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Holiday Youth Support Worker – Youth Development Project

London, England•Temporary
£13.85+ hourly
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About the Job
Hours: Casual / Holiday Contract (School Holidays Only)
Salary: £13.85 per hour
Location: Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, Hounslow and surrounding areas
Please ensure you are within a commutable distance before applying.
No sponsorship available.

About the Role

Are you energetic, creative, and passionate about supporting young people with learning disabilities to thrive, make friends, and enjoy new experiences?

HF Mencap is looking for enthusiastic Holiday Youth Support Workers to join our Youth Development Project during school holidays. Our holiday programmes provide fun, engaging, and meaningful opportunities for young people with learning disabilities, helping them build confidence, independence, social skills, and lasting friendships.

The role involves supporting young people to take part in a wide range of exciting activities and trips, including bowling, swimming, cinema visits, sports sessions, arts and crafts, cooking, music and drama workshops, digital media projects, gaming, health and wellbeing activities, local community events, parks, museums, and day trips across London. No two days are the same, and every day provides an opportunity to make a real difference.

To get a feel for what we do, visit our Instagram page where you'll find examples of the activities, trips, and experiences enjoyed by the young people we support.

No previous support work experience is required. We are looking for people with the right values, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping young people achieve their potential.

This role is particularly suitable for SEN Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers, Sports Coaches, Activity Leaders, students, and others looking for rewarding work during school holidays.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Young People

  • Support young people with learning disabilities to participate fully in centre-based and community activities.
  • Encourage independence, confidence, communication, and social interaction.
  • Provide individualised support based on each young person's needs and goals.
Trips & Activity Delivery

  • Support young people during community outings, day trips, and recreational activities.
  • Assist in delivering engaging holiday programmes including sports, creative arts, cooking, digital media, wellbeing activities, games, and workshops.
  • Encourage participation, teamwork, and enjoyment while promoting personal development and learning.
  • Help ensure all activities are safe, inclusive, and accessible.
Community Inclusion

  • Support young people to access local facilities, events, and opportunities within their community.
  • Promote positive friendships, social connections, and community participation.
Personal Care & Wellbeing

  • Provide personal care where required in a respectful and dignified manner.
  • Support young people's health, wellbeing, and emotional needs throughout activities and outings.
Record Keeping & Safeguarding

  • Maintain accurate records as required.
  • Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational procedures at all times.
Teamwork

  • Work closely with colleagues, families, and young people to deliver high-quality support.
  • Contribute ideas and help develop exciting and engaging holiday activities.
Who We're Looking For

Essential

  • A genuine passion for working with young people with learning disabilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive, patient, and flexible approach.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Reliability, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
  • Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
Desirable

  • Experience working with children or young people in education, youth work, sports coaching, childcare, or support settings.
  • SEN teaching or teaching assistant experience.
  • Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
  • Confidence leading activities, games, workshops, or group sessions.
  • Intermediate swimming ability.
Why Join HF Mencap?

Full Training Provided

We provide induction and ongoing training, including:

  • Safeguarding
  • Health & Safety
  • Positive Behaviour Support
  • Person-Centred Practice
  • Working with Young People with Learning Disabilities
Supportive Team

Join a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive team committed to making a positive impact.

Develop Valuable Skills

Gain practical experience in youth work, SEND support, community engagement, activity delivery, and supporting young people to achieve greater independence.

Enhanced DBS

HF Mencap will cover the cost of your Enhanced DBS check where required.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short covering statement explaining:

  • Why you would like to work with young people with learning disabilities.
  • Any relevant experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
  • Your availability during school holidays.
Before applying, please ensure you can reliably travel to Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, Hounslow, and surrounding areas.

Successful applicants will be invited to interview and, if appointed, will complete a structured induction and training programme before joining our holiday delivery team.

About HF Mencap
Our Mission
To empower children and adults
with learning disabilities and autism to get their
voice heard, reach their potential and be included in their local
community.

Our Vision
We seek to promote the wellbeing and development of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism in all areas of their lives as well as supporting their families and carers.
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