Youth Development Worker

Our client, a community development charity based in East London, is seeking a Youth Development Worker to join their team. Working within the Young People's Services team, you will mentor and support young people both in schools and within their local communities. The role focuses on supporting those at risk of school exclusion, experiencing mental health challenges, or affected by Serious Youth Violence, through one-to-one mentoring, after-school provision, positive activities, and holiday programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging young people in structured mentoring relationships, supporting them to make informed and safe choices.
• Encouraging sustained engagement in education, with a focus on improving attendance, behaviour, and attainment.
• Leading and delivering workshops, enrichment activities, and residential programmes that empower young people and support their personal development, enabling them to transition from service beneficiaries to active contributors and peer leaders.
• Working collaboratively with parents, schools, and external professionals to build a strong, joined-up support network around each young person.

About you:

• A minimum of two years' experience supporting young people with complex or challenging needs.
• Particular experience working with young people presenting with borderline or undiagnosed mental health needs, and/or those at risk of Serious Youth Violence.
• Proven ability to build strong, professional relationships within secondary schools, engaging effectively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external support services.
• The ability to relate to, empathise with, and positively challenge disaffected young people, encouraging meaningful personal development and improved outcomes.

We are seeking applications from experienced Youth Development Workers who are passionate about early intervention and committed to making a tangible difference in young people's lives. You will be proactive, resilient, and confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. If you are driven to empower young people to realise their potential and create lasting change within their communities, we would welcome your application.