Sessional Youth Worker

The Children's Society; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Children’s Society is seeking a Youth Worker for Central Bedfordshire Youth Service. You will support youth workers to provide engaging youth club activities and create inclusive, empowering sessions.

Ideal candidates will engage with young people and families, communicate effectively, and work with safeguarding best practices in mind. A proactive, community-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• NVQ/VRQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Youth Work or equivalent.
• Willingness to work towards a youth work qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support the Youth Workers to provide youth club activities.
• Engage with young people, families and communities.

Skills

Engaging youth

Communication

IT skills

Education

NVQ/VRQ Level 2 in Youth Work

NVQ/VRQ Level 3 in Youth Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

0 hour contract - Sessional hours (as and when required)

£14.34 per hour

Location: You will be based across Central Bedfordshire, so a clean driving license is necessary

About us:

The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.

About the role:

You’ll play a key part in our Central Bedfordshire Youth Service, supporting the Youth Workers to provide youth club activities.

Are you creative, dynamic and unique? With a passion for making a difference?

You will have:

• Excellent skills in positively engaging with young people, their families and communities
• Working in ways that are empowering and enabling; being able to address barriers to those least likely to engage.
• The ability to listen to others and work in a non-judgmental way.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• One to one working and group working skills.
• Practical skills/interests in a relevant area, e.g. arts, music, crafts, mechanics, woodwork and cookery, that can enhance the curriculum offer
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office applications and Outlook).
• Experience of working with young people, their families and communities.
• Knowledge and experience of methods in building positive relationships with children, young people and families.
• Experience in a relevant area of work e.g. Youth Work, Social Care, Family support, Youth Offending, Education.
• Handling sensitive and confidential issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Work under your own initiative and take responsibility for decisions taken
• Experience of partnership working and development of multi-disciplinary approaches to work with young people.
• Clear understanding of children’s rights and commitment to promoting those rights.
• Working knowledge of relevant policies and practices relating to child protection and safeguarding of young people, with the ability to make sound judgement in relation to risk and protection.

Qualifictions (desirable not essential):

• NVQ/VRQ Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work qualification or NVQ/VRQ Level 3 certificate in Youth Work qualification or approved equivalents such as Teaching, Social Work. Or the willingness to work towards a youth work qualification.
• Technical skill based training and governing body qualifications in an area adding value to the role such as Dance, Drama, Fitness, Outdoor Education.

Closing date:

Midnight on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

Interviews:

Date to be confirmed.

The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.