Location: Bournemouth, Poole
Employment Type: Part Time
Working Hours: 11 hours per week (Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday) (excluding bank holidays)
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Application Closing Date: 16/08/2026
Interview Date: 19/08/2026
About Us
YMCA Bournemouth is part of a global organisation making a real difference at a local level in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We are dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse and forward-thinking services that address the needs of our community.
Our work spans key areas such as Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing, all with the aim of enabling individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
About the Position
We are looking for a Sessional Youth Worker to join our team and contribute to the planning and delivery of youth and children’s programmes and activities for 5–17-year-olds.
The role will involve:
- Creating a fun and stimulating atmosphere where young people can explore new ideas, learn new skills, learn respect and develop social skills.
- Maintaining positive relationships with young people of all ages.
- Engaging with young people to identify issues affecting them and referring them to appropriate services when necessary.
- Encouraging young people to participate in activities and helping them develop their skills and confidence.
- Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants is a top priority.
- Completing administrative tasks such as monitoring and evaluating programmes, maintaining records and contributing to reports on youth activities.
As part of the Sessional Youth Worker role, you will work within the Youth Department, ensuring that you:
- Assist and support the Youth Development Coordinator in providing youth work sessions for ages 5–17.
- Act as a role model that young people can trust, who will listen to and take an interest in them.
- Provide one-to-one and group support.
- Support youth sessions, including registration and recording, preparing and providing appropriate activities for different age groups, reporting on YMCAB online systems, and maintaining a working knowledge of safeguarding while adhering to relevant policies and procedures.
- Provide young people with support through detached youth work and mentoring.
This Role Will Involve
- Assisting in the planning and delivery of youth work sessions for ages 5–17.
- Encouraging young people to participate in activities and helping them develop their skills and confidence.
- Ensuring safeguarding and health and safety procedures are followed and reported on the YMCAB online system.
- Mentoring and supporting young people during sessions.
- Building positive and appropriate relationships with young people while acting as a positive role model.
What We’re Looking For
You will be a passionate and motivated individual who is driven by our mission to empower individuals and create stronger communities.
Skills and Competencies
Able to demonstrate:
- The ability to build positive relationships with young people of all ages.
- A good sense of humour and the ability to have fun with young people.
- The ability to work directly with individuals and groups of young people to guide them and develop their skills, capabilities and passions.
- The ability to set clear boundaries with young people and volunteers.
- Clear communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
- Good time management and leadership skills.
- Self-motivation and the ability to be proactive.
- Confidence to work independently and as part of a team.
Personal Attributes
- We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and committed Sessional Youth Worker who shares our passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
- The ability to build positive relationships with children, young people and their families through good rapport, authenticity, sincerity, compassion and empathy.
- A passion for having fun with children and young people and joining in with their activities.
- You will need to be calm, professional, resilient, adaptable, supportive and encouraging.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- At least two years’ experience of working with children and young people aged 5–17.
- Experience of creating an atmosphere where young people can have fun, explore new ideas, learn new skills, learn respect and develop social skills through team games, crafts, sports, play and other activities.
- A Level 3 recognised qualification in youth, children or community work, or equivalent (or currently working towards one).
- Level 3 qualification in Safeguarding Children and Young People.
- Experience demonstrating the ability to effectively deliver and evaluate activities that enhance the wellbeing of young people.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of working with under-represented or hard-to-reach young people.
- ICT and social media skills.
- A full driving licence would be an advantage, or the ability to travel easily around Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.
- Experience of delivering one-to-one mentoring sessions and small group work.
- An understanding of children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re a motivated team player who shares our values and wants to be part of a supportive, impactful organisation, we’d love to hear from you!
Why join YMCA Bournemouth?
- Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
- Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
- Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits including a competitive employer pension contribution, access to an Employee Assistance Programme with counselling and virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, Blue Light Card eligibility, and savings across YMCA Bournemouth facilities and services. Additional benefits include discounts on holiday clubs, swimming lessons, children’s activities, café purchases, room hire, wellbeing services and accommodation stays. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.
Additional information:
- The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance.
- Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date.
- The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers.
- If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly.
- Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.
HOW TO APPLY
Please click on the link below to complete a YMCA Bournemouth application form.
