Outreach Youth Worker

Maternity cover until Feb 2027

Working arrangements:

It’s an exciting time for our Family Help team. As part of Reading Borough Council, we’re expanding our outreach work to meet the growing needs of young people across Reading. With the integration of family hubs into our everyday practice and a renewed focus on targeted youth support, we’re looking for a passionate Outreach Youth Worker to help us deliver meaningful change.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role

You will work directly with young people aged 11–19 in community settings, including streets, parks, and estates, to:

• Build strong, trusting relationships
• Deliver informal education and diversionary activities
• Support access to education, employment, and training
• Reduce risks such as youth crime, substance misuse, and exploitation
• Promote community cohesion and positive citizenship

You will be expected to engage with children and young people aged between 7-18.

What We’re Looking For

• A Youth Work qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent) or relevant experience
• Proven experience in outreach/detached youth work
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Solomon.Fagbayi@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 16th November 2025
Interview Date:To be confirmed

Interview Process:To be confirmed