Community Development & Support Worker

Community Development & Support Worker

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Ukrainian young people’s mental health and wellbeing through community engagement and tailored programmes.
  • Company: Join U-evolve and The Junction, dedicated to improving youth mental health.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive holiday package, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values kindness, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Ukrainian youth while shaping an innovative service.
  • Qualifications: Fluency in Ukrainian and experience working with young people in community projects.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Join Our Team – Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Ukrainian Young People

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people?

Do you want to be part of an innovative partnership supporting Ukrainian young people to thrive in their new communities?

U-evolve and The Junction are delighted to be recruiting for two exciting new roles as part of a partnership project providing dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for Ukrainian young people aged 12–21 living in Edinburgh.

Together, our organisations bring over 30 years of experience supporting young people's mental health across the city.

Through this new programme, we will deliver accessible, trauma-informed and culturally responsive support that helps Ukrainian young people build resilience, improve their mental health and wellbeing, strengthen social connections and access the support they need.

Working closely with Ukrainian communities, local organisations and young people themselves, this project will combine individual and group wellbeing support with community engagement and service development to ensure support is shaped by the voices and experiences of the young people it serves.

This exciting new role will lead on building relationships with Ukrainian communities, partner organisations and local services across Edinburgh to ensure the programme reaches those who need it most.

Working alongside the Mental Health Support Worker and colleagues from both U-evolve and The Junction, you will engage with young people, families and community organisations, helping to co‑design activities and develop a programme that reflects the needs, strengths and aspirations of Ukrainian young people.

You will be fluent in Ukrainian and have lived experience or a strong understanding of Ukrainian culture and community needs.

You'll bring experience of working with young people, developing community-based projects and building meaningful partnerships that improve outcomes for young people.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Compassionate, motivated and collaborative people who believe every young person deserves access to high-quality mental health support.
  • Passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people, committed to delivering inclusive, culturally responsive services.
  • Empathetic, approachable and reflective, with excellent relationship‑building skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team.
  • Fluency in Ukrainian and lived experience or a strong understanding of Ukrainian culture and community needs.
  • Experience working with young people, applying trauma‑informed approaches, safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Commitment to working collaboratively with young people, communities and partner organisations.

Benefits

At U‑evolve and The Junction, you’ll become part of two organisations committed to improving young people’s mental health through compassionate, evidence‑informed, collaborative and person‑centred support.

You’ll have the opportunity to

  • Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Ukrainian young people.
  • Help shape an innovative new service from the beginning.
  • Work within a supportive and collaborative partnership.
  • Receive regular supervision, reflective practice and opportunities for professional development.
  • Be part of organisations that value kindness, inclusion, collaboration and learning.

We will offer you

  • Competitive holiday package.
  • Flexible working patterns.
  • Competitive pension.
  • Positive supportive working environment which promotes learning and development.
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Community Development & Support Worker employer: U-Evolve

At U-evolve and The Junction, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Ukrainian young people in Edinburgh. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, providing employees with opportunities for professional development and the chance to shape innovative services from the ground up. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values kindness and learning while making a real difference in the community.

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Contact Details:

U-Evolve Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Development & Support Worker

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 U-Evolve.

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 U-Evolve!

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 U-Evolve, 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 U-Evolve 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 Community Development & Support Worker

Fluency in Ukrainian
Understanding of Ukrainian culture
Experience working with young people
Trauma-informed approaches
Safeguarding
Relationship-building skills
Community engagement

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 U-Evolve:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to U-Evolve! 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 U-Evolve

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.