Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire

The Children's Society; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days leave pro rata

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Pension up to 8% matched

Free counselling service

2 paid volunteering days per annum

Job summary

The Children’s Society is recruiting for a youth worker to support Bedfordshire Youth Service. You will work as part of a team in youth centres, delivering activity-based sessions and detached work in the community, alongside schools.

We seek dedicated individuals with direct experience of working with children and young people, who can build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Direct experience of working with children and young people on a one-to-one basis and in group work settings, in either a professional or voluntary capacity.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and young people whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people, including those with complex or additional needs.
• Commitment to the values and principles of youth work, with a strong focus on safeguarding, promoting welfare, and supporting positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Experience of developing inclusive practice that promotes participation, equality, and belonging for all children and young people.
• Experience within related fields such as Youth Work, Social Care, Family Support, Youth Justice, Education, Early Help, or comparable roles.

Responsibilities

• Deliver activity-based sessions as part of the Bedfordshire Youth Service team.
• Carry out detached work in the community and provide support within schools alongside structured one-to-one support.
• Work in youth centres with a focus on safeguarding and promoting welfare for children and young people.

Skills

Direct child work

Relationship building

Safeguarding focus

Inclusive practice

Experience with vulnerable children

Job description

Permanent with funding until 31st March 2027

16 hours per week

Location:

Bedfordshire

Benefits include but not limited to:

• 36 days’ annual leave ( pro rata for part time roles) , inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• We match up to 8% pension
• Free counselling service
• Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
• 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us:

The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.

About the role:

You’ll play a key part in our Bedfordshire Youth Service, including working as part of a team in the youth centres, delivering activity based sessions, carrying out detached work in the community, providing support within schools alongside structured one-to-one support.

We’re looking for a dedicated youth workerwith direct experience of working with children and young people, either in a professional or voluntary capacity who is passionate aboutmaking a real impact in the lives of children and young people.

Key skills and experience:

The required skills and competencies for this role are:

• Direct experience of working with children and young people on a one-to-one basis and in group work settings, in either a professional or voluntary capacity.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and young people whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people, including those with complex or additional needs.
• Commitment to the values and principles of youth work, with a strong focus on safeguarding, promoting welfare, and supporting positive outcomes for children and young people.

It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:

• Experience of developing inclusive practice that promotes participation, equality, and belonging for all children and young people.
• Experience within a related field, such as Youth Work, Social Care, Family Support, Youth Justice, Education, Early Help, or a comparable role supporting children, young people, and families.

Closing date:

Midnight on Tuesday 1st September 2026

Interviews:

Date to be confirmed

The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matter