Youth Development Worker

Livewest; Northam; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A social support organization in Northam is looking for a Youth Development Worker to empower young people aged 16-25. The position includes providing guidance on independent living, tenancy management, and supporting the development of life skills. As part of a passionate team, you'll receive ongoing training and develop your career in a role that emphasizes compassion and resilience. This permanent, full-time position requires a commitment to working flexible hours, including weekends. Join us to make a positive impact in young people's lives.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Employer pension contributions

Healthcare cash plan

Ongoing professional development

Mental health support

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Demonstrate essential skills and experience for a level 1 role.
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of young people.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one key worker support to young people aged 16–25.
• Develop and review support and action plans tailored to individual goals.
• Support young people with tenancy and housing management.

Skills

Engagement with young people

Tenacity for best outcomes

Understanding of young people's needs

Knowledge of support planning

Understanding of risk management

Job description

About The Role

Do you thrive on empowering young people to reach their full potential? Can you inspire, motivate, and guide them through life’s challenges? Are you looking for a role that supports your personal and professional growth? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We have an exciting opportunity for a Youth Development Worker to join our passionate Support team in Bideford– a vibrant supported accommodation service for young people aged 16–25.

At LiveWest, we believe in a strength-based approach. We encourage young people experiencing homelessness to dream big, aim high, and build the skills they need to live independently. As a Youth Development Worker, you will be at the heart of this journey, helping them turn aspirations into reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one key worker support to young people aged 16–25.
• Develop and review support and action plans tailored to individual goals.
• Update and manage risk assessments and risk management plans.
• Support young people with tenancy and housing management.
• Assist with benefits applications (e.g., Universal Credit, PIP, Housing Benefit).
• Guide young people in budgeting, paying bills, and managing finances.
• Explore and support pathways into education, training, and employment.
• Collaborate with external agencies (mental health, domestic violence services, landlords, etc.).
• Help young people prepare for independent living and successful move‑on.
• Adapt communication styles to provide person‑centred, creative support.

Why Join LiveWest?

At LiveWest, you will be part of a team that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds of the young people we support. We value individuality and encourage you to bring your whole self to work. You’ll be supported with ongoing training, career development opportunities, and a workplace culture that celebrates compassion, resilience, and innovation.

This role is both rewarding and challenging – but if you are passionate about making a positive impact and ready to go the extra mile, you will find a meaningful and fulfilling career with us.

This role is being offered on a full time, permanent basis. Bandwidth hours will be 8am to 9pm, the successful candidate will work 1 in every 4 weekends on a rolling rota basis, including bank holidays.

For further information about this opportunity, and LiveWest, view our candidate information pack.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups. Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

About The Candidate

To be selected for interview for the role of Youth Development Worker, you will need to demonstrate the essential skills and experience for a level 1 role (please see candidate information pack) and the following role specific skills and experience:

• An ability to engage with a range of young people.
• A tenacity in seeking the best outcomes for young people.
• A good understanding of young people’s needs, safeguarding and emotional and mental health issues.
• An understanding of support needs and support planning.
• An understanding of risk assessing and risk management.

Ideally you will be:

• Innovative and creative in your ways of working.
• Resilient and flexible in dealing with others.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Confident in lone working and be a good team player.

Please note: This role is not eligible for a Cos. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role without a CoS.

About The Company

Our Reward and Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
• Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
• Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
• Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
• Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
• Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.

About Us

At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal.

Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together.

As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve.

We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone.

Inclusion at LiveWest

At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels.

Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.

You can read more about Inclusion at LiveWest by visiting our website.