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Youth Development Support Worker (Full Time)

Support our managers in delivering high quality care

Start 2026 with an exciting new opportunity! We’re looking for a Youth Development Support Worker to join our team at Anchor Care and Education.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Development Support Worker to join our team. In this role, you will make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children (aged 6-18) who are unable to live with their families due to early childhood trauma, neglect, and other significant challenges. Our children may have faced emotional, behavioural, and learning difficulties, leading to challenging behaviours both physically and verbally.

Our team is committed to finding innovative ways to provide the highest levels of care and support, enabling young people to grow as individuals, gain confidence, and develop the life skills necessary for adulthood. We create a homely, therapeutic environment where every child and young person feels happy, healthy, safe, and loved. If you are passionate about making a lasting difference, we want to hear from you!

If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, we look forward to hearing from you!

We're looking for applicants with: 

  • Ideally, at least 6 months experience within a similar or personal setting
  • an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people who have experienced trauma
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build rapport and trust with young people
  • A willingness to engage in Art Therapy sessions led by our in-house Therapy & Well-Being Manager
  • A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
  • Strong teamwork skills with a high standard of practice.
  • Experience in de-escalating and managing challenging behaviours in children and young people in a patient and calm and positive manner
  • Ideally, a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or a willingness to work toward it (full support provided).
  • full UK driving license and access to a car, as our homes are not accessible by public transport.

Shift Patterns & Working Hours

Our rota system allows a great work-life balance, including every other long weekend off:

  • Week 1 (Long Week): Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Week 2 (Short Week): Wednesday, Thursday

All shifts commence at 08:00 until 21:00 and on average is a 42-hour week

Salary & Benefits

Rates of pay are dependent on experience:

  • Level 2: £27,212.64 (£12.46 per hour) – 6-12 months experience
  • Level 3: £28,173.60 (£12.90 per hour) – 12+ months experience (without L3/4 Diploma)
  • Level 4: £29,877.12 (£13.68 per hour) – 12+ months experience with L3 Diploma

Additional Pay:

  • Sleep-in Rate: £60.00 per shift
  • Enhanced overtime rates

What we offer

Joining Anchor Care and Education, you will receive:

  • A comprehensive two-week induction program
  • Clear career progression and promotion opportunities
  • Enhanced overtime rates
  • Generous sleep-in rate
  • Loyalty and attendance bonuses
  • Medicash health cash plan
  • Access to an in-house Therapy & Well-Being Manager
  • A free Blue Light Discount Card
  • Occupational sick scheme
  • Casual dress code
  • Refer-a-friend bonus
  • Training & financial support to complete L3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
  • Auto-enrolment pension
  • DBS check & annual update fee covered
  • Free onsite parking
  • Meals provided on shift
Key benefits

Start your career with Anchor today!

To apply for this position, click the button below.

About this role

Salary: Competitive

Location: Across all homes

Start date: 01/01/2026

Contract: Permanent

Reporting to: Deputy Manager and Registered Manager