.

The role: As a Young Person Intervention Coach (YIC), you will be responsible for the assessment and implementation of tailored intervention coaching plans for each young person on your caseload. You will work to achieve progression outcomes for each young person that includes reducing mental, physical, and emotional harm and supporting each young person transition to positive, thriving lifestyle both on a one-to-one basis, and in partnership with other individuals and agencies involved in the lives of each young person.

Your purpose is to identify, disrupt, challenge, and support young people to move out of harm and prevent further involvement in harmful activities. This will involve targeted street work, specialised one to one harm reduction and life skills coaching. You will receive specialist training in Streets of Growth emotional regulation skills programming which will underpin your Life-Skills Coaching with each young person.

Who we are looking for: You will have robust frontline experience of working with young people, including experience in engaging, assessing, and delivering interventions designed to support young people to build personal resilience and move away from harm and violence. You will also possess sound risk assessment skills and safeguarding knowledge. A key component of the job role is case management and knowledge of good practice models in harm reduction which underpin Streets of Growth practice, is essential.

To apply: Please submit an up-to-date CV and covering letter of no more than 2 A4 sides which explains how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm on Sunday 29th March 2026.

Interviews: We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis. If shortlisted, there will be a first stage 30-minute informal interview (online) and if selected an in-person formal interview (approx. 50 minutes) at our offices in Aldgate, London E1.

Streets of Growth is committed to diversity in all that it does and strongly encourages applications from every part of the communities we serve. All appointments are made on merit. At Streets of Growth, we would like to encourage applications from people both with and without criminal convictions, however the job offer has to be subject to vetting. The successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Due to the nature of the work, you are applying for you are required to disclose any criminal convictions that you have.

No agencies please.

You may also have experience in the following: Youth Intervention Worker, Youth Worker, Young People’s Support Worker, Targeted Youth Worker, Outreach Youth Worker, Street Outreach Worker, Youth Engagement Worker, Youth Violence Intervention Worker, Exploitation Intervention Worker, Harm Reduction Worker, Caseworker (Young People), Youth Case Manager, Youth Mentor, Youth Support Practitioner.

REF-226 981

This position is offered on a full-time basis, though we welcome applications from candidates interested in working 3–4 days per week

This is a really exciting time to lead on Service Design at UK Youth. The Government’s recently-launched National Youth Strategy represents a shift in youth work’s recognition. UK Youth is about to launch its own new Strategy and we have big ambitions for the coming year – in this crucial leadership role, you’ll drive forward our ambition to design, test and scale the very best solutions to the challenges faced by young people and the professionals supporting them. 

UK Youth’s Impact Function has grown over the last year – we’re investing in the power of evidence, human-centred design and influential storytelling to improve the equity and effectiveness of youth work. Join us and help build a society that backs every young person – through each spark, struggle, and success.​

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development initiatives, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 25th March 2026 at 23:59pm (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: 1st and 2nd April (In person at our London Office)

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

We have an exciting opportunity coming up within Victim Support. We are looking for a Children & Young Person (CYP) Behaviour Change Caseworker who will work with children displaying harmful behaviours in a Domestic Abuse (DA) setting. This could be with parents or within their own relationship.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

The CYP Behaviour Change Caseworker is a specialist role focused on working with young people (typically aged 4-17) who are displaying abusive or harmful behaviours, often in the context of domestic abuse within the home or in dating relationships. The goal of this role is to disrupt, challenge, and change the behaviour of the young person to protect victims (family members or partners), prevent re-victimisation, and intervene early to stop the escalation of abuse.

This role involves hybrid working, often based in police stations, offices, or community settings. Hours are usually Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm however flexibility may be required in line with service user need and the availability of the young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management: Manage a caseload of young people displaying abusive behaviours, providing a medium term service.
• Assessment and Planning: Conduct risk and needs assessments to create tailored, individual support plans focusing on behaviour change.
• Direct Interventions: Deliver one-to-one interventions to address the root causes of abusive behaviour, encouraging understanding of the impact on victims.
• Safety Planning: Work closely with colleagues, such as Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), to develop safety plans for victims.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Liaise with police, social care, housing, and schools to ensure a comprehensive, co-ordinated community response.
• Education and Prevention: Potential to run awareness-raising sessions in schools, youth centres, and communities regarding healthy relationships, consent, and the impact of abuse.
• Case Recording: Maintain accurate, confidential records on secure case management systems in line with GDPR and safeguarding policies.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience: Previous experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families, particularly in domestic abuse, youth justice, or social work settings.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures, child protection legislation, and the impact of domestic abuse on children.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with hard-to-reach young people, challenge behaviours, and build trust.
• Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and manage high-risk, sensitive, and emotional cases.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

We are looking to appoint support workers to provide an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for our autistic members.

Working under the supervision of Programme Delivery Managers and Supervisors, key responsibilities include: 

• Programme support and activity delivery of activities for members at our clubs during term time and school holiday activities.

• Supporting members with their engagement and development in activities, both educationally and socially. 

• We are especially interested in recruiting those who have experience with facilitating sporting activities with children and young adults.

This role is ideal for someone looking for flexible work.

When shifts are available, they will be on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Friday late afternoons and evenings, so you would need to be available at these times during term time. 

Salary Band: £ 13.85 per hour 

Contract Type: Casual worker contract

Working Pattern: Must be available to work some or all the following times during term time: Mondays 4.15pm - 7.15 pm, 7pm – 9.30pm; Thursdays 4pm–7pm; Fridays 4pm–7pm and 6.45pm–10pm. 

Location: Mondays West Wickham, Thursday and Fridays Orpington. 

About you 
You are creative and adaptable with strong problem-solving skills. You are self-motivated, able to take initiative and have good interpersonal skills.You will have experience of working with young people, particularly those who are vulnerable, or have special needs. 

You are also someone who shares our way of working: 

Committed – We are committed to CASPA’s mission and our work. 

Learning – We share knowledge, learn from others to grow our skills, and support others to grow. 

Proactive – We take action, problem solve and “muck in” where needed. 

Organised – We plan and manage our time, tasks and responsibilities. 

Optimistic – We think positively, encourage fun, and promote autistic Pride. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

We are keen to attract those with lived experience of autism. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability. 

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people affected by domestic abuse? Do you want to make a real difference through therapeutic support in a trauma-informed, child-centred environment? Join Acorns as a Mental Health & Wellbeing Project Worker.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and empathetic Mental Health & Wellbeing Project Worker to contribute to the development and delivery of flexible support services which address the psychological and emotional needs of children, young people and families living with the effects of domestic abuse, in North Tyneside and Northumberland. You will help to develop, organise and facilitate key aspects of the service as requested by the Team Coordinator such one-to-one support interventions, group work, and youth participation opportunities in a variety of settings including in-house, schools and community venues. Post is to be predominantly based in Northumberland.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver flexible one to one support sessions, using a range of interventions to assess and positively contribute to the individual wellbeing needs of children and young people impacted by domestic abuse.
• Support service users, particularly within the 11-16 age group to develop personal and life skills, promoting self-esteem and independence, and raising awareness of other support services and opportunities available to them and their families.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of group work, activities and events, including the continued development of service user participation
• Work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure coordinated care and refer service users to additional sources of help and protection as needed.
• Adhere to safeguarding, confidentiality, and equal opportunities policies while maintaining accurate and confidential records, reporting appropriately, and complying with organisational guidelines.
• Participate in training, supervision, and team activities, contributing flexibly to service development and supporting broader organisational goals as required by management.

About You

• Holds qualifications and relevant experience in social care, childcare, youth work, or a therapeutic field
• Experience working directly with children and young people with an excellent understanding of common issues relating to child development, mental health and wellbeing
• Experienced in one-to-one casework, group facilitation, youth programmes, and multi-agency working, with a proven ability to assess needs and connect individuals to appropriate support services.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage sensitively and non-judgementally with service users, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to empowering individuals.
• Skilled in managing workloads, maintaining accurate records, writing reports, and meeting deadlines under pressure, with strong time management and attention to detail.
• A motivated, flexible team player who values equality and diversity, and brings creativity and initiative to their practice.
• Driver with access to a reliable vehicle for work purposes. This role involves frequent travel to and from locations across North Tyneside and Northumberland to meet the varied needs of service users.

Please note, that an enhanced DBS check will be required.

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a positive, compassionate and impact-driven team. You’ll enjoy flexible working arrangements and autonomy in your role, opportunities for professional development and training, a supportive environment, reflective supervision, and the chance to help shape our systems for the better.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equal opportunities.

Ready to apply? Download the candidate pack and get started! We’ll invite you to send us your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your experience and fit for the role.

If you are committed to empowering children and young people and want to be part of a team making lasting change, we’d love to hear from you.

Please make sure you include in/with your CV and personal statement:

• Name, previous names, and address.
• Education and training history, including any qualifications and the awarding body, any relevant training recently undertaken and any professional memberships.
• A full employment history in chronological order.
• Details of any convictions, spent and unspent. Details of any relation to the organisation or staff.
• A signed & dated declaration confirming that information provided is true, with no omissions. You must understand that providing false details can lead to rejection or dismissal, plus a possible referral to the police.
• All of the above information is only used to assess the candidate suitability, and will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and stored and retained according to our GDPR policies and procedures which are available upon request.

Equality & Diversity Statement

Acorns will be proactive in all matters relating to equality of opportunity and diversity. We value and will celebrate the benefits brought to our organisation by a diverse population within our communities, services, staff and volunteers team, and Board of Trustees. We commit to creating an environment, through training, practice and policy, where Trustees, employees, volunteers and service users are encouraged by example and guidance to confront and challenge discrimination where and whenever it arises, whether between colleagues or in any other area of the organisation’s work.

Acorns commits to:

• Actively challenge discrimination;
• Ensure that all staff, volunteers and service users are treated fairly;
• Make sure that our activities and services are truly accessible to all who might benefit;
• Work collaboratively with other organisations to address inequality; 
• Work to promote an organisational culture of diversity;
• Strive to ensure that the profile of trustees, staff and volunteers reflects the wider communities within which we operate.

Everyone engaging with Acorns, as a servicer user, volunteer, or staff member, will be expected at all times to treat other people with respect and consideration. Our full Equality & Diversity Policy is available upon request.

Safeguarding Statement

Acorns believes that no child, young person or adult should ever experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them, to promoting their well-being and enjoyment and protecting their health, safety and general welfare while in the company, employ or care of Acorns staff or volunteers. Safeguarding and protection of those at risk is everyone’s business; it is everyone’s duty to report any safeguarding concerns to the relevant agency. We also practice Safer Recruitment practices. Our full safeguarding policies are available upon request.

30 hours per week / £30,150 per annum pro rata / fixed term until 31 March 2028 / working four days a week, working pattern to be discussed at interview.

The role involves frequent travel across Surrey to schools and joining colleagues at key meetings, with occasional travel further afield. Therefore, a full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential.

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

YMCA WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) is our specialist project supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey who are affected by, or at risk of, exploitation. Through education, awareness‑raising and empowerment, we help young people understand healthy relationships, recognise harmful behaviours, and build safety and resilience.

Unlike statutory services, WiSE has a youth focussed offer that is voluntary to engage in. Our team understand young people, lived experience and trauma, and how this shapes their understanding of the world.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as an Early Intervention CSE Worker. In this role, you will deliver preventative and early intervention work across Surrey, supporting young people, schools, and professional networks to recognise and respond to the risks of sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviours.

Key responsibilities are:

• Deliver a programme of targeted group sessions aimed at preventing sexual exploitation and addressing emerging harmful sexual behaviours (complementing the universal and enhanced RSE offer delivered by the Sex Ed Forum).
• Build professional relationships with Surrey education providers, arranging and delivering group sessions across a range of settings.
• Maintain accurate case notes and monitoring data, contributing to timely reporting for the service and funders.
• Work collaboratively with key partners including Children’s Services, Public Health, Police, LSCB, the Sex Ed Forum, and Community Safety teams.
• Support the development and delivery of awareness‑raising campaigns targeting young people, parents and carers, professionals, and the wider community.
• Work closely with WiSE staff and wider professionals to identify young people at higher risk and refer them to WiSE project workers for specialist intervention.

We recognise the emotional weight of this work and prioritise a reflective, supportive environment for all team members. To ensure you feel supported and able to deliver high‑quality practice, you will receive regular line management supervision focused on wellbeing and supportive weekly team meetings.

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

Qualifications, experience and knowledge:

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

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 5 April 2026 at midnight. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

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

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

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

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

Job description

Purpose:

1. To assist in the planning and delivery of individual educational programmes designed to meet the social, learning and developmental needs of each young person.

2. To work with the First Start Manager as a member of a team.

3. To support young people with disabilities and/or on the autism spectrum to access the local community, services, events, education and training.

4. To support young people on the autism spectrum, with associated learning and or physical disabilities to access their own individualised programmes.

5. Support Worker / Drivers - To drive the service members accessing the First Start Service to and from the service premises and to other destinations as required.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1. To assist in organising and providing a range of stimulating, challenging and interesting educational activities that are relevant to the needs of the individual, meeting their educational, social and developmental needs.

2. To actively participate in the delivery of a high-quality service that adheres to the Tower Project’s policies and procedures.

3. To ensure the service is delivered in consultation and partnership with Service members, Parents/ Carers, Colleges/ Schools and other relevant parties.

4. To provide and/ or receive support, advice and training as appropriate.

5. Support Worker / Drivers - To ensure the safe transportation of service members to and from their required destination. 

6. Support Worker / Driver – To be responsible for documenting mini- bus mileage, vehicle check log sheets and safe handling of vehicle keys.

7. Support Worker / Driver – To be responsible for reporting any vehicle damages to First Start Service Manager. Specific

Duties:

1. To work directly with young people as required by the First Start Manager.

2. To support First Start service members from a person-centered approach, recognising, valuing and seeking to reinforce individual identity by way of responses and informed choices.

3. To assist in the maintenance of monitoring systems, e.g. registers, need to know forms.

4. To assist in identifying additional individual needs and support.

5. To attend and contribute to team meetings and to assist in the exchange of information and show cooperation when working with other staff and partner organisations.

6. To attend training events according to expressed needs and demands.

7. To be responsible for the Health & Safety, the security and the use of the First Start premises, in conjunction with the Service manager.

8. In conjunction with the First Start Manager, prepare timetables, activity plans, programme reports, monitoring data and other appropriate work according to the needs of the post.

9. To actively promote and develop inclusion and equal opportunities.

10. To liaise with and involve service members, parents/ carers and other partner agencies in the planning and delivery of the service.

11. To ensure that the guidelines & framework of relevant legislation, e.g. The Care Act 2014, Valuing People White Paper, Care Standards Act etc., are always implemented and adhered to.

12. To participate and meet regularly for supervision meetings with the First Start Manager or designated Line Manager.

13. To actively promote and develop inclusion and equal opportunities.

14. Support Worker / Drivers - To drive service members to and from the First Start premises and to other destinations as requested by the Service Manager.

15. Support Worker / Drivers - To be responsible for arranging the pickup and drop off and safe use of the minibus.

16. Support Worker / Drivers - To support First Start service members as required by the Service manager and to be available during the service’s operational hours.

17. Undertake other duties as appropriate to the nature of the Post 3

PERSON SPECIFICATION SUPPORTWORKER

Knowledge:

Knowledge and understanding of the development of young people with Autism, challenging behaviour, learning disabilities and / or physical disabilities. To demonstrate an understanding of the causes of social exclusion.

Education/ Qualifications:

An NVQ 2 in Care or equivalent, or willingness to work towards such a qualification.

Essential:

Experience of working with young people with disabilities and specific learning disabilities and or Autism in a similar setting. Experience of working in an inner city multi-racial/ cultural environment.

Experience of liaising with Parents/ Carers.

Good communication skills with parents/ carers, young people and staff. Ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to work with young people who can sometimes present challenging behaviour.

To support, promote and deliver services within the Tower Project’s Equal Opportunities policy.

An NVQ 2 in Care or equivalent, or willingness to work towards such a qualification.

Desirable:

Ability to assist in organising and delivery of a quality programme of activities. Basic computer skills, or a willingness to undertake training as required.

Special Conditions:

The post holder will be expected to undertake any additional training as required

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Southampton.

Location: IntoUniversity Southampton
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until July 2026
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 31st March 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the successful candidate

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort.