Children and Young People’s Support Worker

Children and Young People’s Support Worker
Ref: CYP/SW/JAN26
Minimum 21.5 hours per week (option to increase)
£12.21 per hour
Based in Hartlepool

Families First North East is growing and we’re looking for people who believe in the power of joy, creativity, and compassion to change lives.

Every day, our team supports children and young people with additional needs, learning disabilities, and autism to thrive, explore, and feel truly valued. Whether it’s in our vibrant afterschool club, our fun-filled holiday provision, or out in the community on a 1‑to‑1 basis, we create moments that matter. If that excites you, you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Who We’re Looking For
We want someone who brings energy, imagination, and heart into everything they do. Someone who can spark laughter, build confidence, and help young people experience the world in ways that feel safe, empowering, and fun.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to make a real difference every single day, we’d love to meet you.

Ideally, you’ll have experience supporting children or young people with additional needs — but above all, we’re looking for passion, positivity, and a willingness to learn.

The Role
You’ll be supporting a small number of specific young people across the week, so flexibility is essential. The hours currently required are:
- Monday: 8am – 12 noon
- Tuesday: 8am – 9am
- Thursday: 8am – 11am
- Friday: 8am – 11am
- Saturday: 3.5 hours (time to be confirmed)
- Plus 7 hours (afterschool times, day varies)

This role involves driving, so you must hold a full UK driving licence.

Applicants must also have the Right to Work in the UK, as we cannot provide Certificates of Sponsorship.

Training will be provided where needed — we simply ask for someone who learns quickly, shows initiative, and is eager to grow.

Why Join Families First North East?

• Because what we do matters.
• Because the young people we support deserve the very best.
• And because you’ll be joining a team that genuinely cares — about the work, about each other, and about the community we serve.

We were recently featured on BBC Children in Need, a testament to the impact of our work. You can watch the broadcast on our Facebook page by searching “Families First North East”.

How to Apply
Please read all information carefully.

Applications must be submitted using the online application form below - we do not accept CVs.

Use the reference ‘CYP/SW/JAN26 Application’ when applying.

Deadline: 11am on Friday 6 February 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email, so please ensure your email address is up to date.

If you’d like an informal chat before applying, you’re welcome to contact our Chief Executive, Paul Thompson, on 01429 812950.

Families First North East is committed to safer recruitment. An Enhanced DBS Check will be required for this post.