At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people through mentoring and engaging activities.
- Company: Established youth charity making a real difference in East London.
- Benefits: Paid training, clear progression pathways, and the chance to impact lives.
- Other info: High-intensity role with ongoing support and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a trusted mentor and help young people thrive in challenging situations.
- Qualifications: Youth Work qualification or strong lived experience with youth engagement.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Our client, a well‑established youth charity, is looking for a committed Youth Worker to support young people at risk of school exclusion, struggling with mental health, or vulnerable to serious youth violence.
This community outreach role covers East London, including Barking, Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Newham. You will work across four secondary schools (three in Dagenham and one in Newham), supporting around 40 young people aged 11‑16. You will deliver up to ten one‑to‑one sessions a day (around 30 minutes each), typically working with each young person for at least twelve weeks. Sessions may focus on attendance, behaviour, home life, emotional wellbeing, bullying, gang tensions or trust building. Sometimes that looks like structured mentoring; sometimes it is a conversation over a quick game to help them open up.
Responsibilities
- Build strong, trusted relationships with young people
- Encourage safer choices and improve school engagement
- Follow up on absences and promote accountability
- Deliver school workshops (alongside a colleague)
- Run after‑school clubs one to two times per week
- Take part in one fully paid residential each year
- Work closely with parents, schools and safeguarding leads
- Attend multi‑agency meetings where required
- Maintain detailed reports and accurate funder records
The Reality
This role is high intensity, emotionally demanding, documentation‑heavy, and focused on some of the most vulnerable young people in East London, yet it is also deeply relational, impact‑driven, structured with clear progression opportunities, and backed by proper induction and ongoing training.
Training and Development
Receive a two‑week induction plus ongoing development including safeguarding and mental health training. There is a clear progression pathway over 12 months linked to consistent performance.
About You
You may have a Youth Work qualification (Level 3 minimum), be working towards a degree, or bring strong lived experience and the ability to connect authentically with tough young people. What matters most:
- You can build real bonds without being overly formal
- You are resilient and confident around challenging behaviour
- You understand safeguarding responsibilities
- You are organised and comfortable with IT and paperwork
- Additional interests such as sport, music, fitness, media or creative arts are a plus
Youth Skills Coach employer: Red 5 People
As a leading youth charity in East London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the dedication and passion of our Youth Skills Coaches. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth through comprehensive training and clear progression pathways, while our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people ensures that every day is rewarding and fulfilling. Join us in creating safer, more engaging environments for youth, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Skills Coach
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Red 5 People.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Red 5 People!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Red 5 People, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Red 5 People or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Skills Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Red 5 People:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Red 5 People! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red 5 People
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
