Youth development worker hours jobs

Come join an incredible team using joy, adventure and the outdoors to transform the mental health of London's most disadvantaged children. We're looking for someone a little bit special who believes in the deep potential of children who are not thriving elsewhere in life.

The position is a dual role. You’ll join as one of three dedicated Youth Workers and will lead on a portion of Free to Be Kids’ year-round follow-on support for vulnerable young people who we have already engaged via our Thrive Outside residentials. Crucially, a core aspect of the role will be leading an average of 8-10 of our residential projects across each year - working on the ground with the children, leading the volunteers, and helping make the projects special, safe, and transformative for vulnerable young people, many of whom have complex needs. You’ll be joining a small staff team of 9, supplemented by a vibrant and committed group of volunteers.

Attendance at approximately 8-10 five-six night residential projects per year outside London is a core component of this role. A full driving licence is not required but may be an advantage.

Watch our 2 min introductory video to see the power of what we do. https://bit.ly/ASummaryOfOurWork

On offer to the right candidate:

Salary: Circa £29,000-£32,000, dependent on experience.

Hours: Fulltime: 37.5 hours per week. Essential attendance on at c.8-10 residential projects a year.

Leave: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays and up to 13 additional pre-set discretionary reward days in September and during the Christmas period.

Other benefits: 4% employer pension contribution paid on full base salary, rising by 1% per year of service, up to a maximum of 7%, hybrid working, office with great transport links, flexible working (outside core hours), employee reward scheme, a tight-knit effective team with great morale.

Based: Hybrid – our small office in Waterloo, London. Hybrid working is well established with the majority of the team splitting time around 50:50 between the office and home.

To start: February-March 2026

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Who we’re looking for:

Our next Youth Work hero. You'll be fun, active, energised, resilient, and experienced in work with young people with complex needs, and looking to join an organisation you can believe in and who in return will believe and invest in you.

You’ll have multi years’ experience working alongside young people who might struggle in other settings and will be used to dealing with a range of behaviours and complex support needs, ideally including mental health support needs,with a good understanding of safeguarding. A basic level of comfortableness in the outdoors, resilience to keep going with a smile when it's wet outside, and the silliness to be the first to jump into the lake will see you in good stead for this role.

You’ll have the flexibility to work away from home on up to 10 week-long residential projects per year. Ideally, you’ll also have experience of leading projects for children – whether residential or non-residential. Experience of working on or leading residentials projects themselves is not required but may be an advantage.

We are a small, vibrant, fun and friendly staff team of 9, growing to 11 when these 2 Youth Worker vacancies are filled, supported by a committed volunteer base of around 200.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from those who can help us represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.

To apply:

See full Job Description & Person Specification on our website.

Send all 3 application elements in one email to the address within the application pack by the closing date of 8pm, Tuesday 13th January 2026.

• CV or up to date LinkedIn profile.
• A short introductory video of 1-3 minutes (maximum) showing your vibrancy, fit for the role, recapping your existing experience, and telling us something interesting about yourself! (Top tips: Keep it fast paced and lively; shorter may be better; touch on the person characteristics set for the role; something filmed quickly on your phone which feels organic is what we’re looking for.) As this is a people facing role the video’s purpose is to help bring life to your application, whilst helping us filter out solely AI written ones. We want to get a strong sense of YOU as we are looking for FIT with the organization, as well as experience.
• (optional) A short (1 side max) cover letter to bring your application to life.

Selection Process and Timeline:

Selection will be via two stage interview. As there is only a short turnaround from application closure on 13th January to 1st stage interviews 8th-9th January, we will assess applications and offer interview slots throughout the window. However, you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till the closing date to submit.

1st stage interviews: Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st January (virtual). We may offer some interview slots throughout the window but you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till towards the deadline to apply.

2nd stage final interviews: Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th th January (in-person, London Waterloo)

Please hold interview dates as alternates dates are unlikely to be available.

​The role requires an Enhanced DBS check and existing right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions about the role, contact us via our website and we’d be happy to arrange an informal chat. We look forward to hearing from you!

Weekly hours: 37.5 hours – weekdays and weekends

Join Us as a Housing Support Worker – Make a Real Difference in Young Lives

At Peabody, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We’re looking for a Housing Support Worker who is kind, proactive, and ready to support young people aged 16–25, including care leavers, on their journey to independence.

This is not a care role. It’s a practical and emotional support position, helping young people build life skills, access housing, and feel empowered to shape their future.

What you’ll be doing
In this role, you’ll support young people to develop the skills they need for independent living, including navigating housing options, managing benefits, and budgeting. You’ll help create a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel empowered and respected. By bringing your own passions, whether in music, art, sports, or other interests, you’ll enrich the community and build meaningful connections. You’ll also work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure each young person receives the right support at the right time.

What we’re looking for
We need someone who:

• Connects easily with young people, especially those who’ve faced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance misuse.
• Is creative and confident in engaging young people, whether through music, sports, art, or other interests.
• Can work independently and as part of a team, managing a caseload and supporting residents with budgeting, benefits, and housing options.
• Has strong communication and IT skills, and ideally some knowledge of safeguarding, support plans, or key working.
• Brings transferable experience from youth work, education, housing, or similar sectors.

Why join us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What you’ll get

• Up to 25 days’ annual leave
• Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• 4x Life Assurance and up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development, including funded apprenticeships.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Family-friendly policies and a supportive team culture.

Please read before applying
This is a full-time, onsite role, and you’ll need to be available to work five days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts may include early mornings and evenings, so flexibility is key.

We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so you might hear from us before the closing date, keep an eye on your inbox and your phone! 

Closing date: 18th January 2026 at midnight.

Interviews will take place between 19th January to 24th January 2026.

Please note: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 9–18?
Do you want to make a genuine difference while being part of a supportive, values-driven team?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can socialise, build confidence, and develop skills for life. We are looking for a Youth Development Worker to support the delivery of engaging youth work sessions and contribute to the growth of our youth offer, including the opening of new clubs in Bedford town centre.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Youth Development Worker, you will support the planning and delivery of a range of youth work activities. This is a hands-on role working directly with young people, helping to create welcoming, fun and meaningful sessions that reflect the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about youth work who wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of youth work activities for young people aged 9–18
• Deliver a range of youth work activities, including centre-based sessions, outreach, school-linked programmes, mentoring and digital engagement
• Build positive, trusted relationships with young people, offering encouragement, guidance and support
• Assist with projects and new youth club development in Bedford town centre
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, engagement and outcomes to support monitoring and reporting
• Promote safeguarding, equality, inclusion and positive behaviour in all aspects of delivery

About You

You don’t need to be fully qualified - what matters most is your enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to young people.

You will be:

• Passionate about supporting children and young people
• Confident engaging with young people in group settings
• Willing to learn and develop your youth work skills
• Able to work as part of a team and follow safeguarding procedures
• Experience working with young people (paid or voluntary) is desirable but not essential.

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 10 hours per week, paid on a monthly salaried basis
• Working pattern includes evenings and weekends, with most sessions taking place after school

Additional Information

• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer
• Applications will be reviewed as received, so early application is encouraged

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and aim to create a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you need any support to apply or attend an interview.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality programmes.

Are you an experienced youth worker ready to take the next step in your development?
Do you enjoy leading sessions, supporting colleagues, and shaping meaningful opportunities for young people?

We are seeking a Senior Youth Development Worker to support the development and delivery of One YMCA’s Universal Youth Work provision in Bedford.

The Role

Reporting to the Youth Work Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality youth work for young people aged 9–18. You will lead engaging sessions, support and supervise sessional youth workers, and contribute to the growth and development of One YMCA’s youth work offer in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy.

This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, team support, and partnership engagement. You will help ensure young people feel safe, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth work sessions for young people aged 9–18
• Lead sessions and act as a positive role model for young people
• Support and supervise sessional youth workers during delivery
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, schools and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records to monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Contribute to the development and expansion of One YMCA’s youth work offer, including partnership and funding opportunities
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work

About You

You are passionate about youth work and committed to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. You are confident leading sessions, supporting others, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

You will have:

• Experience delivering youth work (paid or voluntary)
• Confidence leading group sessions and supporting small teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of inclusive and safeguarding-led practice
• A Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or willingness to work towards one (essential)

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 18 hours per week, salaried on a monthly basis
• Working pattern is flexible but will include evenings and weekends, with most delivery taking place after school

Additional Information

• Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, subject to a conditional offer

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support to participate fully.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and to strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality services.

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

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

The Role

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities

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

What We’re Looking For

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

What We Offer

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST:

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993.  Created to honour Suzy's legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an ambitious, dynamic senior social worker to lead, deliver and develop our SAFE Project, a pan-London project dedicated to providing advocacy support for stalking victims aged 11-16 (or up to age 25 with particular vulnerabilities), funded by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong senior operational experience.  You will need to be able to think on your feet and work in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.  This first-of-its-kind project, co-designed with partner organisation Safer London, will seek to fill in important gaps in understanding, assessing and supporting young people experiencing stalking. You will work closely to ensure that systems are robust, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of vulnerable children, while embedding the service into the wider ecosystem of London specialist services driving change.

Reporting to the Head of Pan London Stalking Support Service, you will provide expert advice and advocacy to children, young people and their families, ensuring the SAFE Project has what it needs to deliver an outstanding service.  You will be trainined as an Independent Stalking Advocate (ISA), hold a caseload, and over the course of the contract, you will support the upskilling of all ISAs on the team to be able to take children and young people's cases.  In addition to leading on the development of the children and youth work provision, you will oversee a Young People's Experts by Experience group to ensure victim's voices are fed into project development.

This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendance at our London office until the sucessful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months), as well as regular travel across London

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Services Worker (Northern Ireland)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Northern Ireland

HOURS OF WORK: 25 hours a week (flexible with some evenings)

LOCATION: Office based, with travel across Northern Ireland.

DURATION: Fixed Term – 5 Years 

SALARY / GRADE: Grade 5 (£30,738 - £33,921 FTE)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•Adopted Young People in Northern Ireland

•  Director Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland staff

•  Wider AUK youth staff

 •Representative staff from educational establishments.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To develop, implement and evaluate the Banter Project youth service in partnership with adopted young people in Northern Ireland.  These young people range in age from 14-25 years and live throughout Northern Ireland.  The role will primarily work with the project participants, but has additional relationships with community organisations, educational establishments and employers to ensure that all project goals and outcomes are efficiently and effectively met.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To lead the development and delivery of all elements of the Banter Project adopted young people’s service within Northern Ireland in a fun, interactive, interesting and an ability appropriate manner.

• To support the project participants to play an active role in the design and implementation of a programme of monthly activities for adopted young people. Sustaining and developing a monthly social hub, supporting the development of basic life-skills, and preparation for opportunities in further education, training, employment.

• To support a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in its role to enable adopted young people to steer the Banter Project while developing skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

• To organise and supervise the work of the Youth Services Support Worker to deliver the Banter Project. 

• To provide opportunities to connect with, and signpost to, relevant services, particularly those who work with care experienced young people.

• To develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation to review individual goals, track progress and impact, via data and analysis of outcomes to assess effectiveness and areas for improvement.

• To record service activity using the electronic data management systems to collate in preparation for reporting and learning opportunities.

• To gather output and outcome data from the Banter Project service in accordance with the quality assurance systems within AUK. 

• Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality project for our adopted young people and their adoptive parents.  Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals. 

• To attend internal and external training/meetings as appropriate, to remain connected with broader adoption issues, relevant policies, working practices, and network with other youth work providers in Northern Ireland.

• To engage in supervision and professional development.

Location: MK ACT Office
Hours: 30 per week (Tue–Fri, 9:30–17:30, 30-minute lunch break)
Salary: £20,998 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Refuge Manager
Closing Date: 21 January

About Us

MK ACT is a long-established domestic abuse charity with over 50 years’ experience supporting individuals and families across Milton Keynes. We provide safety, refuge, advocacy and long-term support as survivors rebuild their lives.

We have a vacancy for a  Children and Young People’s Support Worker to join our refuge team. This is an exciting opportunity to support our children living in refuge to overcome the trauma of abuse in a play setting. You will play a key role in ensuring safety, emotional wellbeing and development for children and young people aged 0 to 16, living in our accommodation. This role suits someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable and creative.

You will need to have experience of working with children and a level 3  qualification in Early years or Childcare.  

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference for children affected by domestic abuse
• Supportive, specialist team environment
• Training and professional development opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
• Additional paid birthday leave
• Opportunity to grow with the charity as we expand

Key Responsibilities

Support for Children and Young People

· Plan and deliver interesting age-appropriate activities and holiday playschemes

· Work with the Family Support Workers to provide support for the residents and their children

· Deliver age appropriate support around children’s experiences of Domestic Abuse

· Work with other agencies to ensure safety of children living in the refuge

· Keep accurate records

· Be part of the refuge on call rota

About You

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy working with children, are energetic, child-centred and aware of safeguarding responsibilities

Essential
• Understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on children
• Experience supporting children or young people
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills
• Confidence working with families from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively within multi-agency frameworks

· Level 3 Early years of Childcare qualification

· Have a full UK Driving licence

Desirable
• Experience in refuge or safeguarding environments
• Experience delivering group activities or children’s programmes
• Knowledge of Protective Behaviours

How to Apply

As part of our fair recruitment approach, we do not accept CVs.
Please complete our official application form. Applications submitted without the form cannot be considered.

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

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

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Triage and Assessment Worker

Location: Reading with hybrid working arrangements.

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

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

About the role:

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

· being the first point of contact for families referred to our service

· conducting structured assessments to understand needs

· providing skilled practical help and advice to enable families to reach an informed decision

· presenting cases at internal triage meetings, providing clear recommendations for support pathways.

About you:

As a successful Triage and Assessment Worker, you will have experience of working directly with vulnerable families, ideally within a domestic abuse, safeguarding, or trauma-informed context. You will also have experience of case management and case presentation. With excellent interpersonal skills, you'll actively listen, build trust quickly, and communicate effectively while providing a telephone-based service.

If this sounds like you please visit our website for more information, contact details and to apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

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

Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026    

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

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

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

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

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Youth Services Development Manager

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

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

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

What you’ll do:

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

What we’re looking for:

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

Why join us?

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

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

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026
How to apply: Send CV and covering letter to our recruitment team. 

Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.

Position: Adoption Quality and Development Lead

Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements

Contract: Permanent role. Full time (37 hours per week) or part-time (4 days per week may be considered).

Salary range: Starting Salary Range from £49934 to £58256

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services.

The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement. They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.

About you:

We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

We realise that this may be a role that is unique to PACT. Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Team Manager; Adoption Team Manager; Adoption Practice Manager; Practice Manager; Adoption Service Manager; Service Manager; Quality Assurance Manager; Social Work Team Lead; Social Work Team Manager etc

About PACT:

PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.

For further information, contact email and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)
Interviews are planned for: Monday 9th February 2026

We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period. All opportunities are based in the UK

For 30 years, XLP has helped thousands of young people aged 11 - 25 across inner-city London and the City of London, through mentoring, employability support, schools work and community-based support.

Our mission is to engage in long-term relationships that empower young people who experience a range of challenges and barriers to complete their education, avoid anti-social behaviour and ultimately become independent and confident contributors within their communities.

We have an exciting opportunity for a full time Senior Youth Worker to join the team. The role will be based in our East team which currently works in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

About the Project

The National Lottery funded Meddwl Ymlaen Mind Our Future project is led by The Venture on behalf of the North East Wales partnership. The aim is to empower young people aged 11 to 24 to shape mental health services across Wrexham and Flintshire. Young people will co develop and influence policy, processes and services that affect their mental wellbeing.

Overview of the Role

The Senior Youth Engagement Officer will lead the youth engagement and co production elements of the project. A key part of the role is to lead and facilitate the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB), made up of 11 to 24 year olds who guide the direction of the project. The post holder will support their leadership development, confidence and decision making.

The role also includes developing a strategy to recruit and engage more young people, delivering a calendar of youth led events, and ensuring young voices shape all aspects of the project. The officer will represent Mind Our Future in meetings with stakeholders and support young people recruited into paid roles within the project.

Main Duties

• Lead and facilitate the YLAB, plan and chair meetings, and support members to take an active leadership role.
• Recruit and engage a diverse group of young people to join the YLAB and ensure the group reflects the communities of Wrexham and Flintshire.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and personal development opportunities for young people involved.
• Co design project activities with young people, ensuring their voices guide decisions, planning and evaluation.
• Organise workshops, events and activities and ensure all logistics are managed effectively.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and communicate project updates.
• Recruit and support young people in paid roles within the project, including training, mentoring and ongoing support.
• Act as the designated safeguarding lead for the project including implementing safeguarding procedures, providing guidance, and liaising with authorities when required.
• Contribute to overall project success through planning, evaluation and collaborative teamwork.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and equality across all work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work
• Clean UK driving licence
• Level 3 safeguarding children in Wales qualification
• Significant experience in a Safeguarding Lead or equivalent role

Desirable
• Diploma or degree in mental health, particularly relating to children and young people
• Health and Safety training

Skills and Abilities

Essential
• Strong communication skills in English
• Experience working with young people and young adults
• Empathy and ability to connect with young people
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills including digital communication and online working
• Ability to produce quality reports and presentations
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and motivate young people
• Ability to work collaboratively and create a positive environment
• Ability to travel throughout Wrexham, Flintshire and occasionally across Wales
• Ability to meet deadlines and targets

Desirable
• Welsh language skills
• Ability to adapt communication styles for different needs (for example Makaton)

Experience and Knowledge

Essential
• Significant safeguarding experience
• Knowledge of youth work and youth development
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting
• Awareness of youth sub cultures and social media
• Experience of youth participation or consultation
• Understanding of professional boundaries
• Experience implementing Health and Safety and Equalities processes
• Knowledge of Youth Work in Wales: Principles and Purposes and related frameworks
• Knowledge of Data Protection and GDPR
• Understanding of the importance of Welsh language and culture

Desirable
• Experience of co production
• Experience working with diverse groups of young people
• Experience working with varied abilities
• Partnership working experience
• Project management experience or transferable skills

Personal Qualities

Essential
• Trustworthiness
• Commitment to professional development
• Commitment to equality and challenging discrimination
• Integrity, discretion and strong personal drive
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
• Compassion and patience
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Genuine care for supporting others
• Fun, engaging and adventurous attitude

Other Requirements

• Ability to carry equipment between locations
• Frequent evening and weekend work will be required
• Enhanced DBS check required