216 Youth Development Officer jobs in the United Kingdom

• Provide direct support and information to community members via phone, email, and video conferencing regarding social services, benefits, and local resources.
• Assess client needs and circumstances, developing personalized support plans to address their challenges.
• Connect individuals and families with appropriate community agencies, healthcare providers, and support groups.
• Assist clients in navigating complex application processes for social assistance programs, housing, and other essential services.
• Offer emotional support and a listening ear to individuals experiencing distress or hardship.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with data protection regulations.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they receive the necessary support and access to services.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of local and national support services available.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate care and service delivery.
• Organize and facilitate virtual support groups or information sessions for community members.
• Respond to inquiries and provide assistance in a timely, professional, and empathetic manner.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of service delivery by providing feedback and insights.

• Proven experience in social work, community outreach, counselling, or a related field within the social care sector.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and empathetic interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess needs, develop support plans, and connect individuals with resources.
• Strong understanding of social welfare systems, community resources, and relevant legislation.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools (video conferencing, email, instant messaging) and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively, and maintain confidentiality in a remote setting.
• A relevant qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, or a related discipline is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with the unique needs and resources within Cardiff, Wales, UK and surrounding areas is a significant advantage.
• Reliable internet connection and a dedicated, secure workspace at home.
• Passion for helping others and making a positive impact on the community.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities.

• Conduct comprehensive social care assessments of adult individuals' needs and circumstances.
• Develop, implement, and review person-centered care and support plans.
• Coordinate with a range of health and social care professionals, agencies, and service providers.
• Manage a caseload of complex cases, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Safeguard vulnerable adults, responding to and investigating concerns of abuse or neglect.
• Provide emotional support, advice, and advocacy to clients and their families.
• Facilitate community-based support and promote independence and social inclusion.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records in accordance with professional standards and policies.
• Participate in regular supervision and professional development activities.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of social care services.

• Professional Social Work qualification (e.g., BA/BSc Social Work, DipSW).
• Current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England).
• Proven experience working with adults in a social care setting.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures (e.g., Care Act 2014, safeguarding procedures).
• Excellent assessment, care planning, and risk management skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in using IT systems for case management and record-keeping.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for community-based work is often required.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and human rights.

The salary range for Social Workers who have successfully completed their ASYE is 47,239 - 50,135 per annum . This is inclusive of a market supplement of 5,000. We also offer a financial package of up to 6,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post.

Rewards and Benefits

• A competitive relocation package of up to 8,000
• We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
• Access to our car lease scheme
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• Refer a friend payment of 1,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our Adolescent Service in Surrey, which is bringing together a range services for young people including those who go missing, are involved in gang culture and are vulnerable to exploitation, including criminal and sexual exploitation. Our team includes Social Workers and Adolescent Practitioners who are focussed on achieving positive outcomes for young people. We are committed to doing things differently through implementing a brand-new model for working with adolescents, taking into account current research and best practice.

Our Progress

We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement, which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. In relation to our Adolescent Service the report highlights that: "The intensive and highly effective support provided to children and families by adolescent team social workers, intensive family support workers and edge of care workers enables children to remain living with their families when it is safe to do so and in their best interests." and that: "Staff are well-trained and committed, feel highly valued and are proud to work in Surrey." You can read the full report HERE.

About the Role

We are looking for enthusiastic people who want to be part of the journey to help shape services in Surrey for adolescents. You will have support from a range of teams in a central hub to compliment the work that you do. This includes Youth Justice, Missing, Edge of Care and Rapid Response, Intervention Support, Risk and Intelligence and Youth Offer. As part of the latter phase of the safeguarding adolescents model, partnership colleagues from Education, Health, Police and other agencies will join the hubs as part of the commitment towards adolescents services in Surrey.

You will work with skilled, passionate, and supportive Team Managers and colleagues, looking at innovative ways to address adolescent risk outside of the home, building relationships with our families and partners so the voices of our young people are heard. If you are considering your next professional opportunity and looking for an ambitious and highly motivated employer who is continuously striving for better services for children and young people, then our Surrey Children's Services would love to hear from you.

Shortlisting Criteria

We are looking for skilled and passionate adolescent workers who are experienced at working with young people and have the confidence and emotional intelligence to engage others.

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, you application will clearly evidence the following:

• Social workers that have completed their ASYE and are Social Work England registered
• Able to demonstrate skills in supporting adolescents at risk of exploitation, gang culture or other contextual safeguarding risks
• Experience in or willingness to learn about working with young people and an understanding of risk factors for adolescents especially in Surrey
• Capable of working with professionalism and empathy, able to write good quality assessments, implementing contextual plans, delivering interventions and undertaking court work if required

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and qualified social workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Our Inclusive Approach

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer 3 application questions.

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the above questions (lasting approx. 15- 20 min), If successful following this, you will be invited for an in person interview, allowing you to meet the team, check out your potential office and get a feel for what your journey might look like.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable, allowing you to confidently discuss your skills and experiences.

Contact Us

Our friendly teams could talk your socks off when it comes to all things Social Work. We'd love to hear from you and find out more about what you're looking for so if you'd like to talk to us please just drop a quick message to and we'll get a call arranged. We look forward to hearing from you!

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 29th of September 2025.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and families' needs, identifying risks and developing appropriate care plans.
• Manage a complex caseload of children in need, children subject to protection plans, and those in care.
• Provide direct social work interventions, support, and advocacy for children and their families.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of junior social workers, providing guidance on case management and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures relating to child protection and social care.
• Prepare high-quality reports for court, case conferences, and other professional meetings.
• Liaise effectively with partner agencies, including schools, health services, and the police, to ensure coordinated support for children.
• Participate in duty rotas and respond to safeguarding referrals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in accordance with departmental standards.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of social work services.
• Represent the service at multi-agency meetings and forums.
• Undertake reflective practice and engage in continuous professional development.

• BA/BSc (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent recognised social work qualification.
• Current registration with Social Work England (or relevant professional body).
• A minimum of 3 years' post-qualifying experience in Children's Services, with a proven track record of managing complex cases.
• Extensive knowledge of child protection legislation and procedures.
• Experience in undertaking comprehensive assessments and developing care plans.
• Strong skills in safeguarding, risk assessment, and case management.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and support junior staff.
• Resilience and ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for essential travel.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's needs and risks.
• Develop and implement effective care plans in collaboration with families and relevant professionals.
• Provide direct support, advice, and intervention to children and families experiencing difficulties.
• Manage a caseload of complex and high-risk cases.
• Supervise and mentor junior social workers, providing training and support.
• Liaise with schools, healthcare providers, police, and other agencies to coordinate services.
• Prepare court reports and represent the service in legal proceedings when necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in line with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of social care services.

• A degree in Social Work (e.g., BA Hons Social Work) or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care.
• Proven experience in managing complex child protection cases.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures (e.g., Children Act 1989).
• Excellent assessment, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Strong understanding of child development and safeguarding principles.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.