Senior Activity Support Worker

Keys Group; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth support organization in Cheltenham is seeking a Senior Activity Support Worker to lead outdoor activities and provide care to young people aged 8-18. The candidate should have NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Child Care and a passion for youth support. This role includes on-site accommodation and meals during shifts, with a focus on delivering therapeutic care through adventure-based programs. Competitive salary and generous leave are offered.

Benefits

5.6 Weeks annual leave

Paid DBS checks

Fully funded QCF qualifications

Employee Assistance Programme

Referral Bonus

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with young people in residential or activity-based settings.
• Must hold a full UK driver’s licence and be over 21.
• Eligibility to work in the UK is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead outdoor activities that build confidence and resilience.
• Build strong, positive relationships with young people.
• Support and mentor junior staff to ensure high-quality care.
• Maintain a safe environment through safeguarding standards.
• Inspire young people through meaningful interactions.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional resilience

Passion for supporting youth

Education

NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Child Care

Job description

Senior Activity Support Worker – Passion for the Outdoors & Youth Support

Assigned shift structure4 consecutive working days (including overnights), followed by 8 days off

🚫 Important Requirements – Please Read Before Applying

• ✅ A full, valid UK driver’s licence is required
• ✅ You must be at least 21 years of age to apply
• ✅ NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Child Care (Please clearly state this on your CV)
• ⚠️ Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Are you ready to take your next step in residential care and combine it with adventure? We’re looking for a Senior Activity Worker to join our team and play a key role in delivering our innovative and life‑changing 12‑week Activity and Intervention Programme. Based in an Ofsted‑registered children’s home, our service provides crisis intervention placements that give young people (aged 8–18) a chance to reset, grow, and thrive through structure, outdoor adventure, and trauma‑informed care.

✅ About the Role:

As a Senior Activity Worker, you’ll lead by example — combining hands‑on therapeutic care with leadership in outdoor activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. You’ll also support the management team by guiding and supervising Residential Activity Workers, helping ensure that best practice is consistently delivered across the service.

During your 4 working days, you’ll reside onsite at the activity centre (accommodation and meals provided), offering continuity and consistent support for young people.

✅ Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Outdoor Activities: Plan and deliver adventurous activities that build confidence and resilience.
• Provide Direct Support: Build strong, positive relationships with young people and support their daily routines and emotional development.
• Supervise and Guide Staff: Support and mentor junior staff while promoting safe, high‑quality care.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Maintain a safe environment by upholding all safeguarding and health & safety standards.
• Be a Role Model: Inspire and motivate young people through meaningful, everyday interactions.

✅ What We’re Looking For:

• Essential Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Child Care (Please clearly state this on your CV)
• Experience: Previous experience working with young people in residential, care, or activity‑based settings
• Skills: Strong leadership, emotional resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting young people
• Driving: Must be over 21 and hold a full UK driver’s licence with access to a vehicle
• Eligibility: Must have the right to work in the UK

✅ Why Join Keys Group:

• Generous Leave – 5.6 Weeks annual leave
• Progressive pay structure – higher pay for achieved qualifications
• Paid DBS – We cover your Enhanced DBS check and renewals
• Fully funded QCF Level 3/5 qualifications in Social Care
• In‑house Circle App – our internal social platform
• Pension: Matched contributions up to 3% with our NEST scheme
• Blue Light Card – discounts at major retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – mental health and wellbeing support
• Maternity leave
• Referral Bonus: £250 for you and your friend when they join

Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and are able to offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.

As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel providing that they meet the criteria of the role that they are applying for. If you feel that you meet the criteria for this, please ensure that you have your military experience detailed on your CV for one of our resourcing team to get in touch. Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to build a career with purpose and bring your outdoor passion to a meaningful care role – we want to hear from you.

#PoweredByPeople #InspiredByAmbition #EPICPeople

• Salary £14.10 - £14.70 per hour £26,566.80 – £27,783.60 per year