At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with at-risk youth, ensuring their safety and providing support.
- Company: Join Railway Children, a dedicated charity focused on safeguarding vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth outreach or similar roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £32k
Hours: Full time
Location: Glasgow
Contract: Permanent
WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU?
Around the world hundreds of thousands of children struggle to survive on the streets. In many countries, they have become an accepted issue in society, deprived of access to the most basic services and they experience extreme harm before and during their time on the streets. Wherever they may be in the world, they face violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Founded in 1996, Railway Children has dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for street connected children. With projects in the UK, India and Tanzania, we aim to reach these children as soon as they are in danger and intervene before an abuser can. As we embark on our new strategy to 2030, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.
The role
We are looking for a Youth Outreach Practitioner for our Glasgow team and are keen to receive applications from those living in and around the City of Glasgow. You’ll be part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s programme in the UK, in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP). As a Youth Outreach Practitioner, you’ll play a key role in keeping children safe from harm by engaging in patrols to identify and safeguard young people (aged 10-17) at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. You will also work closely with our Youth Practitioner, supporting a number of young people who have been identified or referred for 1-1 direct support. Both aspects of the role will involve working directly with young people and their families to reduce risks, as well as building strong relationships with other social care, Police, third sector agencies and local services in the area. Your base would be near to Glasgow Central Station with regular travel between the station and working in the boroughs of North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Renfrewshire. This role involves some evenings and weekend hours.
About you
You will have experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people and families as well as working in an outreach or similar setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities. A relevant qualification in an appropriate discipline in working with children and families, community or youth work or equivalent experience is desirable. Alongside this, relevant training in safeguarding and/or issues relevant to vulnerable young people and families is essential. You will need to have experience of providing front line support to safeguard some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK. Experience of developing productive relationships/partnerships with a variety of organisations such as 3rd sector groups, local services and statutory services such as social care to support the needs of vulnerable young people and families is a must.
A full person specification can be found in the job pack. For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience. Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.
Closing Date: Sunday 10th May at 5pm
1st interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st May 2026
2nd interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Youth Outreach Practitioner - Glasgow employer: Railway Children
Contact Detail:
Railway Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Outreach Practitioner - Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Railway Children and their mission. When you understand their values, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show them you're genuinely passionate about their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to youth outreach. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to share real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Outreach Practitioner - Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for working with young people and how your experiences have shaped you. Don't be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Youth Outreach Practitioner role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background connects with our mission, so make those links clear!
Showcase Your Skills: Use your application to demonstrate your skills in engaging with young people and building relationships. Whether it's through previous work or volunteer experiences, we want to know how you've made a difference in the lives of others. Be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railway Children
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Railway Children's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in Glasgow and how it impacts vulnerable young people. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully engaged with young people or families. Highlight any outreach experience and how you've built relationships with other organisations. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare questions that reflect your understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable young people. Asking about the team's approach to safeguarding or collaboration with local services can show your proactive mindset.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! Be open about your passion for supporting young people and your approach to outreach work. Let your personality shine through, as they’re looking for someone who fits well within their dynamic team.