Youth Worker Leader

Working Hours: 37 hours

Location: Bradford

Closing Date: 31/05/2026

Job Category: Early Help & Transformation

Region / Division: Bradford

Business Unit: Youth Service

Job Introduction

Youth Worker Leader - Full Time

Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as its geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.

We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

About the Paddock / Crisis Care Service

The Paddock is a newly developed short-term accommodation and support setting providing a safe, nurturing environment for children and young people in crisis, experiencing placement breakdown, or requiring supportive overnight accommodation. The setting supports trauma-informed practice, 1-1 intervention, outdoor activities, and multi agency working.

Role Overview

Youth Workers within The Paddock will play a key role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed youth work. You will work as part of a rota supporting a 24/7 operating model, ensuring children feel safe, listened to, and supported during short stays.

Our strategic vision and values are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.

Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the provision and act as the Lead Worker.
• Manage multiple children in the provision.
• Carry out day-to-day supervisions of Part Time Youth Workers.
• Deliver trauma-informed, child centred youth work interventions.
• Support children through crisis, emotional regulation, and safety planning.
• Contribute to daily records, risk assessments, and summary reports using systems such as LCS.
• Provide support through activities, routines, and 1 to 1 engagement.
• Work collaboratively with Breaking the Cycle, Strengthening Families, Social Care, EDT, and partner agencies.
• Ensure safe supervision within the property and outdoor spaces.
• Participate in handovers, reflective practice, and team development.

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification in Youth Work or currently working towards it. Alternative qualifications that allow a top up to Level 6 in Youth Work may be considered.
• Experience delivering youth work with vulnerable or at risk young people.
• Understanding of trauma informed, restorative and youth work practice.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a rota based, fast paced environment.
• Confidence in completing risk assessments and maintaining high quality written records.
• Commitment to safeguarding, relational practice and youth voice.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Excellent Local Government pension.
• Family friendly policies and enhanced parental leave.
• Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• We are a National Living Wage employer.

Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Disclosures and Checks

If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children's barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.