At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families affected by cancer, navigating emotional and practical challenges.
- Company: Join Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous leave, and wellbeing days for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equity and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people during their toughest times.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Leeds General Infirmary & St James Hospital
All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.
Closing date: 24th May 2026, 11:59 PM
Interview date: 4th June 2026
Change lives in a life-changing career. When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain. The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire families. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time.
About the role: We are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our Leeds Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community. This role is predominantly site-based with an element of occasional working from home as agreed with the line manager. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually.
About you: You will be committed to delivering high quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with. You will need to be resourceful and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. As part of the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.
- You will have a recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
- Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
- An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
What will I gain? For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage.
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Great family/caring leave entitlements.
- Enhanced pension.
- Access to our employee savings scheme.
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it. We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.
Accessibility: We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Bev Barker.
Social Worker - Leeds in Olney employer: Young Lives vs Cancer
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Social Workers in Leeds. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and opportunities for personal growth through Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people affected by cancer, while being part of a diverse team that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Leeds in Olney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with children and young people. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to supporting families affected by cancer, and think about how your experiences align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, young people, and families in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing benefits.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Leeds in Olney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and can help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion for Social Work:We want to see your enthusiasm for helping children and young people. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your commitment to making a difference in their lives. Let your passion shine through!
Be Authentic:When writing your application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to hear your unique voice. Avoid using AI tools that might make your application sound generic; we want to know the real you.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Lives vs Cancer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of social work, especially in relation to children and young people with cancer. Brush up on relevant legislation, best practices, and the emotional impacts of serious illness. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to this position. Highlight any experience working in multi-disciplinary teams or with families facing challenging circumstances. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and resilience.
✨Emphasise Your Interpersonal Skills
As a social worker, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to share instances where you've effectively communicated with children, families, or colleagues. Demonstrating empathy and understanding will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The organisation values diversity and inclusion, so don’t hesitate to share your unique perspective and experiences. This is your chance to show how you can contribute to their mission and fit into their team culture.
