At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower young people through engaging activities and community outreach.
- Company: Join The Children’s Society, a trusted organisation with over 140 years of impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, enhanced parental leave, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience working with youth, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Permanent with funding until 31st March 2027
16 hours per week
Location: Bedfordshire
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- 36 days’ annual leave (pro rata for part time roles), inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- We match up to 8% pension
- Free counselling service
- Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
- 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation
About us: The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need. Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.
About the role: You’ll play a key part in our Bedfordshire Youth Service, including working as part of a team in the youth centres, delivering activity based sessions, carrying out detached work in the community, providing support within schools alongside structured one-to-one support. We’re looking for a dedicated youth worker with direct experience of working with children and young people, either in a professional or voluntary capacity who is passionate about making a real impact in the lives of children and young people.
Key skills and experience: The required skills and competencies for this role are:
- Direct experience of working with children and young people on a one-to-one basis and in group work settings, in either a professional or voluntary capacity.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children and young people whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people, including those with complex or additional needs.
- Commitment to the values and principles of youth work, with a strong focus on safeguarding, promoting welfare, and supporting positive outcomes for children and young people.
It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:
- Experience of developing inclusive practice that promotes participation, equality, and belonging for all children and young people.
- Experience within a related field, such as Youth Work, Social Care, Family Support, Youth Justice, Education, Early Help, or a comparable role supporting children, young people, and families.
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 1st September 2026
Interviews: Date to be confirmed
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.
In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.
AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.
Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire in Biggleswade employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have access to benefits such as a generous pension scheme, free counselling services, and opportunities to enhance your skills while working in a collaborative environment. Located in Washington, Tyne & Wear, this role offers flexibility and the chance to engage with your community, all while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire in Biggleswade
✨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 The Children's Society, 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 The Children's Society. 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 The Children's Society's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire in Biggleswade
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 The Children's Society. 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 The Children's Society.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨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 The Children's Society.
✨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 Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire at The Children's Society.
✨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 The Children's Society that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Youth Work Practitioner - Bedfordshire role.
