youth support worker jobs

Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to develop to their full potential, with a focus on children and young people and those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.

The YMCA East Surrey is excited to be expanding its delivery of Disability Clubs into Sutton and therefore we have exciting job opportunities for Play and Youth Workers to be part of our new service Team. We will be offering a minimum of 40 days of clubs a year during School Holidays. If you have a passion to support and make a difference to children with disability through fun stimulating play scheme apply today! For more information, please contact Melissa.anders@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk or call the Short Breaks Team on 01737 222859

There are numerous opportunities to work with a long-standing and well-respected charity within the local community. If you have experience of working with children and young people and you want to make a meaningful difference to their lives while learning new skills yourself, we would love to hear from you.

Being a sessional worker is an excellent way to fit in a job around studies or other commitments as well as providing an opportunity to gain valuable experience to help with future carers.

More information about our services can be found on our website https://www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/children/

The role sits within our Disability Services Team, and your will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of high-quality and exciting activities for a range of children and young people, and for providing children and young people with enjoyable experiences which contribute to personal and social development.

This role requires someone with working together to Safeguard Children, Safeguarding Adults and food Hygiene training, or a willingness to complete this.

It would be desirable for candidates to have, or be working towards, Child Care/Youth Work Level 2/3 or an equivalent qualification, relevant training in positive behaviour management, positive touch and epilepsy, and a first aid qualification. Also experience in working or living with someone with a disability or additional needs.

Key responsibilities:

• To participate in the safe delivery of YMCA East Surrey Children and Young People services

• To work as part of a team of Children and Young People support workers and volunteers to ensure that the service provided is high quality and appropriate for the children and young people who attend.

• To build positive and professional relationships with children and young people.

• To ensure the Health and Safety of children and young people and colleagues, above all, ensuring that Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults policies are adhered to

• Work closely with children and young people to deliver a range of social, recreational and leisure activities to meet the needs of young people

• To supervise the activity environment to ensure physical and emotional/personal safety for all children and young people attending. This includes completing appropriate records of any accidents, injuries or incidents that may occur, and any medication administered

• To assist senior staff in the play or youth setting to ensure its smooth and reliable operation including setting up and packing down sessions.

• To contribute to the planning, organisation and delivery of activities, ensuring they are adapted where appropriate to be accessible to all children to the best of their abilities

• To ensure that all children and young people upon their arrival are welcomed and feel comfortable and valued enabling the development and improvement of self-esteem, self-confidence and positive experiences

• To provide and supervise the hygienic provision of refreshments for the children/young people, recognising the principles of a balanced diet and the requirements of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds and allergies

• To ensure that all materials, equipment and service spaces are maintained, kept safe and stored appropriately in line with current procedures

• Attend YMCA East Surrey staff meetings, training and staff development events, as appropriate, to ensure continuous professional competence and development

• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities reasonably requested by the Coordinator, Senior Coordinator or Manager

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working for a charity and making a difference to the lives of the children and young people in our community.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

PAY:

• £13.85 per hour (£14.80 per hour from 1st April 2026 ) plus rolled up annual leave

BENEFITS:

• Be part of a long-standing and well-respected charity

• Discounted childcare for permanent employees

• Gym membership and free access to all leisure facilities for permanent employees

• Eligibility for Blue Light Discount Retail Card

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• 6.6 weeks annual leave which increases after 2 years continuous service

• Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• On site parking

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.

Accessibility if you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us at HR@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk

YMCA East Surrey requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adult’s barred lists) check, along with reference checks.