Come work with us.
Bring a waterproof.

We're a small team doing work that matters. If you care about young people and don't mind being outside in all weathers, keep reading.

Working at TOC

This isn't a desk job.

You'll be on an estate on a Tuesday evening, lighting a fire in the rain while a teenager tells you about their week. You'll play football in the mud. You'll have conversations that matter with young people who don't trust many adults.

You'll get rained on. A lot.

It's also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. We take the wellbeing of our staff as seriously as we take the wellbeing of the young people we work with. That means fair pay, a 32-hour full-time working week, six weeks' holiday, regular training, proper supervision, and a team that has your back.

32-hour week
6 weeks' holiday
Regular supervision
Ongoing training
Fair pay

Who we want

Who we're looking for.

Experience working with children and young people is important. But so is the stuff that doesn't go on a CV: patience, warmth, reliability, a sense of humour, and the willingness to meet young people where they are, rather than where you'd like them to be.

We value lived experience. We value people who get it. We celebrate diversity and will make accommodations wherever we can.

If you're passionate and meet some of the essential qualities, don't hesitate to get in touch (even if you're not sure you tick every box).

Opportunities

Current vacancies.

Detached Youth Worker

Carlisle 19 hours per week (2.5 days) Closes 2026-04-06

We're looking for someone to deliver detached youth work in Carlisle. That means going to where young people already spend their time. Housing estates, parks, the city centre. You'll be a trusted adult they can rely on, following their lead and helping them build whatever they want this project to become.

Essential qualities

  • Be approachable, friendly and able to operate professionally in a non-judgmental way
  • Experience working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs
  • Have experience in reflective practice, be aware of prejudice and bias and willing to develop on this
  • Community minded and wants to support individuals and communities to thrive
  • An ability to tap into your playful nature and be happy to be led by participants
  • Able to communicate effectively with young people, parents, team members and members of the public
  • Flexibility and adaptability to deliver work within a framework that promotes inclusion
  • Ability to engage and build positive relationships with young people including those currently not engaged and who may need extra time and care to build trust
  • Ability to empower, encourage, motivate and provide reliable support to children and young people
  • Curiosity and eagerness to learn about and develop youth work practice
  • A passion and drive to make a difference

Desirable

  • Experience of detached youth work or youth club settings
  • Experience delivering activities or projects for young people
  • Experience working with young people with additional needs and disabilities
Apply / enquire →

Don't see the right role? We sometimes recruit outside of listed vacancies. If you think you'd be a good fit for the team, get in touch and tell us about yourself.

Get in touch →

Not looking for a job? Volunteer instead.

If you want to get involved but aren't looking for paid work, we'd still love to hear from you. Volunteering with us is a proper commitment. You'll be working directly with young people, and we'll support you every step of the way.

Find out about volunteering →