Youth Work Coach – Autism & Supported Work Experience
We are looking for two experienced Youth Work Coaches to support a young person who is approaching 18 and whose longer-term ambition is to work within youth work.
The young person is autistic and has additional SEND/SEMH needs. Applicants should therefore have direct experience working with autistic young adults or older teenagers.
The purpose of the role
This is a supported work-experience and vocational-development role.
The aim is to help the young person understand, practise and gradually take on the real skills and responsibilities involved in youth work.
Initially, this will involve structured 2:1 coaching focused on communication, professional behaviour, routines, boundaries, teamwork and practical workplace skills.
As confidence and readiness develop, the young person will be supported to assist within appropriate small-group practical workshops. This will provide real-world experience of contributing to sessions, supporting others and understanding how a professional youth worker operates in practice.
You will act as both a coach and professional role model, helping the young person build the skills needed for future work experience and employment.
Areas of development may include:
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of a youth worker
- Appropriate communication with young people and adults
- Professional boundaries
- Preparing for and arriving at work appropriately
- Following instructions and routines
- Planning and preparing activities
- Communicating as part of a staff team
- Recognising when and how to offer help
- Supporting participants within practical workshops
- Managing feedback, mistakes and unexpected situations
- Developing confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Reflecting on performance and identifying next steps
- Building employability and independent-living skills
Progression into real-world experience
Where appropriate, the young person will gradually take on clearly defined responsibilities within small-group practical workshops.
This may include supporting workshop preparation, interacting appropriately with participants, assisting with activities and contributing to sessions under close supervision.
Responsibility will increase in line with the young person's readiness, with the longer-term aim of preparing them for further work experience and future employment within youth work or a related field.
About you
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
- Have direct experience working with autistic young adults or older teenagers
- Have experience within youth work, SEND, specialist support, mentoring or community work
- Understand how autism can affect communication, executive functioning, sensory needs, anxiety and responses to change
- Can break professional and social expectations into clear, achievable steps
- Can model skills rather than simply give instructions
- Maintain clear and consistent professional boundaries
- Can encourage independence while providing appropriate support
- Are patient, reflective and adaptable
- Understand safeguarding and professional responsibility
- Believe in the value of meaningful work experience as a route into adulthood and employment
Formal youth-work qualifications would be welcomed, but relevant experience with autistic young people and strong practical coaching skills are particularly important.
Working pattern
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:30am–3:00pm
16.5 hours per week
£17.35 per hour + 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay.
The role is initially linked to this young person's programme, but we are looking for staff who can become part of our longer-term team. Where appropriate, contracts may be extended and staff may move on to support other young people or programmes within the provision.
Pay: £17.35 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring programme
Work Location: In person
