At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in hospitals and communities, providing guidance and tailored help.
- Company: Award-winning NHS project improving health outcomes for youth in South Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work across various settings and manage a team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in Youth Work or related field; experience with young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34708 - 34708 £ per year.
- District Youth & Community Worker – Hospital Project
- Fixed Term, Full Time
- Working Style: Community-based worker
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months.
The Opportunity
The Youth Work in Hospital Project operates within the Mid and South Essex Hospitals (Basildon, Southend, and Broomfield) to support young people in their community.
This service is available to those aged 11‑19 (up to 25 with SEND) during their hospital visit and after discharge into their communities.
It is a regional award winner of the NHS Excellence Awards 2026 for improving health outcomes in the east of England.
As a District Youth and Community Worker, you will be asked to
- Offer support and guidance based on individual needs, such as school advocacy and next‑step planning, life skills.
- Signpost or refer young people to appropriate community groups or services; provide bespoke, tailored help – such as 1‑to‑1 support, targeted youth clubs, or referrals to community and specialist services such as Social Care or NELFT Mental Health Service.
- Work with the medical team to think creatively for solution‑focused support for the young people.
- Operate as an anywhere worker, working in community, school and hospitals all the same day.
- Manage junior staff.
- Accountabilities
- Work closely with the Senior Youth and Community Worker and other youth workers to develop the Youth Work in Hospital Project, ensuring young people’s interests are at the forefront of delivery.
- Have supervisory responsibility for the Youth and Community Workers within the Hospital Project.
- Support the development and delivery of the Project, including completing assessments and covering 3‑4 hospital shifts a week in the A&E department, hospital clinics, school clinics and home visits.
- Make contact and establish relationships with professionals, young people, and their communities.
- Ensure the ‘voice’ of young people is heard in the design and delivery of effective youth work provision.
- Encourage and enable young people to participate in a range of educational and personal development activities.
- Ensure access to information and personal support, enabling young people to develop confidence and skills to become active members of their communities.
- Manage employees flexibly and collaboratively across the service and wider children and families service to support key outcomes.
- Work to the organisational capability standards through good people management, including training, development, mentoring and coaching of team members.
- Manage a complex caseload of young people with complex health needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the proper implementation of risk management, including Health and Safety and Business Continuity.
- Develop and deliver a programme for a youth group session of imaginative activities, encouraging participation and involvement of young people in developing their skills.
- Facilitate young people’s learning and understanding of their personal and social development in accordance with the core values of youth work and to meet their own health targets.
- Manage your own working hours and those you line‑manage (Flexible working) in accordance with the needs of the project and young people.
- Keep accurate and efficient administrative systems and record keeping on Youth service systems, providing information and data as required.
- Take part in the Service supervision scheme and performance management scheme to identify priorities and learning needs.
- Ensure Child Protection / Safeguarding Guidelines (SET) are followed and that all concerns are reported promptly.
- The Experience You Will Bring
- Qualified at degree level in a JNC recognised Professional Youth Work Qualification or level 6 relevant qualification (or in training), including social work, mental health etc.
- Ability to work in partnership and to influence partners across a range of sectors to support the identification of desired outcomes for young people.
- Excellent numeracy, literacy (GCSE A‑C or equivalent or demonstrable experience) and ICT skills.
- Experience of managing resources.
- Experience of working with young people, partners and community groups.
- Ability to build relationships and relate well to young people, partners, volunteers and commissioners.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area.
Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
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District Youth & Community Worker – Hospital Project in Basildon employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land District Youth & Community Worker – Hospital Project in Basildon
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council, 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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 District Youth & Community Worker – Hospital Project in Basildon
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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.
