This is an exciting time to join Children's Services at Dorset Council. As a Pathfinder authority, we are committed to investing in young people, expanding our Targeted Youth Work Offer from 8 to 26 roles, and strengthening our Learning and Belonging teams. Our focus is on supporting vulnerable learners to ensure they successfully transition into post-16 education, employment, or training.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate leader with a relevant qualification in youth work, education, or a related field, and a strong track record in both operational and strategic management.
About the Role
This role will lead on two key areas:
Shaping Dorset’s Youth Work Approach
You will drive the development of the local authority’s youth work strategy, ensuring high-quality delivery, workforce development, and policy and practice improvement. With staff undertaking Level 3 and Level 6 Youth Work Apprenticeships, you will support their professional growth and oversee a wider programme to embed best practice. A key part of this role is leading the local authority’s work on contextual safeguarding, working with strategic partners to develop preventative approaches and reduce extra-familial risks to young people. You will also collaborate closely with the voluntary and community sector, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to sustain universal open-access youth provision. This includes managing the Dorset Youth Grant scheme, distributing funding to voluntary sector organisations.
Preventing NEET and Supporting Young People into Education, Employment, or Training
You will lead Dorset’s approach to preventing young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and supporting those who need help to re-engage. Managing the EET Tracking and Re-Engagement Team, as well as the Pan-Dorset Careers Hub, you will work closely with education leaders, further education providers, and colleagues across the region, including the neighbouring BCP authority, to ensure young people have the best possible opportunities for their future.
About You
We are looking for a proactive leader who thrives on building strong relationships and driving change. You will have:
- experience in youth work, education, or a related field, with expertise in both strategic planning and operational delivery.
- a track record of working in complex environments, collaborating with partners, and delivering real outcomes for young people.
- the ability to respond to challenging and dynamic situations with creativity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
If you are passionate about empowering young people, shaping innovative services, and leading positive change, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now to join us in making a lasting impact on young people’s futures in Dorset.