Youth Support Worker
Are you passionate about supporting young people and helping them to achieve positive outcomes? Do you believe that a strong, trusting relationship can be the starting point for real change? If so, this could be an exciting opportunity for you.
We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and compassionate Youth Support Worker who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and understands the importance of relational working.
At the heart of this role is the ability to build and sustain positive, trusting relationships with young people. Many of the young people we support may have experienced difficulties, disruption or trauma, and may find it challenging to engage with education or trust the adults around them. For these young people, the relationship you develop with them is fundamental. You will need to be someone who is patient, consistent and reliable.
Working under the guidance of the Youth Team Manager, you will support young people in small groups or on a 1:1 basis. You will work alongside them to understand their individual needs, interests, strengths and challenges, using this knowledge to develop meaningful opportunities for engagement and learning.
You will be a positive role model and a trusted adult, providing clear and consistent boundaries while also demonstrating warmth, empathy, compassion and respect. You will understand that positive relationships take time to develop and that consistency, honesty and genuine interest can make a significant difference to a young person's ability to engage, regulate and achieve their potential.
You will deliver a bespoke package of activities designed around the individual young person. These may include swimming, arts and crafts, cooking, fishing, ball games, cycling and outdoor activities. We are looking for someone who enjoys being active and getting outdoors in all weathers, but more importantly, someone who understands that these activities are opportunities to connect, communicate, build confidence and strengthen relationships.
You will work creatively to identify activities and experiences that motivate each young person, using their interests as a starting point for engagement. You will be flexible and willing to think outside the box, recognising that what works for one young person may not work for another.
About you
You will be able to remain calm and compassionate when faced with challenging behaviour, understanding that behaviour can communicate unmet needs or difficult experiences. You will be able to maintain appropriate boundaries without losing sight of the importance of connection and relationship.
Above all, you will be someone who genuinely enjoys working with young people and is committed to helping them feel safe, valued, heard and understood.
You will also:
- Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with young people.
- Develop relationships based on consistency, respect, empathy and genuine engagement.
- Set clear and consistent boundaries while maintaining a warm and supportive approach.
- Work alongside young people to identify their strengths, interests and aspirations.
- Use creative activities and opportunities to engage young people and promote positive outcomes.
- Act as a positive role model, modelling appropriate communication, behaviour and relationships.
- Understand the importance of ages and stages of development.
- Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding and welfare concerns.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to team meetings, reviews and the ongoing development of the service.
- Communicate effectively with young people, colleagues, families and other professionals where appropriate.
- Be reflective and open to learning, recognising that effective relational practice requires us to continually consider the impact of our own approach.
Skills and qualities required
We are looking for someone who is:
- Relational – able to form genuine, positive connections with young people and understand that relationships are fundamental to successful engagement.
- Compassionate and empathetic – able to listen, understand and respond sensitively to young people's individual experiences.
- Reliable and consistent – able to provide the stability and predictability that young people may need.
- Creative and flexible – able to generate ideas and opportunities that integrate meaningful activities into young people's daily routines.
- Energetic and enthusiastic – willing to actively participate in activities and make a positive contribution to young people's experiences.
- Resilient and reflective – able to respond positively to challenges and consider what might be behind a young person's behaviour.
- A strong communicator – with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- A team player – able to work effectively with colleagues while maintaining a professional approach at all times.
- Committed to safeguarding – with a clear understanding of the responsibility involved in working with young people.
Youth work and safeguarding qualifications would be desirable, although training will be provided.
A full driving licence and use of your own transport is essential, as the role involves transporting the young people you work with.
Hours and working pattern
This is a term-time-only position, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm.
Due to the nature of the role and the importance of providing consistency and continuity for the young people we support, holidays will not be permitted during term time.
Rate of pay
The rate of pay is calculated on a pro-rata basis and equates to £12.95 per hour.
Why this role matters
This is more than an activity-based youth work role. It is a relational role.
The young people you work with may not always engage immediately, may test boundaries or may find it difficult to trust adults. Your ability to remain consistent, compassionate and curious — even when things are challenging — will be crucial.
Sometimes the most important thing you do will be the activity itself. At other times, it will be showing up, listening, being consistent, building trust and helping a young person experience a positive relationship with an adult who believes in them.
If you believe that relationships can create opportunities for change, and you want to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £12.95 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
