Graduate Youth Worker

Location: Dagenham

Are you a recent graduate passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives?

Our client, a well-established youth charity, is looking for Graduate Youth Workers to support young people at risk of school exclusion, struggling with their mental health, or vulnerable to serious youth violence.

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates in Youth Work, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Education or related subjects who want to build a meaningful career supporting young people.

The role is a community outreach position covering East London, including Barking, Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Newham.

You’ll work across four secondary schools (three in Dagenham and one in Newham), supporting around 40 young people aged 11–16.The RoleYou’ll deliver up to 10 one-to-one mentoring sessions per day (approximately 30 minutes each), typically supporting each young person for at least 12 weeks.Sessions may focus on:

• School attendance and behaviour
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health
• Bullying and peer relationships
• Family or home challenges
• Gang pressures or community safety
• Building confidence and trust

Sometimes this involves structured mentoring sessions. Other times it may be a conversation during a quick game or activity that helps a young person open up.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building trusted relationships with young people
• Supporting them to make safer choices and engage with school
• Following up on absences and encouraging accountability
• Delivering school workshops alongside colleagues
• Running after-school clubs 1–2 times per week
• Attending a fully paid residential trip once per year
• Working closely with parents, schools and safeguarding leads
• Attending multi-agency meetings when needed
• Keeping accurate case notes and funder records

You’ll be supporting young people facing complex challenges such as knife crime, exploitation, bullying, care experience, EHCP needs and mental health difficulties, so strong safeguarding awareness is essential.The Reality of the RoleThis is a role that can be:

• Fast-paced and high intensity
• Emotionally demanding
• Documentation-focused

But it is also:

• Highly rewarding and relationship-driven
• Impact-focused – you’ll see real change in young people
• A great foundation for careers in youth work, social work, education or criminal justice

You’ll receive a two-week induction programme, plus ongoing professional development including safeguarding and mental health training. There is also a clear progression pathway over 12 months based on performance.About YouThis role is ideal for:

• Recent graduates in Youth Work, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Education or similar subjects
• Candidates with youth work, mentoring, volunteering or community experience
• Individuals who are passionate about supporting young people facing barriers

Most importantly, you will:

• Be able to build genuine connections with young people
• Remain calm and resilient when dealing with challenging situations
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and professional boundaries
• Be organised and comfortable managing reports and case notes

If you have additional interests that can engage young people — sports, music, fitness, media, creative arts or mentoring — that’s a bonus.Why Apply?This is a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career supporting young people, while gaining hands-on experience in a respected youth charity.

You’ll build skills that are highly valued in careers across youth services, social work, education, criminal justice and community outreach.ApplyPlease apply via this advert – everyone receives a response. If for any reason you haven’t heard back, call the office and we’ll action it straight away.

If your CV isn’t quite the right fit, we’ll also let you know how to get feedback from a real person.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role, feel free to call the office and ask for Lawrence (number available on the Red 5 People website).Interviews are taking place ASAP.