Helping young people improve their lives is as important today as it has been ever before. Youth work isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships, to be a positive role model and to have an incredible impact on young lives. Youth workers recognise that human beings are social creatures who can learn, develop and grow through collaboration with those around them. To help young people develop, youth workers facilitate social situations, in which young people work within their peer groups, taking part in challenging and developmental activities.
Closed opportunities
1.Youth Worker
Experience
- 1+ years’ experience in youth work
- Experience in either detached youth work or mental health (understanding of both)
- JNC-recognised youth work qualification (Level 3 or above)
Job spec – Youth Worker
- Location:12 South Parade, Wakefield, WF1 1LR (Office base), Barnsley, Wakefield or Leeds (Project work)
- Pay scale: TYA Level 2 (£28,947), paid at £17.62/hour
- Hours: Part time, to be discussed with TYA management, based on allocated project, experience and organisational need
- Contract length: Permanent but variable hours
Closing date: Thursday 18th June 2026
Interviews: 29th June – 3rd July 2026
Job Description – Youth Worker
2. Youth Support Worker
Experience
- Experience of working with young people
- Capacity to pursue a Level 3 JNC-recognised youth work qualification
Job spec – Youth Support Worker
- Location: 12 South Parade, Wakefield, WF1 1LR (Office base), Barnsley, Wakefield or Leeds (Project work)
- Pay scale: TYA Level 1 (£27,624), paid at £16.82 / hour
- Hours: Part time, to be discussed with TYA management, based on allocated project, experience and organisational need
- Contract length: Permanent but variable hours
Closing date: Thursday 18th June 2026
Interviews: 29th June – 3rd July 2026
3. Lead Youth Worker
We’re looking for a Lead Youth Worker to join our team at The Youth Association! If you’re an experienced and passionate youth worker, this is a fantastic opportunity to lead impactful programmes, support young people, and help shape the future of youth work in Yorkshire.
What we’re looking for:
- 2+ years’ experience in youth work
- Experience delivering and developing youth work programmes
- Experience in detached youth work & mental health
- JNC-recognised youth work qualification (Level 3 or above)
Ongoing interest:
We are always seeking to connect with new people! Whether you’re an aspiring youth worker just starting your youth work journey, or an experienced youth worker already in the sector, we want to hear from you.
Four times a year, we hold orientation sessions at our premises, where we provide information about youth work careers and working at TYA. Here, we will introduce you to youth work, discuss career options and explain a little more about the youth worker and youth support worker roles we periodically advertise. If you’re interested, please complete the Expression of Interest form below.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BELOW
Find out more
For further details about working with us at The Youth Association, to arrange an informal chat or to make an application for a post, please complete the form.
Youth Work is a fantastic career. You will find Youth Workers supporting young people in a variety of settings and services. The one thing that unites them is the belief and use of the underlying principles and practices of Youth Work.
Why are there different levels of training?
Youth Work Qualifications and training are often linked to levels of responsibilities outlined in youth work job descriptions and pay.
How do you get started?
Lots of people, (including young people) start their Youth Work career as a volunteer, or a part-time assistant and as they gain more experience and training they progress.
What does ‘JNC’ mean?
Youth Work is a distinct profession, it’s qualifications are endorsed by the ‘Joint Negotiation Committee’ (JNC) – made up of employers and unions. Responsibility for validating courses and ensuring quality is delegated via the National Youth Agency to the Youth Work English Education Standards Committee (ETS), an independent body made up of representatives of the sector
If a qualification doesn’t say its JNC it’s not youth work and consequently won’t be recognised as such on job applications.
How can I progress?
The Level 3 qualification has 16 UCAS points, so if you successfully complete your Level 3 qualification, you are eligible to apply for entry on to a degree programme and it will have ‘youth work’ in the title.
Can I turn apprenticeships into a degree?
Yes, the Level 3 Apprenticeship is the equivalent of the Level 3 Diploma, and the Level 6 apprenticeship in Youth Work is a BA Hons.
Once qualified there are lots of opportunities to continue your learning and career progression.