Youth Support Worker

Youth Support Worker - Young People’s Housing Service - Watford Full time - 37.5 hours per week - £25,857pa Watford YPHS is made up of two supported accommodation schemes, with 11 rooms in total for 16-19-year-olds who are homeless or in need of housing. YPHS Watford also has two move on schemes for young people aged between 18 and 24 who's support needs are lower, these schemes are not staffed. The young people housed at YPHS Watford come from a variety of different backgrounds and may have experienced trauma, adversity, or instability in their lives. Some may be living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, or other complex needs. As a service, we are committed to using Trauma-Informed Approaches and creating a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) to promote healing, trust, and resilience. This is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their goals and move forward into independent, fulfilling lives. This role operates within a 24-hour rotational shift pattern, which includes regular overnight sleep-in shifts on a weekly basis (2:30pm-10:30pm, Sleep in 10:30pm-7:30am and then 7:30am-3:30pm). Support Worker’s must be prepared to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, as part of a consistent rota. As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in helping young people develop the practical and emotional skills they need to live independently. You will: Develop personalised, trauma-sensitive support plans tailored to each young person’s needs and aspirations Promote independence through life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting Support access to education, employment, and training opportunities Refer young people to external services, including healthcare, mental health, and substance support Use PIE principles to create a psychologically supportive environment within the service Build trusting relationships and provide emotional support Respond effectively in crisis situations and contribute to safeguarding plansYou’ll be part of a passionate, values-driven team that works collaboratively with social workers, local authorities, and other professionals. We aim to provide a stable, nurturing environment where young people fell heard, valued and empowered. About you: We’re looking for someone who is empathetic, resilient, and committed to empowering vulnerable young people. You will also need to: Demonstrate an understanding of trauma and how it affects behaviour, relationships, and engagement Use a psychologically informed, non-judgemental approach in your daily practice Communicate clearly and adapt to diverse needs and backgrounds Work flexibly as part of a 24-hour rota, including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins Work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment Hold a full UK driving licence with business insurance and have access to a vehicle. There will be occasions where staff will need to transport young people in their vehiclesPlease note that a condition of your employment is that you commit to starting the following qualification within one year of joining Hightown: Frontline Staff - NVQ Level 3 or equivalent Children and Young Peoples Workforce Diploma Sign up to the DBS Update ServiceWe offer a structured induction, ongoing training, and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in health and social care, a supportive team culture that values compassion, inclusion and psychological safety through monthly reflective practice. 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 helplineAppointment to this position will be subject to satisfactory right to work, enhanced DBS and references. We are an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer

Location: Watford, GB

Posted Date: 7/16/2025