Hospital Navigator/Youth Worker

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our Emergency Department team, providing specialist support to predominantly young people aged 11-25 years who present to hospital following interpersonal violence or exploitation-related harm. There will be times where you will be working with individuals outside of this age range.

The role will focus on delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent interventions to support young people at a critical moment following injury. The post holder will work across the Emergency Department and relevant inpatient wards to provide rapid engagement, safety planning, and connection to community services, with the aim of reducing repeat attendances related to violence and improving long-term outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in this project from its inception and contribute to a hospital-based violence reduction approach, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals, safeguarding teams, and external community partners to improve outcomes for young people affected by violence across Bristol.

Main duties of the job

The Youth Worker will provide specialist engagement and case management support for young people with presentations to the ED relating to interpersonal violence.

You will:

Deliver trauma-informed interventions, support and safety planning,

Use your established skills and experience within the community to ensure support is ongoing and tailored. Ensuring young people can leave hospital safely, with support in place.

Provide ward in-reach support to patients admitted following violence-related injuries.

Facilitate referrals and warm handovers to community services including youth services, mental health support, substance use services, and violence reduction programmes.

Conducting follow-up contact following discharge to support recovery and service engagement.

Working collaboratively with clinical teams to support safeguarding and risk management processes.

Delivering education and training to Emergency Department and wider hospital staff on recognising and responding to youth violence and exploitation.

Maintaining accurate records and contributing to data monitoring, audit, and service improvement initiatives.

The post holder will play a key role in supporting young people at a critical moment following injury and helping to prevent further harm.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• Degree or equivalent level experience in youth work, social care, community work, psychology, criminology, or related field
• Safeguarding Children & Young People training (level 3 or willingness to undertake)

Desirable

• Formal training in trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing, restorative practice, or de-escalation

Work experience

Essential

• Substantial experience in youth work, youth justice and community work (or similar) within Bristol
• Experience of direct work with young people aged 11-25 affected by violence, trauma, or complex needs

Desirable

• Experience of working in acute hospital setting

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of serious youth violence, interpersonal violence, exploitation, and contextual safeguarding
• Understanding of trauma, ACEs, and their impact on health and behaviour
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, thresholds, and escalation processes
• Knowledge of Bristol’s serious youth violence context and local services
• Experience engaging young people in crisis or high-risk situations
• Experience of direct work with young people aged 11-25 affected by violence, trauma, or complex needs

Desirable

• Understanding of hospital safeguarding and ED workflows

Personal

Essential

• Trauma-informed, non-judgemental, and youth-centred approach
• Resilient, reflective, and emotionally aware. Proactive and adaptable within a developing service
• Commitment to NHS values and anti-discriminatory practice
• Ability to travel across Bristol

Closing Date: 21 July 2026