Youth Worker (Part-time)

Base: Gosport, with travel to Fort Widley based on business needs

Hours: Monday, 3.30 pm–6.30 pm and Wednesday, 3.30 pm–6.30 pm (6 hours per week). Additional hours may be available during term time and school holidays

Purpose of the Role

The Youth Worker will provide high-quality, consistent and person-centred support to young people aged 9–19 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within an alternative provision setting. The postholder will also support community outreach programmes, after-school clubs and holiday clubs.

The role focuses on building trusted professional relationships, increasing engagement in learning and positive activities, supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing, and helping young people develop confidence, independence, resilience, social skills and practical life skills.

The postholder will use youth work, trauma-informed and restorative approaches alongside creative, practical, recreational and vocational activities—such as woodwork, outdoor learning, multi-trade projects and creative arts—to promote participation, personal development and positive outcomes.

The role is primarily based in Gosport. The successful candidate must be flexible and able to work at both Gosport and Fort Widley, according to service needs.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Youth Work & Student Mentor

· Assist with the delivery of youth sessions across both Oarsome Chance sites.

· Support the delivery of varied, engaging activities for young people aged 9–19 with SEND, neurodiversity and SEMH needs.

· Contribute creative ideas to the planning, preparation and review of activities delivered during sessions.

· Build positive, professional relationships with young people and support their social, emotional and personal-development needs.

· Encourage and enable young people to participate in a range of practical, creative, recreational and outdoor activities.

· Help young people develop confidence, independence, resilience, communication, teamwork and personal and social skills.

· Adapt communication, support and activities to individual needs, strengths, EHCP outcomes and risk-management arrangements, where applicable.

· Use positive, trauma-informed and restorative approaches to support emotional regulation and safely challenge inappropriate language or behaviour.

· Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people supported at Oarsome Chance and follow safeguarding, health and safety and risk-assessment procedures.

· Identify individual support needs and report personal, wellbeing or safeguarding concerns promptly to the Line Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead.

· Record attendance, participation, achievements, incidents and concerns accurately, in line with organisational procedures.

· Be a positive and dependable member of the staff team, taking personal responsibility for good morale, effective communication and constructive working relationships.

· Participate in required training, supervision, staff meetings and service-development activities.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

· Experience of supporting children or young people, preferably in youth work, alternative provision, education, care or a community setting.

· Experience of supporting young people with neurodiversity, SEND and/or SEMH needs.

· Experience of responding constructively to language and behaviour that may challenge, using calm and appropriate approaches.

Skills

· Ability to contribute creative ideas and practical solutions to programme delivery.

· Proactive and able to engage young people through purposeful activities.

· Friendly, positive and welcoming approach.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to positive working relationships.

· Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

· Good verbal communication, active-listening, organisation and record-keeping skills.

Knowledge

· Good knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding children and young people.

· Awareness of issues and barriers that young people with SEND and SEMH needs may experience.

· Understanding of positive behaviour support, emotional regulation and trauma-informed practice.

· Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities.

Personal Attributes

· Able to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with adults and young people.

· Patient, reliable, approachable and a good listener.

· Able to organise own time, use initiative and maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries.

· Willing to take part in outdoor, practical and off-site activities.

· Willing to share relevant skills, interests or hobbies—such as music, media, sport, practical skills or creative arts—to support programme development.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

· Oarsome Chance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, proof of identity and right to work, and an appropriate enhanced DBS check.

As the role involves driving, a valid UK driving licence is mandatory

Lat Date to apply : 26th October 2026

Interviews will start from 1st week of November

Pay: £15.43 per hour

Expected hours: 6.0 per week

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a valid UK Driving Licence?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person