Current Vacancies

Check out our current vacancies below and follow our social media channels to be alerted to new vacancies as they arise.

Young Somerset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

To read more about how we do this, please take a look at our Safeguarding Policy.

Read our Data Protection Privacy Notice for applicants here>>

We recognise that people from some backgrounds are under-represented in our workforce and across the wider charity sector. A more diverse workforce will enable us to deliver even more impact and we particularly encourage applications from communities which are currently under-represented. This includes people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds, people with a disability, people who are LGBT+ and people who are from the neuro diverse community. Whilst some of our workspaces are not currently accessible for all forms of disability, we operate hybrid working arrangements and are open and supportive to discussions about individual circumstances.

To discover more about working for Young Somerset, go here.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Lead:

Join Young Somerset and help shape inclusive practice across our services. 

Young Somerset is committed to ensuring every child and young person can access high-quality support, regardless of their individual needs. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Special Educational Needs (SEN) Lead to champion inclusive practice across our organisation. 

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified SEN professional looking to apply their expertise beyond the school environment. Rather than working as a school SENCO or managing statutory school processes, you will provide strategic advice, guidance and training to colleagues across Young Somerset, helping to embed inclusive practice within our services. 

The role does not involve responsibility for coordinating school SEND provision, writing or managing EHCPs, completing statutory assessments or undertaking school-based SENCO duties. 

Instead, you will: 

• Provide specialist advice and consultation to practitioners and managers. 

• Support staff to adapt activities, environments and interventions to meet a wide range of needs. 

• Deliver engaging training and build confidence in inclusive practice across the organisation. 

• Contribute to the development of high-quality, evidence-informed services. 

• Build strong relationships with schools, local authority colleagues and other partners to ensure joined-up support for children and young people. 

• Keep Young Somerset informed of developments in SEND legislation, guidance and best practice. 

We are looking for someone who has: 

• A recognised SEN qualification. 

• Significant experience supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. 

• Excellent knowledge of current SEND legislation, guidance and best practice. 

• Experience of delivering training, coaching or developing the skills of others. 

• Strong communication and partnership working skills. 

• The ability to influence, coach and support practitioners to deliver inclusive services. 

We offer: 

• Young Somerset Terms and Conditions of Employment. 

• Full-year permanent contract. 

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. 

• Generous annual leave entitlement. 

• Pension scheme. 

• Employee Wellbeing Programme. 

• Ongoing professional development and training. 

• The opportunity to influence inclusive practice and make a lasting difference to children, young people and families across Somerset

Salary: £40,000 

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) or part-time considered 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Hybrid working across Somerset, with travel to Young Somerset offices, community settings and partner venues as required. This is not a school-based role.

Closing date: 23th September 2026 

Interested?

Please read the SEN Lead Job Description  

To apply, complete the YS Application Form and YS Disability Questionnaire and email to [email protected].   

Young Somerset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. 

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

To discover more about working for Young Somerset, click here:  https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/why-work-for-us   

Pathway to Trainee Infant and Early Years Practitioners (IEYP) :

Join Our Early Years Mental Health and Wellbeing Team  

Start with Young Somerset in November 2026 and begin university training in January 2027  

Are you passionate about supporting children and families?  

This is an exciting opportunity to join Young Somerset’s Early Years Mental Health and Wellbeing Team and begin a rewarding career in early intervention and mental health.  

Starting in November 2026, you will gain hands-on experience working with children aged 0–5 and their families across homes, early years settings, and community venues. You’ll work alongside experienced practitioners, building your skills and confidence before starting fully funded university training with Exeter University in January 2027.

About the Role  

You will support the delivery of early years mental health and wellbeing interventions, helping families strengthen relationships, improve wellbeing, and promote healthy attachment. The role includes contributing to parenting programmes, group work, and early years initiatives such as Early Years Explorers and the Transition Programme.  

Training & Development  

• Join Young Somerset in November 2026  

• Begin fully funded Exeter University training in January 2027  

• Attend hybrid university study days  

• Apply your learning directly in practice  

• Receive supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing development support  

Why Join Us?  

• Work for Somerset’s leading VCSE youth and mental health organisation  

• Be part of an innovative and supportive multidisciplinary team  

• Make a real difference to children and families  

• Access excellent development and progression opportunities  

• Gain valuable experience alongside fully funded professional training  

Salary & Hours: November– January: £26,138 per annum  
From January 2027 (Trainee Salary): £27,675 per annum  

Hours: 37 hours per week  

Location: Whilst there is an expectation to work across Somerset when required, this role will be predominantly based in Yeovil and South Somerset.   

If you’re looking to start a meaningful career supporting young children and families, we’d love to hear from you.  

“Since joining Young Somerset in January, I have been made to feel welcome and have settled in well. Everyone I have met has been so helpful and supportive as I transition into my new role. I have had excellent line management and supervision that have aided my learning.  The course is interesting and theoretical, which I love, and it challenges your thinking around parenting, mental health and early years development. I feel it has expanded my skills and knowledge from my previous role, and I really love the work I have been doing with families, particularly when you can see the difference it is making to their lives in those eureka moments.” Kelly, Trainee IEYP  

Interested?  

Please read the Trainee IEYP Job Description  

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:  

[email protected]  

To apply, complete the YS Application Form and YS Disability Questionnaire and email to [email protected].   

Closing date: 25th September 2026 

Anticipated interview date: 8th October 2026 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if suitable candidates are found so would encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.   

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.   

To discover more about working for Young Somerset, click here:  https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/why-work-for-us