Lead Youth Worker
Marsh Community Centre, Lancaster
Responsible to: Centre Manager
Responsible for: Youth Work Staff and Youth Work Volunteers
Job Summary
Marsh Community Centre is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and motivated Lead Youth Worker to lead and develop our youth provision for children and young people under the age of 18.
The successful candidate will take a lead role in the delivery and development of high-quality youth work, supporting young people with their personal and social development and creating opportunities for them to take part in positive activities within their community.
You will be responsible for leading youth work staff and volunteers, supporting the day-to-day running of youth provision, maintaining high safeguarding standards and developing positive relationships with young people, families and partner organisations.
Key ResponsibilitiesYouth Work & Engagement
- Plan, develop and deliver engaging youth work sessions and activities for children and young people.
- Build positive and professional relationships with young people in the Marsh Ward and surrounding areas.
- Identify and respond to young people's personal and social development needs.
- Provide appropriate support, advice and signposting.
- Encourage young people to have a voice in the development of activities and services.
- Promote youth activities through outreach, advertising, publicity and community engagement.
- Develop and maintain positive partnerships with local organisations and services.
Staff & Volunteer Management
- Provide day-to-day leadership to Youth Workers and Youth Work Volunteers.
- Provide regular recorded supervision to youth work staff.
- Support the recruitment, induction, training and development of volunteers.
- Arrange and authorise staff cover when required.
- Ensure staff and volunteers understand and follow the Centre's policies and procedures.
- Raise any concerns relating to staff performance, safeguarding or service delivery with the Centre Manager.
Safeguarding & Recording
- Maintain an excellent understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
- Identify, record and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
- Ensure accurate records are maintained for youth sessions, attendance, outcomes, incidents and other required monitoring.
- Input information into relevant databases and monitoring systems.
- Ensure youth provision operates in accordance with Marsh Community Centre's policies, procedures, values and equal opportunities commitments.
Finance & Development
- Support the effective use and monitoring of the Youth Work budget.
- Work with the Centre Manager to identify funding opportunities and support fundraising for youth provision.
- Contribute to the development and sustainability of youth services.
Centre & Equipment
- Ensure youth work equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately.
- Help oversee the smooth running of facilities during youth provision.
- Report maintenance, health and safety or equipment concerns promptly.
Professional Development
- Attend relevant training, meetings and development opportunities.
- Participate in regular supervision and performance reviews.
- Keep knowledge of youth work, safeguarding and relevant legislation up to date.
- Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience of working directly with children and young people.
- Have experience of planning and delivering youth activities or programmes or similar.
- Have a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Be confident leading and supporting staff and volunteers.
- Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Be able to engage positively with young people from a range of backgrounds and with different needs.
- Be able to manage challenging situations calmly, professionally and appropriately.
- Have good organisational, recording and reporting skills.
- Be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Understand the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and equal opportunities.
- Be reliable, approachable and committed to providing high-quality youth provision.
- Be willing to undertake relevant training and continued professional development.
- Be able to work evenings and other hours required for youth provision.
Desirable
- Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Community Development, Children & Young People's Services or a related field.
- Previous experience in a Lead Youth Worker, Senior Youth Worker or supervisory role.
- Experience of line managing or supervising staff and volunteers.
- Experience of partnership working with schools, social care, community organisations or other agencies.
- Experience of monitoring outcomes and contributing to funding reports.
Additional Requirements
The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
Marsh Community Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Pay: £14.16 per hour
Work Location: In person
