Youth Worker

South East Employers; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local youth support service in the United Kingdom is looking for a Youth Worker to provide relationship-based support to vulnerable young people. This role involves working one-to-one and in small groups to help build confidence and improve resilience. Candidates should have experience working with adolescents facing complex challenges and a relevant qualification in youth work or related fields. Flexible working options are available, fostering a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Supportive and skilled team

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience working with adolescents facing complex challenges.
• Ability to de-escalate difficult situations.
• Confident in collaborative work across services.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload of young people requiring targeted interventions.
• Build strong, consistent relationships with young people and families.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Skills

Experience working with adolescents

Confidence and resilience

Strong communication skills

Understanding of safeguarding and risk management

Ability to work collaboratively across services

Flexibility

Education

Relevant qualification in youth work, social care, education, or health

Job description

About Us

We believe in relationships that make a difference and creating the space for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, this is where you belong.

The Targeted Youth Support Service (TYSS) works with young people aged 11–18 who are experiencing a range of vulnerabilities, including risk of exploitation, involvement in crime or anti-social behaviour, family breakdown, missing episodes, or challenges around emotional wellbeing. Our aim is to build trusting relationships, reduce risk, and help young people make safe and positive decisions for their future.

About The Role

As a Youth Worker in our Targeted Youth Support Service, you’ll play a key role in delivering, relationship-based support to young people who need it most. Working one-to-one and in small groups, you’ll help young people build confidence, strengthen protective factors, improve resilience, and stay engaged in education, training, and community life.

You Will

• Hold a caseload of young people requiring targeted interventions
• Undertake assessments and develop tailored support plans
• Build strong, consistent relationships with young people and their families
• Work collaboratively with schools, social care, health, police, voluntary sector partners and others
• Provide detached youth work in the communities
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately
• Keep accurate, timely records and contribute to multi-agency plans

About You

• Has experience working with adolescents facing complex challenges
• Is confident, resilient, and able to de-escalate difficult situations
• Builds rapport quickly and communicates well with young people
• Understands safeguarding, risk management, and trauma-informed practice
• Is confident working collaboratively across services
• Works well both independently and as part of a supportive team
• Is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
• Can work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends
• A relevant qualification in youth work, social care, education, health, or a related field is desirable, but equivalent experience will also be considered.

Rewards And Benefits

• A supportive, skilled and passionate team
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Learning and development opportunities
• Opportunities to innovate and shape youth support across Oxfordshire

Our Commitment To

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Safeguarding: Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Flexible Working: We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with your application, please contact us at: [e-mail]

To apply for this job please visit careers.oxfordshire.gov.uk.