At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people facing homelessness and help them build life skills for a brighter future.
- Company: Action for Children, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible family packages, pension contributions, and discounts with Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel across Dorset and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping vulnerable young people find stability and support.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Youth Work or equivalent, with experience in crisis support.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 27500 £ per year.
Salary: £27,500 per annum (£16,722 pro‑rate)
Location: Ferndown, Dorset
Contract/Hours: 2‑year fixed term contract – 22.5 hours per week typically worked over 3 days.
Benefits:
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays and options to buy or sell leave (pro‑rate for part‑time)
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
- Pension with up to 7% matched employer contribution with included life assurance cover
- Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts
- We are a Real Living Wage accredited employer
About the Service
Dorset Nightstop offers emergency, same‑night accommodation for young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness. Stays take place in the homes of trained volunteer hosts, providing a safe, calm environment at a point of crisis. Many young people arrive following family breakdown or the loss of supported or private accommodation. Others face challenges linked to mental health, domestic abuse, exploitation, or structural issues such as poverty and overcrowding. The service not only provides a safe bed for the night but also acts as a stabilising point of contact, helping young people move toward securing long‑term housing.
A bit about the role
The Young Persons Practitioner provides practical, hands‑on support to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Working as part of a small, supportive team, the practitioner will help with initial needs assessment and decisions ahead of hosting a young person with volunteer hosts. They will help to oversee the young person’s time staying with Nightstop, including liaising with volunteers to confirm availability and making decisions about where a young person will stay. The practitioner will work more intensively with individual young people to help with life skills and supporting them to overcome difficulties they are experiencing. This role operates with close partnership with specialist services, while travelling across Dorset to meet young people on a regular basis. The role is home‑based with travel required to an office in Ferndown and other areas across Dorset (mileage and time from your home in Dorset is reimbursed).
How you’ll help to create brighter futures
- Work with young people to help them manage finances, access education or employment, engage with specialist services, and explore safe move‑on options.
- Encourage young people to develop confidence, life skills, and positive routines.
- Represent their needs in meetings and ensure their voices influence decisions.
- Liaise with social care, housing teams, health professionals, probation, and education providers to ensure young people receive joined‑up support.
- Help young people move from crisis accommodation into stable, longer‑term housing or support services.
- Travel to meet young people, hosts, and professionals, attend occasional out‑of‑hours events, and contribute to the on‑call rota where agreed.
Let’s talk about you
- NVQ Level 3 in Youth Work, Health & Social Care, or an equivalent qualification.
- Proven ability working with young people facing crisis, homelessness, or complex needs.
- Able to build trust, liaise with partners, and advocate effectively.
- Confident managing a varied caseload, prioritising tasks, and working flexibly.
- Full driving licence and transport for travelling across Dorset to meet young people and hosts.
Good to know
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Interviews to be held 11 June 2026.
Diversity, equality and inclusion
At Action for Children we’re dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under‑represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.
Youth Crisis & Housing Navigator in Ferndown employer: Action for Children
Action for Children is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With flexible working hours, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee growth, you will find meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people facing crisis in the beautiful setting of Dorset. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and inclusion while providing essential support to those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Crisis & Housing Navigator in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of youth work or housing support. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your social media game on point! Follow organisations like Action for Children and engage with their posts. This not only keeps you updated on job openings but also shows your genuine interest in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to youth work and crisis management. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Crisis & Housing Navigator in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Young Persons Practitioner. We want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of young people facing crisis.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on any work you've done with young people or in crisis situations. We love to see examples that demonstrate your ability to build trust and advocate for those in need.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for helping young people shines through in every sentence.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to help young people in Dorset.
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Young Persons Practitioner and the specific challenges young people face regarding homelessness. Understand the services offered by Dorset Nightstop and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with young people in crisis. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trust and provided support, highlighting your skills in managing complex needs.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training and support available for new practitioners.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them, focusing on collaboration with volunteers and other professionals.
