At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people aged 13-25 to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council's Family Help Service, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in young people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, strong communication skills, and a commitment to inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28523 - 34861 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
This role is part-time, working 9am -5pm Tuesday to Friday each week.
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to overcome challenges, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes?
Reading Borough Councilis looking for a Targeted Youth Support Worker to join our Family Help Service.
This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with young people aged 13-19 years (up to 25 years for those with SEND), helping them to navigate challenges, engage with education, improve emotionalwellbeingand achieve their full potential.
You’llbe part of a dedicated team delivering targeted interventions through Family Hubs and community settings, working closely with families, schoolsand partner agencies to provide coordinated support that makes a lasting difference.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversityand inclusionis the key to our success.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As a Targeted Youth Support Worker, you will work with young people who may be experiencing a range of challenges, including being at risk of becoming NEET, struggling with emotional wellbeing, facing exclusion from education, or requiring support as part of Child in Need or Child Protection plans.
You’ll build trusted relationships with young people and families, coordinate support plans and ensure interventions are focused on achieving positive outcomes.
- What you'll be doing
- Managing a caseload of young people and providing targeted support tailored to their individual needs.
- Delivering evidence-based interventions through one-to-one support, groupworkand family-based approaches.
- Undertaking assessments and developing outcome-focused plans with young people and their families.
- Leading andparticipatingin Team Around the Family and multi-agency meetings.
- Delivering engaging youth work programmes and activities that support personal and social development.
- Working collaboratively with schools, social care, health services, policeand voluntary organisations.
- Ensuring the voice of the young person informs all aspects of planning and intervention.
- Maintainingaccuratecase records, assessments and reports using Mosaic and other systems.
- Identifyingsafeguarding concerns and takingappropriate actionto protect young people.
- Supporting Family Hub delivery, including occasional evening and weekend work.
About you
We're looking for someone who is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and families and who can build positive, trusting relationships with those who may be reluctant to engage with services.
You’ll bring
- Experience working with young people aged 13-19 years, including vulnerable young people and those with SEND.
- Experience working with families, parentsand carers.
- Experience of multi-agency partnership working.
- Experience of managing a caseload and acting as a Key Worker or Lead Professional.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the factors affecting young people's wellbeing and development.
- Strong assessment, planningand intervention skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to engage and motivate young people facing complex challenges.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintainaccuraterecords.
- A commitment to inclusion, equality, diversityand anti-discriminatory practice.
A relevant Youth Work qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent) is desirable.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability.
As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across.
Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including
- Generous holidayentitlement -25days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to30 days after 5 years’ service and33days after 10 years' service, with theoptionto buyadditionalleave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicingand road tax
Closing Date: Thursday 20th August 2026 Interview Date: To be confirmed Interview Process: To be confirmed
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Targeted Youth Support Worker in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Targeted Youth Support Worker in Reading
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Reading Borough Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Reading Borough Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Reading Borough Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Targeted Youth Support Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Reading Borough Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Reading Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Reading Borough Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Targeted Youth Support Worker at Reading Borough Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Reading Borough Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Targeted Youth Support Worker role.
