Targeted Youth Worker - IYSS

Job Description

Targeted Youth Worker

Help young people overcome barriers, build resilience and achieve positive change.

Grade: £33,066 - £35,533 per annum (JNC 14-17)

Contract: 12 Months Secondment

Closing date: 23rd November 2026

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Targeted Youth Worker to provide relationship-based, trauma-informed support to young people who may be experiencing multiple challenges. You will work with young people individually and in groups, meeting them in the places and at the times that best support meaningful engagement.

You will complete strengths-based assessments, agree clear plans with young people and coordinate targeted interventions that reduce risk, increase protective factors and improve outcomes. Working closely with families, schools, social care, health, police and community partners, you will help young people access the right support and make sustained progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusted, consistent and professional relationships with young people.
• Undertake assessments and develop outcome-focused plans with young people and, where appropriate, their families.
• Deliver purposeful one-to-one, group and outreach sessions tailored to identified needs and risks.
• Support young people affected by issues such as school exclusion, exploitation, serious youth violence, offending, poor emotional wellbeing or family difficulties.
• Use assertive outreach and flexible approaches to engage young people who may be reluctant to access services.
• Work in partnership with statutory and voluntary-sector services, contributing to multi-agency meetings and coordinated plans.
• Maintain timely, accurate and confidential case records, monitor progress and evidence impact.
• Identify, respond to and escalation safeguarding concerns in line with policy and statutory guidance.
• Promote participation, ensuring young people’s views shape their plans and the development of services.

About you

You will bring sound youth work practice, professional curiosity and the ability to remain calm and purposeful in complex situations. You will be able to balance positive engagement with effective challenge, maintain clear boundaries and keep the young person’s voice at the centre of your work.

You Will Need

• A recognised JNC youth work qualification, or a relevant equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience of delivering targeted youth work with adolescents experiencing vulnerability, risk or disadvantage.
• Strong assessment, planning and case-management skills, with the ability to identify risk and measure progress.
• A good understanding of safeguarding, contextual safeguarding, adolescent development and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of working effectively with families and professionals across education, social care, health, policing and the voluntary sector.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to work with young people who may be reluctant to engage.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and work safely with appropriate professional boundaries.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends in response to young people’s needs.

What we offer

You will join a supportive, multi-disciplinary service committed to relationship-based practice and better outcomes for young people. The role offers varied and meaningful work, regular supervision, opportunities for professional development and the chance to help shape responsive local support.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

About Us

The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.