At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in their homes and communities to re-engage with education.
- Company: Fresh Futures, a charity dedicated to improving lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, mileage reimbursement, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people facing emotional and educational challenges.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Hours of Work: 39 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Salary: £15.60 p/h Term Time Only
Location: Community Based across Kirklees/Leeds and surrounding areas
The Charity Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas. Our vision is for all children, young people and their families to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future. We are committed to improving the lives of children and young people by providing opportunities that enable them to achieve a positive destination that is right for them. We empower families and influential adults to make positive choices, so children, young people live healthy and happy lives. By working within communities, we support children, young people, and their families and advocate for them. We listen. We respect. We include. We empower. We care. Through the work we do, we aim to make a positive and lasting difference for the people we support.
The Role: Brian Jackson College is seeking a committed and compassionate Outreach Worker to support young people ages 13‑18 who are experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), anxiety, SEMH needs or disengagement from education. This is a highly relational, community‑based role, where you will work directly with young people in their homes and local environments to rebuild trust, re‑engage them with learning and support successful reintegration into education or alternative pathways. You will act as a key trusted adult, working closely with families, educational settings and external agencies to remove barriers and improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Why the role exists and overall responsibility: This role exists to support some of the most vulnerable young people who are currently unable to access education due to a number of SEND‑related barriers. This is a highly autonomous role requiring confidence in lone working, strong professional judgement and a commitment to safeguarding, as you carry responsibility for delivering impactful support in community and home environments.
Main activities:
- Deliver home based and community outreach support, including doorstep check‑ins and online engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young people who may be anxious, disengaged or avoidant.
- Support re‑engagement in education through flexible, personalised approaches.
- Work closely with families to develop routines, improve attendance, and build confidence.
- Collaborate with the schools SEN team and multi‑agency partners.
- Monitor and report on progress relating to attendance, wellbeing and engagement.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, record keeping and professional practice.
Knowledge, training and experience required:
- Experience supporting young people with SEMH, SEND, EBSA or school disengagement
- Skilled in building strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable young people
- Understands trauma informed and relational approaches
- Is confident working independently in community settings
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience in outreach, alternative provision or mentoring
- Knowledge of SEND and EHCP process
- Background in youth work, education, mental health or social care
Key personal characteristics:
- Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
- Relational and empathetic
- Confident working independently
- Adaptable and flexible
- Solution focused and proactive
Important information about the role: This is a community based role, and you will spend the majority of your time working independently within young people’s homes and local environments. The role involves regular lone working, requiring confidence, initiative and adherence to safeguarding and safety procedures. A full clean driving licence is essential. You will be expected to travel across the local area; mileage expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy. Flexibility is required, including occasional work outside of typical hours to meet the needs of young people and families.
Brian Jackson College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to appropriate vetting, including an enhanced DBS check.
Outreach Worker employer: Fresh Futures group
Fresh Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families across Yorkshire. As a charity, we foster a supportive work culture that values passion and creativity, providing volunteers with hands-on experience in PR and media while promoting personal growth and skill development. Join us to not only enhance your portfolio but also to contribute to a cause that truly matters in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Fresh Futures group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Fresh Futures group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Fresh Futures group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Fresh Futures group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Fresh Futures group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Fresh Futures group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Futures group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
