Job overview

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate individual to join the new NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service (London) in the role of Youth Worker.

The Youth Worker role will play an important role in supporting young people and their families through the service. The role will involve managing a caseload of young people with complex needs, and ensure an effective care pathway is taken for individual children and young people, and their families.

The postholder must be a qualified youth worker, or registered nurse. The postholder must have completed a child protection qualification, as well as having completed a relevant Honours degree.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and families, and must have experience in operational management and managing organisational change. Experience of working with LGBTQ+ young people and an understanding of their needs is essential.

This is a temporary position until 30th September 2026

Main duties of the job

A new clinical pathway has been developed, informed by The Cass Review Interim Report, NHS England’s interim specification, and the expertise of clinicians across the Northern and Southern Hubs. The service will be delivered by a wide multi-disciplinary team including paediatricians, mental health practitioners, youth workers, nurses, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. Who patients see will depend on their needs.

Children and young people will receive an in-depth assessment and a care plan developed with them and, where appropriate, their families. Interventions may include therapy, family therapy, physical health input, or mental health support, with the team also liaising with local services. The NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service will continue to evolve as evidence develops, so we welcome applicants with a passion for service improvement, audit and research.

The main duties are to provide support to gender-questioning children and young people, safeguarding their emotional and psychological wellbeing, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for them and their families. You will also help raise awareness and understanding of the youth team’s work, both internally and externally, ensuring young people feel supported throughout their care journey.

Working for our organisation

Following the recommendations of The Cass Review Interim Report, two new nationally networked services led by specialist children’s tertiary care providers are being established. The Southern Hub, based in London, is delivered by a partnership of Evelina London Children’s Hospital (part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust), Great Ormond Street Hospital and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

The Northern Hub is delivered by a partnership of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust). This role is based in the Southern Hub.

We are committed to promoting an environment that embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We would like all our families and staff to feel valued and respected because we try to understand and provide for their individual needs.