Youth Support Worker

Job Advert

At YMCA Robin Hood, we provide supported accommodation for unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian. Recognising their vulnerability, we offer dedicated accommodation that fosters a safe environment, enabling these young individuals to learn about their new community and culture while beginning their recovery from past traumas. Our primary aim is to empower these young people to confidently transition into independent living upon reaching 18, facilitating their steps towards education or employment. In this role, you will closely collaborate with our young residents, guiding them through essential steps towards independence. Your support will be crucial in helping them navigate the challenges they face, particularly the cultural and language barriers that can hinder their progress. If you possess the passion, empathy, drive, and determination to assist these remarkable young people in building their independence and overcoming obstacles, we encourage you to continue reading!

Location

Based at our dedicated accommodation building just outside of Nottingham City Centre, this role will involve working closely with our small group of young people residents, allowing you to cultivate trusted, understanding, and person‑centred relationships.

An average day as a Youth Support Worker would include:

• Starting your day at the YMCA offices, checking emails, and liaising with overnight staff regarding any incidents or events that require your attention.
• Engaging with residents individually and in small groups to identify their strengths and interests, crafting constructive activities that promote new skills, confidence, and self‑esteem.
• Exploring pathways with local providers to create opportunities for volunteering, education, or employment.
• Following your schedule to ensure regular sessions with each resident on a 1‑2‑1 or small group basis, maintaining consistent support.
• Organising and facilitating sessions that build essential life skills for residents.

If you seek a dynamic role where no two days are the same, where you are actively engaged rather than confined to a desk, and where you can make a tangible difference in young people’s lives, this position is ideal for you!

About You

• This demanding yet rewarding role requires experience in supporting vulnerable or challenging individuals with diverse needs.
• Your communication skills will be pivotal; you will need to build rapport and trust with residents effectively.
• Previous experience in Supported Housing or an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals will be advantageous.
• You must be proactive and passionate about supporting people, sharing our belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to discover their potential.
• You will creating a positive, nurturing and trusted environment for them to live and thrive.
• You will providing unconditional positive support, whilst maintaining boundaries with calm and consistent professional practice.
• An appreciation for different cultures, with sensitivity to introduce new traditions while celebrating and embracing the religious and cultural events of their backgrounds, is essential.
• Act as a role model for them to model their behaviours against.
• You should understand the needs of asylum seekers and be familiar with the services available to them, enabling you to signpost to relevant third parties.
• Confidence to lone working and manage your own schedule, alongside collaborating with your team to achieve results, is necessary.
• This role primarily operates Monday to Friday, but occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts may be required to support the team.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Impactful Work: Be part of meaningful changes in young people’s lives every day, witnessing their successful transitions to independence.
• Career Growth: Enhance your understanding and gain qualifications and experience in housing support and working with vulnerable individuals or those experiencing homelessness.
• Supportive Environment: Collaborate within dedicated teams across Nottinghamshire that value teamwork, continuous learning, and compassion.

Additional Information

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (paid for by YMCA) and registration with the DBS Update Service. We reserve the right to withdraw this role before the closing date should we be able to appoint to the role.