Targeted Youth Worker

Are you seeking a rewarding opportunity working with young people?

Join our exceptional teams in children’s services, where you’ll be fully supported and appreciated throughout your career - whether you’re newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner. In Dorset, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child can thrive, and we want our colleagues to do the same.

At the heart of our program is a commitment to support outcomes that matter – fostering environments where children, young people, and families not only stay together but thrive. We're dedicated to providing the essential help they need, ensuring they are surrounded by the support of their family network, and creating safe spaces both inside and outside their homes.

We take immense pride in leading the way nationally, pioneering ground-breaking initiatives that have garnered recognition from the government. Join a team of dedicated professionals in Children's Services who, in recent months and years, have set new standards in their commitment to the well-being of children and families.

Here at Dorset Council, you won't just be an employee – you'll be a vital contributor to a legacy of positive change. Be a part of a community that values your skills, appreciates your passion, and recognises the difference you can make. Join us in creating a brighter future for children, young people, and families. Your journey towards meaningful work starts here.

As the Targeted Youth Worker, you will lead the development and delivery of an innovative targeted intervention programme designed to prevent young people from becoming involved in serious violence.

Working as part of Dorset Council's Targeted Youth Work Service, you will deliver evidence-based socio-educational programmes to young people identified as being at risk of serious violence, exploitation, weapon carrying and other extra-familial harms. You will work directly with small groups and individuals in schools, community settings and other appropriate locations, creating safe and engaging spaces where young people can develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to make positive choices and be protected from harm.

You will work closely with colleagues from the Safer Schools and Communities Team, Dorset Police, education providers and a range of multi‑agency partners to identify young people most in need of support and ensure interventions are targeted where they can have the greatest impact. Using innovative approaches, you will support young people to explore the issues that impact on their safety using a youth work led approach.

A key part of the role will be building trusted relationships with young people who may be disengaged from services or experiencing multiple vulnerabilities. You will assess needs, identify strengths and protective factors, and connect young people with positive opportunities and community-based support to help them achieve better outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new approach to preventing serious youth violence in Dorset, contributing to a high‑profile partnership programme that aims to improve safety, reduce harm and create brighter futures for young people and their communities.

The postholder will have a Degree in Youth work or equivalent and have experience of youth work in a youth work setting.

You’ll Be Aware Of Best Practice And Effective Interventions, Including Evidence-based Programmes In Working With Vulnerable Young People And Contextual Safeguarding And Be Able To Provide Advice Around Vulnerable Young People Within The Locality On Issues Such As (but Not Limited To)

• Contextual safeguarding/Extra-Familial Risk & Harm/exploitation
• Anti-social behaviour
• Inclusion…