Children and Young person’s Community Support Worker in Taunton

At Empower Outreach, we believe every young person and family deserves support that empowers them to thrive, overcome challenges, and achieve their potential. As a Permanent Community Support Worker, you will provide flexible, community-based support to children, young people, and families who require practical, emotional, and relational support. You will work within homes, schools, community settings, and local services to help improve outcomes, strengthen resilience, and promote independence. This role requires flexibility, initiative, and the ability to develop trusting relationships with young people and families who may have experienced adversity, trauma, social isolation, behavioural challenges, or difficulties accessing appropriate support.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct Support
  • Provide practical and emotional support to young people and families, helping them identify strengths, goals, and support needs.
  • Deliver interventions in home, school, and community settings, promoting wellbeing, independence, resilience, positive relationships, life skills, and access to education and community opportunities.
• Family Support
  • Work with parents, carers, and families to strengthen routines, boundaries, and communication.
  • Provide early intervention support, facilitate access to specialist services and community resources, and contribute to positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management
  • Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people by identifying, responding to, and reporting concerns appropriately.
  • Contribute to risk assessments and management plans, work safely within lone-working procedures, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Recording and Administration
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records, including reports, assessments, outcomes and session notes.
  • Contribute to support planning, reviews, and evaluations while complying with GDPR and organisational procedures.
• Communication and Relationships
  • Build positive, respectful relationships with young people and families.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders, keep managers informed of progress and concerns, represent the organisation professionally, and promote inclusion, equality, and respect.
• Professional Development
  • Complete mandatory training, engage in supervision and reflective practice, participate in team and service development activities, and maintain knowledge of safeguarding, child development, trauma-informed practice, and youth intervention approaches.
• Flexibility Requirements
  • Undertake a flexible, community-based role that includes evening and weekend work, lone working, travel across allocated areas, and adapting to the changing needs of young people, families, and the service.

This list is not exhaustive, and you may need to undertake other duties across Empower services as required and within your training capabilities.

Requirements

• Knowledge and Experience
  • Experience supporting children, young people, or families.
  • Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
  • Experience of building positive relationships with young people.
  • Experience of working independently and using initiative.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
  • Experience of maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to motivate and engage young people.
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Requirements
  • Full UK Driving Licence.
  • Access to a reliable vehicle.
  • Business insurance.
  • Enhanced DBS check.
  • Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Funded apprenticeships
• Fully funded specialist training and continuous development
• Clear career progression and opportunities into senior roles
• Blue Light Card access
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing app, providing 24/7 support and resources
• Allocated funding for team building activities, social events and celebrations throughout the year

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We do not offer sponsorship for this role. Aged 21+ (legal requirement for residential care roles). Driving Licence is essential.