Young Persons Practitioner

Young Persons Practitioner
Salary: £26,006.84 per annum
Location: Paisley, Renfrewshire
**Contract/Hours: Fixed Term contract for 12 months / Full Time – 37 hours per week including evenings and weekends **

**Benefits: **

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

We’re looking for a passionate, motivated and creative Young Person’s Practitioner to join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. You’ll build positive relationships, deliver engaging group and 1‑1 activities, and provide tailored support to help young people feel heard, valued and empowered.

This role is varied and dynamic, involving work from our Paisley hub, outreach in the community and occasional evening or weekend activities. You’ll adapt to the needs of young people, meeting them where they are and helping them connect with opportunities that enrich their lives.

As Routes continues to grow, you’ll play an active role in shaping its future. You’ll contribute ideas, reflect on practice and help ensure the service remains responsive, inclusive and co‑produced with young people. Your insight and creativity will help us continue delivering a service that truly makes a difference.

**About the Service **

Grow Your Own Routes is a vibrant, fast‑paced and deeply rewarding youth service based in Paisley, supporting young people aged 12–26 who have been affected by family alcohol or drug use. We work from our welcoming hub and out in the community, offering a mix of group sessions, 1‑1 support and creative activities that help young people build confidence, connection and positive memories.

Our service is co‑produced with young people, and their voices shape everything we do — from programme design to recruitment. Young people will be involved in the interview and induction process, reflecting the high value they hold within Routes.

The Routes model is built on hope, aspiration and self‑worth. We are fully committed to The Promise, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived or care experience. This post supports the ongoing delivery of Routes until March 2027, with continuation subject to future funding.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities of a Young Persons Practitioner are to;

• Deliver youth‑led sessions — facilitating group activities and 1‑1 support that build confidence, connection and wellbeing.
• Build trusting relationships — creating safe, supportive spaces where young people feel heard and valued.
• Advocate for young people — ensuring their voices shape decisions, plans and service development.
• Work collaboratively — contributing to a supportive team culture and working alongside partners, families and the community.
• Maintain accurate records — completing paperwork, session notes and monitoring information to a high standard.
• Support co‑production — involving young people in shaping activities, projects and service direction.

Let’s talk about you

• Experience supporting young people — particularly those affected by family substance use or other challenging circumstances.
• Strong communication skills — able to engage, listen and build rapport with diverse groups of young people.
• Creative problem‑solving — bringing energy, ideas and flexibility to session planning and delivery.
• Trauma‑informed understanding — recognising the impact of early adversity and responding with empathy and consistency.
• Ability to work independently — confident managing your own workload while contributing to a wider team.
• HNC‑level qualification — or equivalent experience relevant to youth work or social care.
• Driving licence and access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Contact: If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13281

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under- represented within Action for Children.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Job description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

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Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.