At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people through outreach, advocacy, and collaboration with local organisations.
- Company: Join Dorset Council, a leader in children's services dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a rewarding career with support, training, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of innovative projects like the Pineapple Project and contribute to community well-being.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives and help create safe, thriving environments.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work or equivalent experience in youth settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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.
The Post Holder Will:
- 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.
About You:
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.
Requirements:
You’ll have an awareness of legislation, social policy, and key issues including child safeguarding requirements/procedures and be able to demonstrate the following:
- 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.
What’s In It For You:
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.
Education:
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.
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. You’ll find a variety of exciting challenges, working with our children, families, and partners, in a workplace that inspires you to grow professionally and personally. As part of our model, we have developed multi-agency locality teams bringing together colleagues from across Family Help, Child Protection Teams, Educational Psychology, SEND and Inclusion services under the leadership of Heads of Locality and Strategy.
We Also Have Truly Exciting Initiatives. Some Examples Are:
- The Pineapple Project that provides safe havens in Weymouth to help keep young women safer when they are outside of their family home using the principles of community guardianship. The Pineapple Project is due to be rolled out across all localities.
- Safeguarding Families Together; embedding specialist multi-disciplinary professionals within teams and working ‘whole family’. After successful pilots in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester the project is due to be rolled out across all localities.
- In the East of the county, the first three family hubs (with more locations planned) provide visible, appealing and welcoming spaces for families to access help and support from Dorset Council and partner services.
What Our People Say:
- “Dorset is a great place for children to thrive - I am very proud to be part of an organisation that recognises the strengths of our staff and the creativity we have in achieving great outcomes for our children, young people and families.”
- “It was great to feel listened to about the big issues and developments within Children’s Services.”
- “I am proud of the service I work in for their commitment to children and young people, working hard to collaborate with colleagues and agencies to achieve good outcomes.”
Youth Support Worker in Sturminster Newton employer: Christchurchandeastdorset
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Youth Support Workers. With a strong commitment to the well-being of children and families, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, innovative initiatives like the Pineapple Project, and a culture that values their contributions in making a meaningful impact. Join us in a role where your skills are appreciated, and you can truly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people across North Dorset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Worker in Sturminster Newton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the youth work sector, attend local events, and connect with colleagues on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research the organisation and think about how your skills align with their mission. Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to engage with vulnerable young people effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Make sure to check out our job listings regularly and submit your application directly for the best chance at landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Worker in Sturminster Newton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Youth Support Worker role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. Highlight your key achievements and skills without overwhelming us with too much information.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Christchurchandeastdorset
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key issues surrounding youth work, especially those mentioned in the job description like contextual safeguarding and anti-social behaviour. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices so you can speak confidently about how you would approach these challenges.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in young people's lives, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to youth work and how you’ve positively impacted vulnerable young people in the past.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Demonstrating your ability to form trusting relationships will show them you have what it takes to connect with the young people you'll be working with.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving young people. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully navigated challenges. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of the complexities involved in youth support work.
