youth support worker jobs

Support Worker - Young People’s Services
Empowering independence, building futures

Full Time - 37.5 hours per week - £25,857pa

Hemel Hempstead

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people? Do you believe in the power of empathy, resilience, and respectful support? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for dedicated a Support Worker to join our Young People’s Services team. This is a rewarding role where you will work directly with young people, including separated migrant children, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to live independently.

What we are looking for:

• Someone who genuinely wants to work with young people, understands the challenges they face, and is committed to building trusting relationships.
• A trauma-informed approach - you seek to understand behaviours, respond with patience, and support young people through their journey.
• A belief in dignity and respect for all, with an inclusive mindset and a commitment to supporting migrant children.
• A focus on independence - we provide supported housing, which means our focus is on promoting independence rather than delivering personal care. You will help young people learn, grow, and take ownership of their lives.
• Respect for the space - we work in young people’s homes, and we treat them as such.
• Motivation and positivity - celebrating small wins and staying resilient through challenges.
• Confidence in lone working and professional curiosity - you are not afraid to ask questions and dig deeper when needed.
• Strong record-keeping and admin skills - documentation is a key part of keeping young people safe.
• Great communication and teamwork - you will work with other professionals and agencies to get the best outcomes.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries, manage your workload independently, and switch off when the day is done.
• A commitment to learning - you are proactive about training, legislation, and continuous development.
• Empathy, attention to detail, and openness to feedback.

Essential Criteria:

• Full UK driving licence with business insurance and access to a vehicle for business use
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent Children and Young Peoples Workforce Diploma - or willingness to complete, supported by Hightown Housing
• Ability to work day shifts (7am-3pm & 2pm-10pm), including weekends and bank holidays

Hightown Benefits:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 33 days per year, including statutory bank holidays, rising to 35 days with service
• £25,857 pa for a 37.5 hour a week contract
• Workplace pension scheme and life assurance of three times your annual salary
• Mileage paid for car usage
• Fully paid DBS
• Annual bonus based on satisfactory performance
• Monthly attendance bonus and annual salary and cost of living review
• Ongoing professional development and training to help you deliver outstanding support
• Employee assistance helpline

Appointment to this position will be subject to satisfactory right to work, enhanced DBS (and signed up to the DBS Update Service) and references.

We are an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer.