We are Hiring: Children and Young People’s Link Worker

Join our work to support communities to thrive.

Are you passionate about helping children and young people thrive? Do you believe every child deserves the chance to flourish, no matter their background? If you are committed to improving mental health and wellbeing and excited to deliver creative, impactful support, we would love to hear from you!

Join our dedicated team to deliver short-term, early-intervention support for children and young people across schools and community settings in North Bristol. You will provide person-centred one-to-one sessions and small group activities that make a real difference –to help young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel empowered to take positive steps for their wellbeing.

Our work sits alongside a vibrant, open-access Youth and Play offer at The Ranch Adventure Playground and Youth Space, where we create opportunities for Children and Young People to connect, grow, and have fun in a safe, supportive environment.

If you are enthusiastic, empathetic, and ready to make an impact, this is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful.

About us:

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride – while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites: the Greenway Centre and The Ranch Adventure Playground and Youth Space. These venues host a wide range of activities, including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know – we will do our best to support you.

About you:

• At least 2 years’ experience working with children and young people, supporting wellbeing and/or mental health
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing children and young people experiencing health inequalities
• Confident in safeguarding practices and committed to keeping children and young people safe
• Empathetic, non-judgemental, reflective, and able to bring a sense of fun to your work
• Excellent interpersonal skills, enabling strong relationships with children, young people, families, and our partners (e.g., schools, social workers).
• Strong administrative skills with the ability to manage a caseload effectively

About the role:

• You will work on a one-to-one basis with children and young people (aged 7-13) to understand their wellbeing needs, and support them to develop new skills, build friendships, explore their interests, and become confident, active members of their community
• You will be part of a small, committed team that collaborates with families, local schools, and the wider community to better understand a child’s needs better and provide support appropriate to their needs.
• You will help design and deliver therapeutic groups to support children and young people’s wellbeing.
• You will be an active part of Southmead Development Trust, participating in regular Reflective Practice sessions, team meetings, and monthly parent/carer coffee mornings.

Details:

Location: Based at Greenway Centre, The Ranch Adventure Playground, and Youth Space.
Please note – there will be an element of travel to and from schools and community settings (in and around Southmead) each day.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £28,404 FTE (with pending cost of living rise in April 2026)

Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week

Holiday & benefits: 33 days annual leave pro rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes.

How to apply:  Please email your CV, along with a cover letter to describe how you fit the Person Specification, to: katemartey@southmead.org

Deadline: 9 am on Monday, 16th February, with interviews scheduled for the week beginning Monday, 23^rd February.

Contact: To arrange a chat or visit, email Kate Martey:  katemartey@southmead.org, or call us on 0117 950 3335

Go to the  Person Specification.