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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people affected by substance use through outreach and safeguarding.
- Company: Join a newly developed service dedicated to helping children and young people in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Flexible working in schools, colleges, and community settings; impactful work with real social change.
- Why this job: Make a difference in young lives while collaborating with various professionals and organisations.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth, understanding of safeguarding, and skills in building trust are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about outreach and inclusion in the community.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has opened up for a skilled and compassionate Outreach & Safeguarding Practitioner to join a newly developed service supporting children and young people affected by substance use across Oxfordshire.
Role Overview:
This role focuses on early intervention, outreach, and safeguarding support for children and young people (CYP) who are either using substances or living in households affected by drug and alcohol use.
You will manage a caseload of CYP across Central Oxfordshire, working flexibly in schools, colleges, family centres, and community settings—providing support in environments where young people feel safe and able to engage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver outreach and early intervention support for vulnerable CYP affected by their own or others’ substance use.
- Conduct safeguarding-focused assessments, risk management, and care planning.
- Provide trauma-informed 1:1 and group interventions based on need, complexity, and substance of choice.
- Work in partnership with schools, social care, youth services, health providers, and community organisations to ensure a multi-agency approach.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, escalating appropriately in line with local safeguarding procedures.
- Provide support to build resilience and protective factors for CYP and families impacted by parental or household substance use.
- Maintain accurate, timely case records and contribute to service reporting and outcomes.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience working with vulnerable children and young people in a safeguarding, substance use, or youth outreach setting.
- Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding processes.
- Skilled in engaging hard-to-reach groups and building trusting relationships.
- Ability to work independently in the community and collaboratively with professionals from a range of services.
- Knowledge of evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction.
This is an ideal role for someone passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives, with a strong safeguarding mindset and a commitment to outreach and inclusion.
Youth Support Practitioner employer: Headturner Search
Contact Detail:
Headturner Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local safeguarding procedures and policies in Oxfordshire. Understanding these will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding during any discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of youth support and substance use. Attend local workshops or community events to connect with others who share your passion, as this can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practice. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these methods in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to engage hard-to-reach groups by sharing success stories from your past work. Highlighting your skills in building trusting relationships will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the needs of vulnerable young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with vulnerable children and young people. Emphasise any roles that involved safeguarding, outreach, or substance use support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting young people and detail how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding processes and trauma-informed practices.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your ability to engage hard-to-reach groups and build trusting relationships. Mention any evidence-based approaches you are familiar with, such as motivational interviewing or harm reduction strategies.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Headturner Search
✨Show Your Passion for Youth Support
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives, especially in the context of substance use.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of child protection and safeguarding processes. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your ability to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively.
✨Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves engaging hard-to-reach groups, share examples of how you've successfully built trusting relationships in previous roles. Discuss specific strategies you used to connect with vulnerable individuals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Evidence-Based Approaches
Brush up on evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practice. Be ready to explain how you would apply these methods in your work to support young people affected by substance use.
