Job Description

This role will be responsible for the delivery of a targeted youth work offer in localities, working alongside others, and particularly focused on the most vulnerable young people.



The post holder will:


Lead targeted youth work within a given locality Liaise with multi-agency teams to identify those young people who require early help and would benefit from a targeted youth work intervention Establish and maintain relationships with young people, schools, partner organisations, and community groups. This relationship involves challenging attitudes and behaviour, in the context of delivering targeted youth work. Performing and ensuring the discharge of administrative duties (including budget control, record keeping and health and safety) Champion diversity with service users and colleagues Responsible for the delivery of evidence based interventions. Maintain recording and evaluation tools required to measure impact and achievement of outcomes. Develop and deliver a wide ranging curriculum to meet young people's needs, and address a range of risk issues including emotional wellbeing, offending and anti-social behaviour, exploitation, non-school attendance and risk of NEET Lead group work interventions alongside non-specialist staff Responsibility for promoting and safeguarding welfare of children and young people

About you:

The postholder will have a Degree in Youth work or equivalent and have experience of youth work in a youth work setting.



You'll be aware of best practice and effective interventions, including evidence-based programmes in working with vulnerable young people and contextual safeguarding and be able to provide advice around vulnerable young people within the locality on issues such as (but not limited to):


Contextual safeguarding/Extra-Familial Risk & Harm/exploitation/county lines Anti-social behaviour Inclusion and participation in education Social action

You'll have an awareness of legislation, social policy, and key issues including child safeguarding requirements/procedures and be able to demonstrate the following:


excellent communication and listening skills the ability to build trusting and respectful relationships initiative, enthusiasm and motivation tact and sensitivity patience and resilience a non-judgemental attitude good organisational and planning skills good negotiating skills

To hear more about our Targeted Youth Work role and offer, please watch our recruitment video.

What's in it for you:

Are you seeking a rewarding career in Children's Services? Be part of designing social work for the future.



Join our exceptional teams in children's services, where you'll be fully supported and appreciated throughout your career - whether you're newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner. In Dorset, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child can thrive, and we want our colleagues to do the same.



At the heart of our program is a commitment to support outcomes that matter - fostering environments where children, young people, and families not only stay together but thrive. We're dedicated to providing the essential help they need, ensuring they are surrounded by the support of their family network, and creating safe spaces both inside and outside their homes.



What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to ensuring children in care and care leavers find stable, loving homes. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the future of those who need it most.



We take immense pride in leading the way nationally, pioneering ground-breaking initiatives that have garnered recognition from the government. Join a team of dedicated professionals in Children's Services who, in recent months and years, have set new standards in their commitment to the well-being of children and families.



Here at Dorset Council, you won't just be an employee - you'll be a vital contributor to a legacy of positive change. Be a part of a community that values your skills, appreciates your passion, and recognises the difference you can make. Join us in creating a brighter future for children, young people, and families. Your journey towards meaningful work starts here.



In July this year, the Department for Education officially announced the Families First for Children Pathfinder. Dorset has been recognised for the fantastic work with children, young people and families taking place by being selected to be one of only three initial pathfinder sites nationally, testing the delivery of key reforms across the sector. This is a fantastic opportunity and comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out. Find out more here:



Our focus is on supporting families to meet the needs of their children and keeping children at home where it is safe to do so. You'll find a variety of exciting challenges, working with our children, families, and partners, in a workplace that inspires you to grow professionally and personally.



As part of our model, we have developed multi-agency locality teams bringing together colleagues from across Family Help, Child Protection Teams, Educational Psychology, SEND and Inclusion services under the leadership of Heads of Locality and Strategy.



We also have truly exciting initiatives. Some examples are:


the Pineapple Project that provides safe havens in Weymouth to help to keep young women safer when they are outside of their family home using the principles of community guardianship. The Pineapple Project is due to be rolled out across all localities. Safeguarding Families Together; embedding specialist multi-disciplinary professionals within teams and working 'whole family'. After successful pilots in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester the project is due to be rolled out across all localities. In the East of the county, the first Three family hubs (with more locations planned) provide visible, appealing and welcoming spaces for families to access help and support from Dorset Council and partner services.

Join us and be part of our

exceptional

Children's Services team, recently recognised as Good with Outstanding Leadership by Ofsted. This is not just a job; it's an extraordinary opportunity to empower children and help them reach their full potential. With Pathfinder, we will be changing the way Social Care and how working with families is approached in Dorset and helping to shape this across the country. You'll also have the opportunity to apply to do your Level 3 and Level 6 Apprenticeship in Youth Work and many other training opportunities.



As a Targeted Youth Worker here in Dorset, you'll truly

make a difference

to the lives of children and young people in our beautiful county.



We

prioritise your wellbeing

by offering access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.



You'll join a

forward-thinking service

, where you'll be encouraged to think creatively, question how we do things, and devise new, innovative approaches through our 'Diagonal Slice' initiative - our Children's Services' employee forum.



Our innovative model of working, Dorset Children Thrive, will support you to be part of a service that:


Puts children and families at the heart of everything we do Focuses on 'getting it right first time' by providing early help Makes services easily accessible for all Develops a skilled, supported and confident workforce Provides quality and efficient services that meet the highest standards Measures success by how we have made life better for children and young people

Find out more about Children's Services in Dorset: Jobs in Children's Services - Dorset Council.

What our people say:

"Dorset is a great place for children to thrive - I am very proud to be part of an organisation that recognises the strengths of our staff and the creativity we have in achieving great outcomes for our children, young people and families."



"It was great to feel listened to about the big issues and developments within Children's Services".



"I am proud of the service I work in for their commitment to children and young people, working hard to collaborate with colleagues and agencies to achieve good outcomes."




Please note that the start date for this role will be March 2026.



For an informal discussion about this role, please contact;


Joshua Why (Assistant Team Manager - Contextual Safeguarding, Dorchester & West Locality) on 01305 208078 or email joshua.why@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Susan Wilson (Learning & Belonging Team Manager, West Locality) on 01305 221651 or email susan.wilson@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.



This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.


See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.



See our adult safeguarding policy.



The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you, mention them when asked on your application form.



Employees can share this advert by using the button links alongside the job title.