Youth development worker jobs

Are you looking for a new opportunity for 2026?

Can you build positive relationships with young people in group settings - helping them explore new experiences, grow in confidence, and discover their own strengths and ambitions?

Are you enthusiastic about developing excellent and inclusive services with young people to enhance their, wellbeing, access to food and opportunities?

If so, we want you to join our team!

The Barnardo's Co-op Partnership is an exciting, innovative project where we are aiming to support over 1 million young people to have positive futures.

Sedgemoor for our Future is a service that has been co-designed by young people, for young people and is based on a ‘social kitchen'. The service facilitates regular spaces and opportunities where young people can come together to:

• Learn to cook healthy, nutritious food
• Eat together
• Have fun and play games
• Talk about and explore topics that are important to them
• Develop confidence, teamwork and new skills

The service runs two weekly group sessions:

Tuesdays in Highbridge 4.30pm – 6pm

Wednesdays in Bridgwater 4.30-6pm

Please note applicants need to be able to facilitate these sessions on these days.

There is also the opportunity to facilitate confidence and team building workshops for young people aged 10-25 years across different groups and spaces in Sedgemoor.

If you are:

• Confident and creative in engaging and working alongside young people aged between 10-25 years.
• Skilled in designing and facilitating inclusive groupwork sessions and workshops for young people.
• Able to provide emotional and practical support to young people, in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of young people, including the evenings that sessions run (see info above).
• Able to work in partnership with Co-op, Children's Services and the community, whilst keeping young people at the centre

Then please apply for the youth support worker role!

For an information chat about the role, please call or text Jess Hanson, Children's Service Manager,(contact details can be found via the job link).

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable). This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

We’re looking for a dynamic Quality & Development Lead to raise standards, support staff, and champion brilliant youth work across the Bailiwick.

In this exciting new role, you will:

• Drive consistent, high-quality youth work across all teams

• Coach, mentor and inspire staff at all levels

• Lead training, professional development and continuous improvement

• Strengthen youth voice and participation in everything we do

• Promote a strong culture of safety, learning, reflection and trauma-informed practice

• Ensure our work is inclusive, evidence-based and aligned with our strategic goals

You’ll be an experienced, qualified youth work practitioner who brings energy, insight and strong communication skills. You’ll love developing others, improving practice and shaping services. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to ensuring that every young person receives the highest standard of support, opportunities and respect—so they can thrive, belong and reach their potential.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a committed and proactive Support Worker to help young people build independence and move positively into their futures.

Position Young People Support Worker
Salary £24,136 per year plus benefits
Location Chester or Winsford, working onsite and in the community
Hours Full time, 37.5 hours per week on a flexible rota including evenings, weekends and sleep ins (additional payments apply)
Contract Permanent
Closing date 19 December 2025

About the Role

You will work as part of a supportive team delivering assessment, guidance and move on support to young people aged 16 to 18 who are leaving care. The aim is to help every young person develop resilience, confidence and the skills needed to manage a safe and successful transition into independent living.

Key responsibilities include:

· Carrying a caseload and acting as the named key worker for each young person

· Completing detailed risk assessments and support plans using an asset based approach

· Supporting young people with daily living skills, budgeting, tenancy sustainment and wellbeing

· Providing one to one and group sessions within accommodation settings and the community

· Working in partnership with local statutory teams and external agencies

· Advocating for young people and encouraging their involvement in decisions affecting them

· Helping young people access education, training, employment or volunteering

· Participating in a 24 hour rota which includes some lone working and sleep ins

· Ensuring accommodation is safe, welcoming and maintained to a good standard

· Keeping accurate records and contributing to regular team meetings and supervision

· Supporting the induction of new residents and helping them settle into their accommodation

· Encouraging engagement in activities, community opportunities and development programmes

About You

You will be someone who is patient, confident and genuinely passionate about supporting young people. You will bring:

· Experience working with young people, care leavers or other vulnerable groups

· Understanding of safeguarding processes for children and adults

· Experience of risk assessment, support planning and caseload management

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team within a rota based service

· Strong communication, organisational and IT skills

· Confidence working in partnership with multi agency teams

· Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times

· A commitment to equality, diversity and safe working practices

· Willingness to reflect on your practice and actively develop your skills

About the Organisation

The organisation provides housing and support services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. Their work focuses on prevention, resilience and empowerment, helping individuals build the skills needed to progress into safe, stable and independent lives. Services are grounded in trauma informed practice and a commitment to involving young people in shaping their own support.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Progression Coach, Support Worker, Leaving Care Worker, Young Persons Key Worker, Residential Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Tenancy Sustainment Worker, Outreach Worker. #INDSCP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Sports Youth Worker

Do you love sports and are you passionate about the role physical activity can play in changing young people’s lives? We have an exhilarating opportunity that will make your heart race! We’re on the hunt for a dynamic Youth Worker to join a vibrant Sports team in the bustling heart of Burnt Oak, North London.

Position: Sessional Worker Sport
Location: Burnt Oak, North London
Salary: £13.85 per hour £15.42 premium per hour on Saturday evenings only
Hours: Up to 26 hours per week evenings and weekends

About the role:
As a Sports Youth Worker you will deliver and supervise face to face sports and activity sessions for young people, supporting session planning and general programming. You’ll lead a wide mix of activities, run taster sessions, organise competitions and challenges that develop skills, confidence and fitness, and provide coaching and support for young people and volunteer activity coaches.

The centre offers a diverse range of facilities including a Fitness Suite, a multi purpose Sports Hall, a Boxing and MMA room and a MUGA astroturf space for games and outdoor activities. Depending on your skills, you’ll work across these areas to help young people get active, stay motivated and reach their potential.

About you:
We are seeking sports and activity coaches from a range of backgrounds such as PE teachers, football or basketball coaches, personal trainers, multi sports coaches, youth workers with activity experience, or anyone with a strong general sports background who loves working with young people. The skills and experience required include:

• Experience of working with groups of young people aged 8 to 19 or up to 25 with a disability
• A genuine passion for sports, fitness and engaging young people in positive activities
• Commitment to safeguarding children

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience delivering general sports or physical activity based sessions
• NGB coaching awards in any sport
• Experience in organising games, tournaments or informal activity programmes
• Any additional experience in areas such as boxing, fitness instruction, martial arts, dance, multi sports or outdoor activities

About the organisation:
Our client is an independent charity and purpose built youth centre for Burnt Oak’s young people aged 8 to 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs. They offer somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, six days a week including school holidays. Their vision is to ensure every young person is supported and empowered to reach their potential.

They welcome applications from individuals with varied and non traditional backgrounds. Safeguarding is paramount and an enhanced DBS will be required.

They also welcome experience gained in roles such as Child and Youth Programme Assistant, Youth Development Worker, Sports Coach, Sports Teacher, PE Teacher, Activity Coordinator, Personal Trainer, Gym Instructor, Football Coach, Multi Sports Coach and similar. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

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

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,754 - £28,454 per annum FTE

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

Start date: January 2026

About Us:

Baca is dedicated to providing support and care to 16 to 18 year old unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are newly arrived in the country, helping them rebuild their strength, dignity, and hope for the future. We work closely with social workers and representatives from other agencies to benefit the young people in our care.

Role Overview:

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality support and care to young people, ensuring their holistic development.
• Work proactively to safeguard young people and resolve any issues that arise.
• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.
• Support young people in developing essential life skills and preparing for independent living.
• Engage young people in education, vocational training, and hobbies.
• Foster positive relationships within the community and support social engagement.
• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.
• Develop partnerships with social workers, solicitors, teachers, volunteers, and other partners.
• Maintain excellent communication and keep accurate records.

Requirements:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied young people.
• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.
• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and ICT skills.
• Driving licence and access to a car.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Personal Attributes:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.
• Supportive, responsible, and personable.
• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Holidays and benefits:

• 33 days’ holiday a year (pro rata for part-time staff) including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Free parking
• Casual dress

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK for this role as Baca is not on the Home Office list.

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across the Midlands, including but not limitted to: Leicestershire, Northampton, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across Yorkshire, including but not limitted to: Hull, East Riding, North Lincs and Doncaster.

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Young People Support Worker (Warrington)

We are seeking someone passionate about supporting young people to build confidence, stability and independence.

Position: Young People Support Worker

Salary: £24,136 per year plus pension and benefits

Location: Warrington

Hours: 37.5 per week on a rota including evenings and weekends

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Sunday 14th December 2025

About the role

As Young People Support Worker you will work under the direction, guidance and support of a manager/senior worker you will be responsible for a caseload of clients as well as share responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all clients, volunteers and staff in the service. You will participate in our programme of meaningful activity by running group sessions and activities within the accommodation to support young people’s individual development and social engagement.

In accommodation based services you will ensure that the accommodation is properly maintained and support the client to sustain their tenancy and participate in positive and successful move on.

You will work a rolling rota of daytimes, evenings and weekends (some shifts will be lone working) including bank holidays to ensure that young people have full staff support during their most difficult times.

Key responsibilities include:

· Completing risk and needs assessments and creating SMART support plans

· Providing one to one and group support within the accommodation

· Encouraging participation in education, training, employment and volunteering

· Supporting young people to settle in and maintain their accommodation

· Maintaining accurate case records and handling petty cash and rent collection

· Ensuring the accommodation environment is safe, welcoming and well maintained

· Working a rota including evenings, weekends and some lone working

· Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and local partner agencies

About you

You will bring a calm, patient and supportive approach, with the ability to build trust and encourage young people to reach their goals. Experience working with young people, or those who have faced homelessness, mental health difficulties, substance misuse or time in care, will be important.

We are looking for:

· Experience of working with young people or those who have experienced homelessness

· An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or the care system

· A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

· High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

· Effective collaborative working

· Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

· Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners

About the organisation

The organisation provides vital services that support young people and adults at risk of homelessness. Their work focuses on prevention, resilience building and helping people access opportunities in education, employment, training and the community. Services operate across England, delivering high quality support shaped by strong values and a belief in the potential of every person.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Young Persons Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Key Worker, Project Worker, #INDSCP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Jigsaw4u’s Piece of Mind Service helps 11 to 25 year-old young people in SW London overcome depression and/or anxiety. We are seeking 1 full-time counsellor, or 2 part-time counsellors, to support 15 referrals over 3 months, in the London Boroughs of Kingston and Richmond. 

There is the potential for this fixed-term contract to become permanent. 

Each young person receives 6 to 16 targeted, evidence based therapeutic support sessions.  Support sessions will be delivered at our Kingston-Upon Thames hub, at school, home or in the community where appropriate. The counsellor will liaise with parents/carers, and referrers and partner agencies as appropriate. They will evaluate the interventions through use of Outcomes Star and other agreed measurement tool.

Jigsaw4u is a community charity that helps children, young people and families across South West London put the pieces back together following social and emotional difficulties.

 We have a multi-disciplinary team of Specialist Support Practitioners and Therapists, with a proud 27-year history and values that are informed by our shared experiences and feedback from our service-users.

 We work with community and statutory partners to deliver over 24 services, including support for pre and post bereavement, depression and anxiety, young people in the care system or leaving care, domestic violence, young victims of crime, prisoners’ families and parenting programmes.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking someone motivated to support young people (who are in care of the local authority/after care) to build safety, stability and independence.

Position: Young People Support Worker

Salary: £17,367.24 per year pro rata (FTE £27,136) plus pension and benefits

Location: Stockport

Hours: 24 per week, weekend rota Saturday and Sunday

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Sunday 14th December 2025

About the role

As a Young People Support Worker for young people in Local Authority Care (YPLAC), you’ll work in a supported accommodation service to help vulnerable young people develop the skills and confidence to achieve independence. As Young People Support Worker you will work as a member of a services team delivering an assessment, support and move on service to vulnerable clients in supported accommodation. Working within supported accommodation, you will deliver assessments, support plans and move on work that enables young people to build confidence, resilience and core life skills.

Under the guidance of a Service Manager you will manage a caseload of young people, support their emotional, social and practical needs and ensure safeguarding and wellbeing procedures are followed. You will also help run meaningful activities within the accommodation and support the upkeep of a safe and supportive environment.

Key responsibilities include:

· Completing risk and needs assessments and developing SMART support plans

· Providing one to one and group support within the accommodation

· Encouraging participation in education, employment, training and volunteering

· Supporting young people to maintain their accommodation and settle in

· Maintaining case records and handling petty cash and rent collection

· Ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming and well maintained

· Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partner agencies

· Supporting weekend operations including some lone working

About you

You will be compassionate, resilient and able to build meaningful rapport with young people. Experience working with young people or vulnerable groups is important, along with an understanding of the challenges faced by those who have experienced homelessness, mental health issues, substance misuse or time in care.

We are looking for:

· Experience of working with young people or those who have experienced homelessness

· An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or the care system

· A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

· Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

· Personal and professional integrity

· High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

· Effective collaborative working

· Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

· Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners

About the organisation

The organisation provides accommodation and support services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. Their work focuses on prevention, resilience building and helping people access education, employment, training and community opportunities. Services operate across England and are grounded in strong values and a belief in the potential of every person.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Weekend Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Young Persons Support Worker, Care Leaver Support Worker, Key Worker, Project Worker, Residential Support Worker, #INDSCP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organization.

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 programmes, 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: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

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.

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'.

We achieve this in two ways. First, we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

Our Young People & Families (YP&F) Operational Hub delivers a wide range of integrated support services designed to help resolve complex difficulties experienced by young people and their families/carers.

Support is provided to people who find themselves in a range of circumstances; they may be missing from home or have emotional, housing or substance misuse issues. We also support families where parents/carers are experiencing domestic abuse, substance misuse, emotional issues, youth violence, exploitation, homelessness or unemployment. Whatever the situation, we work alongside young people and their carers to find a way of stabilising their lives.

Redthread is one of our services delivered as part of the Young People and Families Hub within Catch22. 

Job Description

Redthread is a hospital based youth work service, working alongside NHS staff and other professionals in emergency departments.

Our experienced, specialist youth workers engage with and support young people, aiming to reduce serious youth violence. We often meet young people at a moment of change and work with them to find a positive way forward.

We provide long-term, holistic support. We consider every aspect of a young person’s life and build support around them.

The Youth Violence Intervention Practitioner role is to be part of the youth work team within Redthread with a primary focus on youth violence interventions in a health care setting. In this role you will be part of the Youth Violence Intervention Programme team in Birmingham. You will be based within two hospitals: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Heartlands Hospital. You will support young people aged, 11-25 years old, who present to hospital following an incident of violence of for whom them there are concerns around exploitation or extra-familial farm. You will work with the young person in the hospital as well as supporting them post discharge to ensure they have the support in place that they need and want. 

Main responsibilities include:

• Holding a caseload of young people and support them in a range of settings and support their personal, emotional, educational and health and social development through all interactions 
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team to safeguarding young people 
• Ensure young people's details and case records are kept up to date on our case management system
• Support the delivery of training to clinicians

Key Skills and Qualifications are: 

• Significant professional experience of working with vulnerable young people in a range of activities and settings
• Experience of working as an effective team member
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of working autonomously
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of the physical, social and emotional developmental needs of young people
• Understanding of the issues faced by young people living in inner city areas
• An awareness of child protection and safeguarding issues and knowledge of current best practice within the youth work sector
• A knowledge of best practice in case recording

Additional information

Contract: Permanent

Hours & work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week including regular weekend and evening working. Week day shifts cover 9am - 9pm, with one late shift a week from 1pm - 9pm.  Weekend shift is 9am -5pm. 

Salary: £26,302

Location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham 

Closing date: Applications for this role will close on Wednesday, 26th November. If we receive a high number of applications, applications may be closed sooner than this date. We suggest applying as soon as possible. 

Interviews: An online first round interview will be held on Friday, 5th December. 

Screening: Successful admission to post subject to enhanced DBS check, and employer Right To Work in the UK check. The post-holder must have right to work in the UK. Catch22 does not currently provide a licence to sponsor visas but please see this register to see those that do.

To Apply: Please provide your CV and cover letter, along with the completion of the screening questions to express your interest in this opportunity. Please note, in the interest of safer recruitment and ensuring that applicants are a right fit for the role, submitted applications must contain a CV, satisfactory responses to the screening questions, and information detailing interest in the role, to be considered for this position.

AI generated applications are not acceptable and could lead to a disqualification of your current and future applications across Catch22 jobs. In order to ensure that applications are fair, genuine, and representative of the candidate applying, our teams may use a number of tools to identify occurrences where candidates have not given an honest response during the application process. 

We are seeking a passionate and committed Young People Support Worker to help young care leavers build confidence, independence and brighter futures.

Position: Young People Support Worker – Salford, Eccles

Salary: £27,136 per year plus pension and benefits

Location: Salford

Hours: 37.5 per week on average - varied shifts based on young people’s needs

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 14th December 2025

About the role

In this rewarding role, you will provide practical and emotional support to young people aged 16 and over as they move towards independent living. You’ll build trusted relationships, help them develop life skills, and guide them through key transitions including leaving care, managing a tenancy and accessing education, training or employment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of young people and delivering personalised support plans

• Carrying out risk assessments and maintaining accurate case records

• Supporting young people to build resilience, life skills and independence

• Providing one to one and group support sessions

• Encouraging engagement in education, training, volunteering or work

• Working closely with local partners and statutory services

• Ensuring safeguarding and emergency procedures are always followed

• Helping new residents settle into their accommodation

• Supporting meaningful activities and positive social opportunities

• Maintaining a safe environment for young people, staff and visitors

This is a varied role that may include daytime, evening, weekend or occasional night work depending on the needs of the young people you support.

About you

We’re looking for someone empathetic, reliable and genuinely motivated to help young people achieve their goals.

We are looking for:

• Experience of working with young care leavers

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse, those that are care experienced

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Personal and professional integrity

• Ability to prioritise and manage your own time

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

• Effective collaborative working

About the organisation

You’ll be joining a service dedicated to preventing homelessness and helping young people build the skills and resilience they need to live independently. The team provides structured support in the community and works closely with local partners to ensure young people have every opportunity to thrive. Full induction, ongoing training and regular reflective practice are provided to help you succeed in your role.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Leaving Care Worker, Young Persons Advisor, Youth Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Outreach Support Worker, Progression Coach, etc.

Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.

Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career. 

The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application.