The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
This role is part-time, working 9am -5pm Tuesday to Friday each week.
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to overcome challenges, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes?
Reading Borough Council is looking for a Targeted Youth Support Worker to join our Family Help Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with young people aged 13-19 years (up to 25 years for those with SEND), helping them to navigate challenges, engage with education, improve emotional wellbeing and achieve their full potential.
You'll be part of a dedicated team delivering targeted interventions through Family Hubs and community settings, working closely with families, schools and partner agencies to provide coordinated support that makes a lasting difference.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As a Targeted Youth Support Worker, you will work with young people who may be experiencing a range of challenges, including being at risk of becoming NEET, struggling with emotional wellbeing, facing exclusion from education, or requiring support as part of Child in Need or Child Protection plans.
You’ll build trusted relationships with young people and families, coordinate support plans and ensure interventions are focused on achieving positive outcomes.
What you'll be doing
- Managing a caseload of young people and providing targeted support tailored to their individual needs.
- Delivering evidence-based interventions through one-to-one support, group work and family-based approaches.
- Undertaking assessments and developing outcome-focused plans with young people and their families.
- Leading and participating in Team Around the Family and multi-agency meetings.
- Delivering engaging youth work programmes and activities that support personal and social development.
- Working collaboratively with schools, social care, health services, police and voluntary organisations.
- Ensuring the voice of the young person informs all aspects of planning and intervention.
- Maintaining accurate case records, assessments and reports using Mosaic and other systems.
- Identifying safeguarding concerns and taking appropriate action to protect young people.
- Supporting Family Hub delivery, including occasional evening and weekend work.
About you
We're looking for someone who is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and families and who can build positive, trusting relationships with those who may be reluctant to engage with services.
You'll bring:
- Experience working with young people aged 13-19 years, including vulnerable young people and those with SEND.
- Experience working with families, parents and carers.
- Experience of multi-agency partnership working.
- Experience of managing a caseload and acting as a Key Worker or Lead Professional.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the factors affecting young people's wellbeing and development.
- Strong assessment, planning and intervention skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to engage and motivate young people facing complex challenges.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- A commitment to inclusion, equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
A relevant Youth Work qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent) is desirable.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact [email protected]
Closing Date: Thursday 20th August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
