Youth Support Worker

Overview

This role will be responsible for the delivery of a targeted youth offer in localities, working alongside others, and particularly focused on the most vulnerable young people. This post requires significant travel across areas of North Dorset including Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

• Undertake 1:1, group, detached and outreach work with young people
• Be an advocate for young people, supporting colleagues to understand adolescence, and how to engage with young people
• Work collectively with colleagues across all localities to support the development of our approach to edge of care and residential services
• Develop strong, positive working relationships with a range of colleagues, schools, voluntary and community sector organisations and partner agencies to support the delivery of good outcomes for young people and their families and support continuous development

The postholder will have a QCF Level 3 Diploma 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/exploitation/county lines
• Anti-social behaviour
• Inclusion and participation in education
• Social action

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• The ability to build trusting and respectful relationships
• Initiative, enthusiasm and motivation
• Tact and sensitivity
• Patience and resilience
• A non-judgemental attitude
• Good organisational and planning skills
• Good negotiating skills

Are you seeking a rewarding career in Children’s Services? Be part of designing social work for the future.

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.

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to ensuring children in care and care leavers find stable, loving homes. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the future of those who need it most.

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.

In July this year, the Department for Education officially announced the Families First for Children Pathfinder. Dorset has been recognised for the fantastic work with children, young people and families taking place by being selected to be one of only three initial pathfinder sites nationally, testing the delivery of key reforms across the sector. This is a fantastic opportunity and comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out.

Find out more here:

Our focus is on supporting families to meet the needs of their children and keeping children at home where it is safe to do so.…