Targeted Youth Worker

CRA Group Recruitment And Payroll Ltd; Luton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local recruitment agency in Luton is looking for a professional to provide support for vulnerable young people aged 10–18. The successful candidate will engage with youth to assess their needs, design and deliver tailored interventions, and work collaboratively with families and community agencies. A strong background in youth work and a JNC-recognised qualification are essential. The role involves advising on best practices and ensuring the welfare of young people while promoting community engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a multicultural urban environment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people and families.
• Understanding of youth-related issues such as mental health and gang involvement.

Responsibilities

• Engage with young people to assess and address their needs.
• Design and deliver tailored interventions.
• Coordinate support with families, schools, and community agencies.

Skills

Working with young people aged 10–18

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Experience with multi-agency teams

Education

JNC-recognised professional youth work qualification or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose: To provide prevention and early intervention support for vulnerable young people aged 10–18. The post-holder will work with multi‑agency partners, acting as Lead Professional where required, to plan and deliver targeted interventions. They will also deliver evidence‑based personal and social development opportunities to support positive outcomes for young people and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with young people to assess and address social, emotional, educational, and personal development needs.
• Design and deliver tailored one-to-one or group work interventions based on evidence-based practice.
• Advocate for young people and ensure their voices are heard.
• Collaborate with families, schools, and community agencies to coordinate support.
• Deliver rostered detached youth work with caseload and other young people.
• Build relationships with local community providers.
• Represent the service at multi-agency meetings, forums, and events.
• Manage time effectively to achieve objectives and targets.
• Maintain professional knowledge of local and national initiatives.
• Develop a lead area of specialism within the service.
• Manage a personal caseload, maintaining records and providing sustained support.
• Work with families in a whole-family approach, including referrals and assessments.
• Coordinate access to education, training, and community support.
• Supervise Youth Support Workers, providing guidance on best practice and casework.
• Support recruitment, induction, and training where required.
• Contribute to the delivery of Youth Offending Service objectives and youth service performance targets.
• Ensure the safety of young people and staff in line with Council policies.
• Comply with safeguarding procedures and child protection standards.
• Deliver services in line with equal opportunities policies.
• Promote active engagement with the community to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Requirements:

• Working with young people aged 10–18 in a multi-cultural urban environment.
• Experience of one-to-one and group work with disengaged or vulnerable young people.
• Knowledge of safeguarding systems and referral processes.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, families and professionals.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate evidence-based interventions.
• Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
• Proficient in ICT for communication, record-keeping and reporting.
• Mentoring and supervision of staff (desirable).
• Core principles of youth work and evidence-based practice.
• Health & Safety, safeguarding and child protection standards.
• Understanding of youth-related issues such as anti-social behaviour, exploitation, substance misuse, mental health and gang involvement.
• JNC-recognised professional youth work qualification or equivalent.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Ability to work evenings (up to 4 per week) and alternating weekends.
• Willingness to travel and work across various locations.
• Capacity to work outdoors and engage young people in street-based settings.