Youth Work Apprentice or Qualified Senior Youth Support Worker

DYS Space Ltd; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity in Barnstaple seeks a motivated and inspiring Youth Work Apprentice or Qualified Senior Youth Support Worker. This role supports young people's development through engaging activities and on-the-job training. The ideal candidate will have a passion for advocating for youth rights and a commitment to professional practice. Opportunities for training include a fully funded Level 3 Youth Work qualification. Join us in making a positive impact in North Devon!

Benefits

6 weeks annual leave (increasing with tenure)

Pension contributions starting at 6%

Employee assistance programme 24/7

Continuous Professional Development opportunities

Work equipment provided

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting and advocating for the rights of young people.
• Creativity and solution-focused thinking are essential.
• Must have leadership skills and confidence.
• High commitment to continuous professional practice.

Responsibilities

• Engage in on-the-job learning alongside formal training.
• Support the development of co-workers and volunteers.
• Lead youth work in various settings.
• Plan and evaluate youth work projects.

Skills

Passion for supporting young people

Creativity

Solution-focused thinking

Empathy

Ability to multitask

Leadership

Education

Level 3 JNC recognized qualification

Job description

Do you want to help us unlock potential with young people and their communities? Do you love a challenge? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and inspiring Youth Work Apprentice or Qualified Senior Youth Support Worker.

About the job

Location: North Devon - Main Base in Barnstaple
Employment type: 2 Years - Fixed Term Contract
Hours of work: 37 hours per week including training and qualification time
Positions available: 1 post
Deadline for application: 25th January 2026
Interview Date: 3rd February 2026
Job Ref: DYS313

Salary:

• Youth Work Apprentice – Year 1: £19,292.92
• Youth Work Apprentice – Year 2: £24,786.00 (JNC Payscale point 5) – pay award pending
• Qualified and Accredited Youth Work Apprentice: £28,516.00 (JNC Scale Point 10) – pay award pending
• Qualified Senior Youth Support Worker: JNC: qualified scale point 10-13 – £28,516.00 – £31,885.00 FTE – pay award pending

About SPACE

SPACE is an ambitious and innovative charity, driven by our values and seeking to support even more young people by developing current and new services. Our employees strive to achieve the best they can and must be committed to seeing the best in others. We value everyone's contribution and create safe spaces for exploration and growth.

Open to Two Scenarios

• A candidate who already has a Level 3 JNC recognised qualification and can hit the ground running in a Senior Youth Support Worker role.
• A candidate who is looking to start their career in youth work, ready to develop their skills, and keen to engage in a 2‑year Apprenticeship programme that results in a JNC Level 3 qualification.

Youth Work Apprentice

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn and develop the skills required for the role of a qualified Senior Youth Support Worker.
• Engage in on‑the‑job learning alongside formal training and development opportunities.
• Completely funded Level 3 Youth Work qualification – completed within the programme.
• Commit to learning the skills required for the demands of the post.

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Passion for supporting and advocating for the rights of young people.
• Creativity and solution‑focused thinking.
• Respectful with excellent empathy and kindness.
• Commitment to gaining the skill and ability to multitask, set priorities, and reach out when you need help and support.
• High commitment to continuous professional practice.
• A reflective practitioner.

Qualified Senior Youth Support Worker

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead youth work in a variety of settings.
• Support the development of co‑workers and volunteers.
• Codesign and support the delivery of social action projects in the community.
• Work with partners and stakeholders.
• Plan, evaluate and evidence youth work.
• Help young people to develop skills and put their ideas into action.

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Experienced youth worker with the skills required for the demands of the post.
• Leadership and confidence.
• Passion for supporting and advocating for the rights of young people.
• Creativity and solution‑focused thinking.
• Respectful with excellent empathy and kindness.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities, and reach out when you need help and support.
• High commitment to continuous professional practice.
• A reflective practitioner.

What We Offer

• Annual leave: 6 weeks for the first 5 years, then increased to 7 weeks (pro‑rated for part‑time roles).
• Additional 3 statutory days given between Christmas and New Year plus bank holidays.
• Pension contributions starting at 6 % rising to 8 % in the third year.
• Employee assistance programme 24/7.
• Casual dress code.
• Social occasions.
• Continuous Professional Development – formal and informal training opportunities.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Trained wellbeing champions available for a chat.
• Chromebook and work mobile.
• Value‑driven culture.
• Level 3 Youth Work training Programme (for Apprenticeships).

How to Apply

Please read the job description and apply by completing our application form, describing your passion for this role even if you don’t feel you meet every point in the description. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ruby Bailey on 07738268663 or visit www.spaceyouthservices.org. To apply, download and complete the attached application form and return it either via email as an MS Word document to [e-mail] or post it to DYS Space Ltd, 100 Club, Wear Barton Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 7EH.

Safeguarding Statement and Pre‑Employment Checks

At SPACE, we work with young people and are fully committed to ensuring their safeguarding and welfare is a priority at all times. As part of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, all employees, contractors and volunteers will be expected to comply. Upon a conditional offer, all employees are required to satisfy the pre‑employment screening process which includes:

• An identity check (photo ID).
• Receipt of satisfactory references covering 3 years to date.
• Documentary evidence of right to work in the UK.
• A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Equal Opportunity

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply, as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles.