Targeted Youth Worker

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Targeted Youth Worker to lead an innovative intervention programme designed to prevent serious youth violence. You will work within Dorset Council's Targeted Youth Work Service, delivering programmes in schools, community settings, and other appropriate locations to support young people at risk.

You will build trusted relationships, assess needs, identify protective factors, and connect young people with positive opportunities and support networks to improve outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Youth work or equivalent is required.
• Experience in youth work within a youth work setting.
• Awareness of best practice and evidence-based interventions including contextual safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of an innovative targeted intervention programme to prevent serious youth violence.
• Deliver evidence-based socio-educational programmes to at-risk young people in schools and communities.
• Collaborate with Safer Schools and Communities Team, Dorset Police and multi-agency partners to identify needs and deliver targeted interventions.
• Build trusted relationships with disengaged young people to support better outcomes and safer choices.

Skills

Communication

Listening skills

Relationship building

Initiative

Motivation

Tact and sensitivity

Patience

Non-judgemental attitude

Organisational skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Youth Work or equivalent

Job description

Are you seeking a rewarding opportunity working with young people?

Join our exceptional teams in children’s services, where you’ll be fully supported and appreciated throughout your career - whether you’re newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner. In Dorset, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child can thrive, and we want our colleagues to do the same.

At the heart of our program is a commitment to support outcomes that matter – fostering environments where children, young people, and families not only stay together but thrive. We're dedicated to providing the essential help they need, ensuring they are surrounded by the support of their family network, and creating safe spaces both inside and outside their homes.

We take immense pride in leading the way nationally, pioneering ground-breaking initiatives that have garnered recognition from the government. Join a team of dedicated professionals in Children's Services who, in recent months and years, have set new standards in their commitment to the well-being of children and families.

Here at Dorset Council, you won't just be an employee – you'll be a vital contributor to a legacy of positive change. Be a part of a community that values your skills, appreciates your passion, and recognises the difference you can make. Join us in creating a brighter future for children, young people, and families. Your journey towards meaningful work starts here.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

As the Targeted Youth Worker, you will lead the development and delivery of an innovative targeted intervention programme designed to prevent young people from becoming involved in serious violence.

Working as part of Dorset Council's Targeted Youth Work Service, you will deliver evidence-based socio-educational programmes to young people identified as being at risk of serious violence, exploitation, weapon carrying and other extra-familial harms. You will work directly with small groups and individuals in schools, community settings and other appropriate locations, creating safe and engaging spaces where young people can develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to make positive choices and be protected from harm.

You will work closely with colleagues from the Safer Schools and Communities Team, Dorset Police, education providers and a range of multi‑agency partners to identify young people most in need of support and ensure interventions are targeted where they can have the greatest impact. Using innovative approaches, you will support young people to explore the issues that impact on their safety using a youth work led approach.

A key part of the role will be building trusted relationships with young people who may be disengaged from services or experiencing multiple vulnerabilities. You will assess needs, identify strengths and protective factors, and connect young people with positive opportunities and community-based support to help them achieve better outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new approach to preventing serious youth violence in Dorset, contributing to a high‑profile partnership programme that aims to improve safety, reduce harm and create brighter futures for young people and their communities.

About You

The postholder will have a Degree in Youth work or equivalent and have experience of youth work in a youth work setting.

You’ll Be Aware Of Best Practice And Effective Interventions, Including Evidence-based Programmes In Working With Vulnerable Young People And Contextual Safeguarding And Be Able To Provide Advice Around Vulnerable Young People Within The Locality On Issues Such As (but Not Limited To)

• Contextual safeguarding/Extra-Familial Risk & Harm/exploitation
• Anti-social behaviour
• Inclusion and participation in education
• Social action
  

Requirements

• excellent communication and listening skills
• the ability to build trusting and respectful relationships
• initiative, enthusiasm and motivation
• tact and sensitivity
• patience and resilience
• a non-judgemental attitude
• good organisational and planning skills
• good negotiating skills

This is a part time role at 30 hours per week, fixed term for 12 months.

This is a county wide post and office base can be agreed at interview.

Whilst this post is being advertised externally, internal secondments will be considered subject to line manager approval.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

Unable to show this video due to your cookie preferences

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You Will

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.