At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential through engaging activities.
- Company: Join a dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative change for children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or above in Youth Work Qualification or willingness to train.
The predicted salary is between 26924 - 26924 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time - 37 hours per week
£25,580 to £26,924 per annum
Location: Harlow
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 23rd August 2026 (11:59pm)
This position is being offered as a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment until 31st March 2028. Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
The Team
The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) comprises subject matter experts specialising in housing, domestic abuse, education, drug and alcohol support, youth work and mental health for adults and children. MDT workers bring specialist knowledge and therapeutic insight. Their expertise is instrumental in re-engaging families, restoring hope, and fostering sustainable change. This team's work is not only impactful - it's transformative.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and passionate individual to join our team. Being led by the Team Manager, you will be working to create the conditions for sustainable change with families. The MDT team is situated within frontline social work teams where the referrals come from. The interventions from MDT are delivered within the community or in the families' homes.
If you have the drive, creativity and enthusiasm to enhance and improve the lives of Children and Families, we want to hear from you.
The Role
The Youth Support Worker will play a key role in developing the Youth Service offer. By working with identified Young People who are exposed to various familial and environmental factors such as exploitation, NEAT (not in education, employment or training). The Youth Support Worker will ensure young people have positive experiences, providing bespoke group work packages and positive activities to empower Young People to overcome challenges to reach their full potential.
Accountabilities
- Identify areas of need and opportunity within the community where a youth work programme can be identified to support the development of youth provision delivered by the community.
- Support the commissioning of services by working with the community to enhance their skills so they can be more independent in design and delivery of services.
- Negotiate with young people and their communities on their involvement in the programme planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Contribute to and promote the programme to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all who wish to become involved.
- As part of the team involve young people in the decision-making processes whereby individuals and groups take on responsibilities for themselves and others in their project and the wider community.
- As part of the team respond to individual and group needs, this includes issues affecting young people, promoting self-awareness and self-esteem.
- To deliver or support the direct delivery of youth work programmes as may be required, to include residential experiences for young people.
- Take part in management supervision and the staff performance management scheme, to identify priorities and learning needs and to be responsible for the learning and development of self and to complete all required training and accreditation within 2 years of starting employment.
- Follow Child Protection Guidelines and report any concerns using the correct procedure and comply with individual responsibilities for staff and young people, in accordance with work role, for health and safety in the workplace.
- Ensure all duties and services provided are in accordance with the County Council Equal Opportunities Policy and Practice.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level and accountabilities of the post as directed by the District Youth Worker.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Qualified at level 2 or above in a JNC recognised Youth Work Qualification or be prepared to undertake training.
- Good level of numeracy and literacy.
- Experience of working with young people and communities which may be in a voluntary role.
- Ability to build relationships and relate well to people.
- Ability to work in a changing environment.
- Commitment to challenging prejudice and ignorance.
- Ability to develop work with young people and communities to achieve planned outcomes.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Next Steps
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at our Goodman House offices in Harlow, with interviews expected to take place around the week commencing 3rd August 2026.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
Youth Support Worker - Multi-Disciplinary Team, Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Worker - Multi-Disciplinary Team, Harlow
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Essex County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Worker - Multi-Disciplinary Team, Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Essex County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Essex County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Essex County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Youth Support Worker - Multi-Disciplinary Team, Harlow role at Essex County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Essex County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
