At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people through mentoring, activities, and community engagement.
- Company: Join NYAS, a leading charity dedicated to advocating for young people's rights.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference in young lives.
- Other info: Fixed term contract for 12 months, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower young people to thrive and build connections in their community.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong local knowledge and a commitment to support.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
About the role
The Side-by-Side project supports children in care and care leavers to have the same opportunities as those who have not experienced care. For many young people, navigating the care system and especially the transition to leaving care can be complex, isolating, and overwhelming. Too often, care-experienced young people are expected to face adulthood before they are ready, without the safety nets of family, friends, and community networks that many of us take for granted.
The project provides a mentoring and befriending service, offering consistent, trusted relationships that help young people feel less alone, build confidence and life skills, and navigate key life changes as they move towards independence. Side-by-Side supports young people with a range of needs, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges. The project is guided by strong safeguarding practice, built on trust, and delivered through trauma-informed, person-centred approaches.
Working 18 hours per week, you will work directly with young people through engagement sessions, group activities and co-designed initiatives. You will also work alongside volunteers, supporting them to safely and effectively engage with young people. This role does not involve acting as a young person’s key worker or holding a caseload. Instead your focus is on enabling connections, strengthening community networks and creating opportunities for young people to thrive across Solihull. Please note this is a fixed term contract position for 12 months.
About you
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual with strong local knowledge and a commitment to community-based support. You will be confident working directly with care-experienced young people, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Build community links: develop relationships with local venues, services, and partners to support young people and Side-by-Side activities.
- Support volunteers: recruit, train, and guide volunteers, helping them signpost young people to relevant services.
- Engage young people: deliver activities, gather feedback, and support co-designed initiatives to ensure young people shape the services they receive.
- Live our values: all work is guided by trust, reducing loneliness, providing practical and emotional support, and delivering person-centred approaches.
Interviews will take place in person in Solihull during the week commencing 7th September 2026.
Safeguarding and Compliance
NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment. In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.
We reserve the right to close the advert early should the right candidate be found before the closing date.
About NYAS
As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld. We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Work with us to help change young lives.
Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker employer: National Youth Advocacy Service
At the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of care-experienced youth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering employees the chance to develop their skills while working closely with passionate volunteers and local partners in Solihull. With a focus on community engagement and safeguarding, we provide a rewarding environment where you can truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
National Youth Advocacy Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to National Youth Advocacy Service, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of National Youth Advocacy Service. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at National Youth Advocacy Service. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Youth Advocacy Service
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with National Youth Advocacy Service.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker role at National Youth Advocacy Service, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show National Youth Advocacy Service that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
