Detached Youth Work Project Manager
Location: The Rock Youth Project and community locations across the project area
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Hours: 15-20 to be discussed
Salary: £15-16.50 PH negotiable depending on experience
Contract: 3 years funded - subject to extension
About the Role
The Rock Youth Project is seeking an experienced, passionate and motivated Detached Youth Work Project Manager to lead and develop our detached youth work provision. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a dynamic project that engages young people within their own communities, building positive relationships, reducing barriers to engagement and creating opportunities for personal development.
The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the planning, delivery, management and evaluation of the Detached Youth Work Project, ensuring that it operates effectively, safely and in line with organisational objectives and funding requirements.
As part of the wider Youth Services Team, the postholder will also provide support within general youth sessions at The Rock Youth Project when operationally required, including providing cover during staff absence, annual leave or periods of increased demand.
Key Responsibilities project Management
- Lead, manage and develop the Detached Youth Work Project to ensure delivery against agreed objectives, funding outcomes and organisational priorities.
- Develop annual work plans, delivery schedules and performance targets.
- Monitor and evaluate project performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Prepare high-quality monitoring reports, funding returns and impact reports for senior management, trustees and external funders.
- Develop new opportunities for project growth and sustainability, including supporting funding applications where required.
Staff Management
- Line manage detached youth workers, sessional staff and volunteers.
- Lead on recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and professional development of project staff.
- Manage staff performance and attendance in line with organisational policies.
- Produce staff rotas and ensure sufficient staffing levels for safe and effective service delivery.
- Promote a positive, supportive and accountable team culture.
Financial Management
- Manage the Detached Youth Work Project budget, ensuring effective financial planning and monitoring.
- Authorise expenditure within delegated authority and ensure value for money.
- Monitor project expenditure and provide accurate financial information to senior management.
- Ensure project resources and equipment are managed responsibly and maintained appropriately.
Operational Responsibilities
- Ensure the project complies with safeguarding legislation, health and safety requirements, GDPR and organisational policies.
- Complete and oversee risk assessments relating to detached youth work activities.
- Maintain accurate project records, data and reporting systems.
- Ensure the project meets all quality assurance and contractual requirements.
Youth Work Delivery
- Provide high-quality detached and outreach youth work within local communities.
- Build positive relationships with young people, supporting their personal, social and emotional development.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately in accordance with organisational procedures.
- Work alongside staff to model best practice in youth work delivery.
Partnership Working
- Build and maintain positive relationships with schools, local authorities, police, health services, community groups and other partner agencies.
- Represent The Rock Youth Project at partnership meetings, forums and networking events.
- Promote the work and values of the organisation within the local community.
Wider Organisational Responsibilities
- Support general youth sessions at The Rock Youth Project when operational cover is required.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision, training and organisational events.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Recognised Youth Work qualification (or equivalent relevant professional qualification).
- Significant experience managing youth work, community or outreach projects.
- Demonstrable experience of line managing staff, volunteers or multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
- Experience managing project budgets and financial monitoring.
- Experience preparing reports for funders, trustees and senior management.
- Strong organisational, leadership and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience developing effective partnerships with statutory and voluntary organisations.
- Sound understanding of safeguarding, health and safety and risk management.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital reporting systems.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing demands.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to travel independently across the project area.
Desirable
- Management qualification (ILM, CMI or equivalent).
- Experience securing and managing grant-funded projects.
- First Aid qualification.
- Knowledge of local youth services and community needs.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
The Rock Youth Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list check, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, proof of identity, right to work in the UK and all other pre-employment checks in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.
The successful applicant will be required to comply with all safeguarding, child protection and safer working practice policies and procedures. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants will be required to disclose any cautions or convictions that are not protected by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).
How to Apply
To apply, please email your CV together with an Expression of Interest explaining how your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the role to:
[email protected]
Pay: £15.00-£16.50 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carlisle CA2 4JY
