Job Description

You'll be working for an Ofsted recognised 'Outstanding' local authority and part of the be part of the East and Purbeck Locality Targeted Youth Team.


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

The post holder will:

undertake 1:1, group, detached and outreach work with young people be an advocate for young people, supporting colleagues to understand adolescence, and how to engage with young people work collectively with colleagues across all localities to support the development of our approach to edge of care and residential services develop strong, positive working relationships with a range of colleagues, schools, voluntary and community sector organisations and partner agencies to support the delivery of good outcomes for young people and their families and support continuous development.

About you:

The post holder will have a QCF Level 3 Diploma 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/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

What's in it for you:

Join our exceptional teams in a recently judged

OUTSTANDING

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.


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.


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.

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 Youth Support 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.

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."


For an informal discussion about this role, please contact; Lou Donovan (Assistant Team Manager - Contextual Safeguarding, East & Purbeck Locality) on 01305 224080 or email louise.donovan@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.



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 recruitment policy on the employment of ex-offenders.


See our policy for safeguarding children and young people.

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

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.

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