Youth development worker jobs

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.

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 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Youth Development Worker to join our team. This role will lead and develop our youth work offer across the 4 villages area of North Bristol (Lawrence Weston, Shirehampton, Sea Mills and Avonmouth).

We’re looking for an individual who has a passion and flair for supporting young people, promoting a sense of inclusion and belonging. The right candidate will have experience of both targeted and open access provision and a desire to enable young people to promote their voice and views to shape the future of youth work in the area.

The successful post holder must have:

· Good standard of basic education, including English and Maths Level 2

· Level 3 or equivalent in youth work

· Experience of leading and developing youth programmes (both open access and targeted)

· Ability to build long lasting, positive relationships with both young people and adults

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a real difference to communities on a local level. As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution

· A generous holiday allowance

· Working as part of a friendly, community-minded team of professionals

If you are interested in being part of this service, then please:

To apply, please apply via Charity Jobs or see details on our website.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am Monday 19th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 26th January 2026.

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 

If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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

Location: North London

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum.

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

Benefits:

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

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

Job Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

About the Role

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

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

Programme Planning and Delivery

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

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

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

Partnership and Family Engagement

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

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration

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

General Duties

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

About You

Experience and Knowledge

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

Skills and Abilities

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

Personal Qualities

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

How to Apply

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

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.