Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC624936
Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £17,136 - £18,785 per annum)
Work Location: X-Perience Youth Centre, Fareham
Hours per week: 18.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Interview Date: 9 October 2026
The Role:
As an Outdoor Learning Specialist, you'll help some of Hampshire's most vulnerable children and young people build confidence, develop resilience and discover what they're capable of through the power of outdoor learning. You'll design and deliver engaging experiences that support wellbeing, personal development and positive outcomes, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive beyond the classroom.
Working as part of our Outdoor Participation team, you'll deliver a range of therapeutic and adventurous outdoor learning programmes across Hampshire, including within specialist and secure settings. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative initiatives, including our growing therapeutic equine-based programme, helping to expand the life-changing experiences available to young people across the county. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference while being part of a supportive team committed to inclusion, innovation and high-quality practice.
What you’ll do:
- Design, deliver and evaluate high-quality outdoor learning programmes for children and young people with diverse needs.
- Lead engaging outdoor education sessions, including one-to-one support, small group programmes and adventurous activities.
- Support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to build confidence, resilience, wellbeing and engagement.
- Enable young people to achieve recognised awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and John Muir Award.
- Maintain safe, inclusive and effective practice through robust planning, risk management, safeguarding and record-keeping.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience supporting children and young people, including those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
- Experience designing, delivering and evaluating bespoke outdoor learning programmes and leading outdoor adventurous activities safely and effectively.
- A strong understanding of risk management, safeguarding, child protection and health and safety when working with children and young people outdoors.
- A caring, patient and person-centred approach, with the ability to build trusting relationships, inspire young people and respond positively to individual needs.
- A genuine passion for improving outcomes for young people and a strong belief in the value of outdoor learning, alongside the resilience and adaptability to support those facing complex challenges.
Take a look at our Candidate Packfor more information about the Outdoor Learning Specialist role, team and our values. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.
Why join us?
- Make a genuine difference to young people's lives through meaningful, life-changing outdoor learning experiences.
- Join a supportive and experienced team that values collaboration, professional development and innovation.
- Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, therefore the advert may close early.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.
Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Outdoor Education Instructor, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Outdoor Education Specialist, Outdoor Activities Instructor, Adventure Learning Instructor, Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Programme Coordinator, Youth Development Worker.
Travel Requirements:
You will be required to drive a Council vehicle and must hold a current full drivers’ licence.
Vetting Requirements:
The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
