Youth Support Worker

At YMCA Robin Hood, we provide supported accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking Young People aged between 16 – 21, 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.

We are recruiting for a Youth Support Worker to join our team to empower these young people to confidently transition into independent living, facilitating their steps towards education or employment.

If you are enthusiastic and empathetic to assist these remarkable young people in building their independence and overcoming obstacles, we encourage you to continue reading!

Based on the tramline and NCT bus routes as well as having free parking available on site, our dedicated accommodation building provides a safe place to call home where they are supported by the same team 365 days a year,24/7, providing constant reassurance, consistency of support and the opportunity to belong and make valuable connections.

If you believe everyone should have the opportunity to discover who they are and who they can become, a career at the YMCA might be your next step in discovering who can become too!

An average day as a Youth Support Worker would include:

• Starting your day in the YMCA office, checking emails and liaising with overnight staff regarding any incidents or events that require your attention.
• Plan activities that promote new skills, confidence, and self-esteem.
• Exploring pathways with local providers to create opportunities for volunteering, education, or employment.
• Meet with residents on a 1-2-1 or in small groups, maintaining consistent support and keywork sessions.
• Organising and facilitate sessions that build essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, heathcare and wellbeing.
• Organise and celebrating cultural events connected to our young people, sharing in traditions new and old!
• Planning and organising day trips, holidays and other exciting opportunities for our young people to share positive experiences.

If you want a 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 role is ideal for you!

About You

If you have previous experience of working with young people in any capacity, this is a great starting point. Specific experience supporting vulnerable individuals with diverse needs is an advantage but not essential. We are happy to train you if this is something you are doing for the first time!

You will have an understanding of the needs of asylum seekers and be familiar with the services available to them, enabling you to signpost to relevant third parties. This role is not to deliver all the support yourself but reach out to specialist support providers where relevant.

You will need to have excellent communication skills able to build meaningful rapport and trust with residents quickly.

You will show empathy to their situation and background by providing support without judgement. You will creating a positive, nurturing and trusted environment for them to live and thrive.

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. If you speak another language such as Arabic, Kurdish, Urdu or Somali this may also be really beneficial as not all our residents are fluent in English.

You will provide unconditional positive support, whilst maintaining boundaries with calm and consistent professional practice. You will act as a role model for them to model their behaviours against.

This role primarily operates Monday to Friday, but occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts may be required to support activities, events etc. There is a dedicated out of hours team to cover nights and weekends.

What We Value

We’re driven by our core values and we look for these in every member of our team:

• We Seek Out – We’re always looking for ways to do better
• We Welcome – We include, respect, and support everyone
• We Inspire – We believe in every person’s potential
• We Speak Out – We advocate for what’s right
• We Serve Others – We act with compassion and purpose

These values are more than just words—they shape how we work, lead, and serve.

Our North Star

Everything we do is inspired by our ambition that every child and young person we support:

• Builds the relationships that help them discover who they are
• Develops the skills and confidence to shape their own life
• Learns how to connect with and contribute to the world around them

You will play a vital role in achieving this mission.

Our Benefits

We value your commitment and relentless dedication and have crafted a package of health & well-being benefits.  Here’s some of what you can expect:

• Funded training, qualifications & career progression across YMCA services
• Quarterly Campfires – celebrating our impact across the organisation
• Wellbeing package (after passing probation): 24/7 GP access, health/dental cashback, Employment Assistance Programme
• Minimum of 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 28 days with service
• Discounted YMCA childcare & holiday clubs
• £500 refer-a-friend bonus
• Blue Light Card eligibility + 10% discount at YMCA Café and Malt Cross

Diversity & Safer Recruitment

YMCA Robin Hood Group is committed to equal opportunities, promoting diversity, and creating an inclusive culture where all staff can thrive.

Should you require any adjustments to support your full participation in our recruitment process, we would encourage you to share your needs with us so we can support you with your requirements.  Please contact us in the first instance.

We follow rigorous safer recruitment processes to ensure the protection of children, young people, and adults at risk. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough vetting as part of our commitment to safeguarding.

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for a career with purpose, challenge and the opportunity to genuinely change lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Please share your CV with us!!

What Happens Next?

We reserve the right to close the position earlier than advertised if required.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we will be unable to provide specific feedback on why you may not have been shortlisted.

For an informal conversation before applying, please reach out to us and we would be delighted to help.