Young People Support Officer in Reading

Full Time – 37 hours per week (across 7 days between 8am – 10pm) £29,175 FTE benefits include 7% employer pension contribution.

Help young people build brighter futures. Launchpad is launching its Young People's Services and we are looking for passionate, committed people to join our team. At Launchpad, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. We're looking for a passionate and dedicated Young People's Support Officer to help young adults aged 18-24 develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to move forward successfully into independent adulthood.

This is more than a support role. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people facing challenges such as homelessness, trauma, mental health struggles, care experience and social exclusion. If you're motivated by seeing people achieve their goals and want to work in a values-driven organisation that puts people first, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

You'll manage a caseload of young people living in Launchpad's supported accommodation across Reading, providing flexible, person-centred support tailored to individual needs and aspirations. Working alongside each young person, you'll help them build practical life skills, access education and employment opportunities, strengthen their wellbeing and prepare for a successful move into independent living. Through positive relationships, effective advocacy and partnership working, you'll empower young people to overcome barriers and create brighter futures.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver person-centred support to young adults aged 18-24.
• Build trusted relationships that encourage engagement, growth and independence.
• Co-produce support plans, set goals and track progress.
• Help young people access health, wellbeing, education and employment services.
• Advocate on behalf of young people and promote equality of opportunity.
• Develop independent living skills.
• Support young people with budgeting, money management and tenancy responsibilities.
• Deliver practical guidance around cooking, healthy living and household management.
• Encourage positive decision-making, self-care and personal responsibility.
• Facilitate life skills workshops and group activities.

Helping Young People Reach Their Goals

• Support access to education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
• Build confidence and resilience through positive activities and mentoring.
• Help individuals identify career aspirations and progression pathways.

Safeguarding and Partnership Working

• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Work closely with social care, leaving care teams, mental health services, housing providers and community organisations.
• Coordinate multi-agency support where required.
• Promote safe, supportive accommodation environments.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes.
• A skilled communicator with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Organised and confident managing a varied caseload.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Motivated to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners.

You'll Ideally Have:

• Experience supporting young people, vulnerable adults or people experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working within supported housing, social care, youth work, mental health, domestic abuse, leaving care or related services.
• Knowledge of housing pathways, homelessness prevention or move-on planning.
• Strong case management, record keeping and IT skills.
• A relevant qualification in housing, youth work, support work or social care (or willingness to work towards one).