At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people by addressing root causes of youth homelessness.
- Company: Centrepoint, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help end youth homelessness by 2037.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting children and families, strong communication skills, and knowledge of local services.
- Other info: Join a diverse, mission-driven team dedicated to fairness and equality.
The predicted salary is between 20172 - 24630 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term - 8 months maternity cover. Term Time + 2 weeks - 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £20,172.95 - £24,630.92 per annum
Location: Manchester Enterprise Academy, Simonsway, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 9RH
Closing Date: 4th February 2026
Interviews will be held w/c 9th February 2026
Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, is looking for a passionate and proactive Upstream Practitioner to join our Team based in Manchester.
About us
Centrepoint is the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity. We help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently. We provide homeless young people with accommodation, mental health support and life skills in order to get them back into education, training and employment. We want to end youth homelessness by 2037. Together with our partners, we support over 16,000 young people each year.
This full-time, school-based role is part of our Policy and Prevention directorate and reports to the Senior Upstream Practitioner. You will play a key role in our pre-16 prevention pilot, helping to identify and address the root causes of youth homelessness. As an Upstream Practitioner, you will administer surveys to students aged 11–16, conduct holistic assessments, and provide early intervention support. You will work closely with families, schools, and community services to ensure sustained positive outcomes. The role also involves leading workshops, maintaining a caseload, and collecting impact data to support continuous improvement.
We are looking for a confident practitioner with experience supporting children and families. You should be skilled in risk assessments, have strong communication abilities, and be committed to safeguarding and trauma-informed practices. Knowledge of local services and qualifications in Family Mediation, Social Work, or related fields are desirable.
Join Centrepoint and be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to preventing youth homelessness. If you are passionate about early intervention and want to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply.
Why join Centrepoint?
- In return for your efforts you’ll receive a competitive salary, excellent training and development, and a host of staff benefits including:
- 25 days of annual leave per year, rising by one day per year to a maximum of 27 days
- Healthcare cash plan (Cover the costs of a wide range of medical treatment including Dental, Optical, Complementary and Alternative therapies).
- Private Medical insurance
- Income protection
- Employer pension contributions of 5%
- Access to Cycle 2 Work loan scheme
- An interest‑free travel loan
At Centrepoint we challenge the discrimination within society that contributes to youth homelessness, and we are just as committed to fairness and equality within Centrepoint itself. We are passionate about ensuring all of our colleagues are made to feel included in the work we do and that we value the rich diversity within the organization. We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of homelessness or using young people’s services and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice. Centrepoint’s policy is to recruit, employ and promote people on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed, and to this end, our aim is to ensure that all applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our team as a Upstream Practitioner, click ‘Apply’ now!
Upstream Practitioner employer: Centrepoint
Contact Detail:
Centrepoint Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Upstream Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and practising common questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion during interviews! Talk about why you want to work with vulnerable young people and how your skills align with the role of an Upstream Practitioner. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at Centrepoint.
We think you need these skills to ace Upstream Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Upstream Practitioner role. Highlight your experience with children and families, and showcase any relevant skills in risk assessments and communication. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for preventing youth homelessness shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a positive impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team at Centrepoint!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrepoint
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Upstream Practitioner and the mission of Centrepoint. Familiarise yourself with their approach to preventing youth homelessness and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion
Centrepoint is all about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. During the interview, share specific examples of your previous work with children and families, and express your genuine passion for early intervention and support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about past experiences where you've conducted assessments or led workshops, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.