Step into a role where faith, fresh air, and young people’s growth come together. Oakwood Youth Challenge is looking for an energetic, people-loving Christian Youth Worker to spark belonging, build community, and help local young people discover their potential physically, socially and spiritually.

You’ll lead our Roots Youth Ministry, delivering engaging sessions, champion young people’s wellbeing and faith journeys, and help Oakwood connect more deeply with schools, churches, and the wider community. There’s plenty of room to shape, stretch, and grow this role as you go.

If you’re a relational disciple-maker who thrives on connection, creativity, and a bit of outdoor adventure, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

Oakwood Youth Challenge is a Christian charity with an outdoor activity centre and climbing facility. We help young people grow physically, socially, and spiritually through adventure, community, and faith.

We’re looking for a passionate, relational Christian Youth Worker who will lead and grow our youth ministry, and help Oakwood deepen its engagement with the wider community. This is a role with room to shape, develop, and expand with the right person.

This position is available as a three-day or four-day work week. The final pattern will be agreed based on your skills, experience, and availability.

The heart of the role (primary focus)

Youth Work / Roots Youth Ministry (approx. 60–70%)

You will:

• Lead Roots Youth Ministry, running weekly youth sessions and events.
• Plan engaging programmes that help young people thrive, belong, and explore faith.
• Build supportive relationships with young people, families, and volunteers.
• Deliver Christian teaching in line with Oakwood’s Statement of Faith, helping young people connect with Jesus and local churches.
• Develop and support volunteers, creating a healthy, joyful ministry culture.

Community Engagement / Partnership development (approx. 20–30%)

You will:

• Build and grow relationships with schools, churches, councils, and community groups.
• Listen for local needs and identify opportunities for Oakwood to serve and collaborate.
• Help Oakwood widen its reach in ways that support and amplify young people’s wellbeing and faith journeys.
• Shape and evolve this area of work with the CEO – this part of the role can grow into something bigger over time.

Access to Oakwood / widening participation (approx. 10%)

We want to maximise access for young people who might not otherwise get these opportunities. You will:

• Champion and develop pathways that help more local young people connect with Oakwood.
• Work with SLT and staff to keep this a shared commitment, while providing focused leadership so it’s done well and sustainably.
• Support re-Vision/FACE-aligned ambitions to remove barriers and increase participation.

Other key contributions

You will also:

• Support outdoor activity delivery alongside our team (training provided).
• Help communicate Oakwood’s story through impact reporting and marketing input.
• Safeguard young people, following Oakwood policies and best practice; act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead when needed.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be someone who:

• Is a committed follower of Jesus, able to model discipleship (Genuine Occupational Requirement) and regularly attends / serves in a local Church.
• Has experience in Christian youth work and feels confident leading sessions and faith-based programmes.
• Is relational, enthusiastic, emotionally intelligent, and naturally connects with young people.
• Brings adaptability, initiative, and an entrepreneurial mindset – you spot opportunities, try things, and learn fast.
• Can collaborate well, build trust, and work across different groups and settings.
• Enjoys the outdoors and is happy supporting activity sessions (experience helpful but not required).

Essential requirements

• Willingness to undertake/maintain DBS clearance and safeguarding training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver youth programmes and Christian teaching.

Desirable

• Ability to drive a 16-seater minibus.
• Background or some experience in outdoor activities.

Why join Oakwood?

You’ll be part of a supportive team doing meaningful work with real community impact – helping young people grow in faith, confidence, character, and belonging through challenge and care.

To apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your suitability to ryan@oakwoodyouth.co.uk.