Youth Support Worker

Plymouth City Council; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Plymouth is seeking a passionate Youth Support Worker to enhance emotional wellbeing among young people aged 11-17. You'll work in community settings to deliver face-to-face sessions and provide essential support. The ideal candidate will have experience in youth work, capable of connecting with diverse backgrounds. The organization offers a flexible work environment and encourages participation and professional development. This position requires relevant qualifications and a commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver open-access youth work.
• The ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Confidence working independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver face-to-face youth work sessions.
• Provide one-to-one emotional wellbeing support.
• Work collaboratively with partners to ensure joined-up support.

Skills

Youth work experience

Emotional wellbeing support

Team collaboration

Ability to engage with diverse backgrounds

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Youth Work

GCSE English and Maths (Grade C)

Job description

being Youth Support Worker

Join us in making a real difference to young people’s lives by fostering resilience, wellbeing, and access to positive opportunities across Plymouth.

About The Role

This role is part of the ‘My Way’ early help service, designed to improve emotional wellbeing and resilience for young people aged 11–17 (and care‑experienced up to 25). The service aligns with the THRIVE Framework and Radical Help principles, ensuring young people and families are at the heart of design and delivery.

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Youth Support Worker to join Plymouth City Council’s Community Youth Team, part of wider Community Connections Service. You will support our partnership with Young Devon to deliver the My Way service across Plymouth.

Your role will focus on open‑access youth work, engaging directly with young people in centre‑based and informal education settings. As part of a dynamic team, you’ll build trusted relationships and young people to access positive opportunities that foster hope, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. You will also play a key role in providing accessible, preventative support that reduces pressure on acute mental health services and enhances educational and social outcomes.

You will ensure that all youth work is evaluated against national youth work standards to demonstrate measurable progress for young people.

Key Responsibilities

This role involves working with a diverse range of young people in open‑access settings, with a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing.

Direct Youth Engagement

• Deliver face‑to‑face youth work sessions.
• Provide one‑to‑one emotional wellbeing support.
• Facilitate themed wellbeing group sessions.
• Deliver themed group sessions aligned with the NYA Youth Work Curriculum (e.g., identity, health & wellbeing, creativityli>
• Work with young people to co‑design activities and measure progress against national youth work standards.
• Promote and signpost young people to Kooth’s digital wellbeing offer and Young Devon’s services.

Planning & Development

• Identify needs of local young people and plan work collaboratively to meet those needs.
• Embed My Way principles into youth work practice, ensuring co‑design and participation by young people.
• Contribute to service development by planning, delivering, and monitoring local provision.
• Work collaboratively with partners (Young Devon, Kooth, Space Youth Services) to ensure joined‑up support.

Data & Evaluation

• Monitor outcomes using YPCORE and Goal‑Based Outcomes as part of the My Way evaluation framework.
• Use CYT tools for needs assessment and record engagement data to evidence impact.
• Collect and input data into management systems.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Work with partners and the wider team to support multi‑agency initiatives.
• Share insights and best practices with colleagues to maintain consistent approaches.
• Act as an ambassador for the My Way service, promoting its aims and ensuring consistent messaging across youth settings.
• Engage positively with supervision and reflective practice as part of ongoing professional development.
• Ensure compliance with Plymouth City Council policies on safeguarding, data protection, health & safety, and equal opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring:

• Proven ability to deliver open‑access youth work.
• The ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds, with an informed understanding of the vulnerabilities and challenges they face.
• Experience or understanding of delivering emotional wellbeing support to young people.
• Confidence working independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to youth participation and inclusive practice.
• Flexibility to work evenings and across various locations.

Essential Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Youth Work or equivalent experience in a related field.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C or equivalent).
• Experience delivering youth work aligned with national standards.

Desirable

• JNC Professional Qualification or currently studying.
• Experience in delivering emotional wellbeing support to young people in youth work or related settings.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (minibus licence desirable).
• Knowledge and competence in operating cash handling and financial recording.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward‑thinking, multi‑disciplinary team.
• Help shape the future of youth support in Plymouth.
• Access professional development and training.
• Work in a flexible, supportive environment.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is:

Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

For an informal chat, contact Kerry Powell‑Tuckett on 01752 307141 or email [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 11 January 2026