Job Role: Reception & Membership Team
Accountable to: Reception & Administration Lead
About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone:
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, opened in May 2012 as an independent Charity, but we are proud to be part of the growing OnSide Network.
We work with young people aged 5-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) and offer youth work, health and wellbeing and employability services, giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Whilst our building and activities provide a hook for young people to initially engage with us, the relationships they develop with our team of Youth Workers ensures they return night after night. We pride ourselves as being one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn and Darwen.
Our service to young people is focussed around a state-of-the-art, multi million pound facility that is purpose-built and remains dedicated to young people. This facility has recently undergone a 3 million pound transformation thanks to the Youth Investment Fund. This funding has allowed us to redevelop our Blackburn site to be able to offer a wider range of services for young people whilst celebrating the history of the building. Our newly developed Fusebox is the site where electricity was first generated in Blackburn. Alongside our history we also have a football pitch on our roof, this is one of Blackburn’s best kept secrets!
Our services for young people are needed more than ever and despite the prevalent challenges around the lasting impact of the pandemic, young people feeling isolated and the cost of living crisis, our team continues to provide a home from home for young people.
Context of Role:
We are seeking a dynamic and friendly Receptionist to join our team and become the welcoming face of our organisation. As the first point of contact for visitors, volunteers, and members, the Receptionist plays a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone who enters our facility. This position is based primarily at our Darwen Youth zone but some travel to Blackburn Youth Zone may be required.
Join our team and help us create a welcoming and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive!
Main Responsibilities:
- Greet and Assist Visitors: Welcome visitors, members, and volunteers with a warm and friendly demeanor. Provide information about the Youth Zone's provisions, activities, and services.
- Answer Inquiries: Respond to inquiries from visitors and callers regarding Youth Zone provisions, memberships, events, and general information. Direct inquiries to the appropriate staff members when necessary.
- Manage Front Desk Operations: Maintain a tidy and organised reception area. Manage incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries. Answer phone calls and transfer them to the appropriate departments.
- Membership Support: Assist with membership sign-ups and renewals. Provide information on membership benefits and offers. Maintain accurate and up to date membership records and databases.
- Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to various departments as needed.
- Safety and Security: Monitor access to the facility, ensuring that only authorised individuals enter. Enforce safety and security procedures, including signing in visitors and issuing visitor badges.
- Event Support: Assist with the planning and coordination of Youth Zone events, including setup, registration, and cleanup. Provide on-site support during events as needed.
- Meeting/Facility Hire Support: Booking and preparing rooms for meetings/Delivery.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other staff members to ensure a seamless experience for visitors and members. Communicate effectively with colleagues to address any issues or concerns.
- Any other duties which may be required by the Senior Management Team of the Youth Zone.
Measurable Outputs:
- Zero complaints from service users
- Increase in service uptake
Person Specification:
Education/Training/Qualifications
- Qualified to GCSE level to include Maths and English.
Experience:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with visitors, members, and staff members.
- Previous experience in a customer service or receptionist role is preferred. Experience working with youth or in a community-based organization is a plus.
- Experience of working within a Reception/Administrative environment
- A history of answering the phone in a professional manner and direcitng the call to the correct department.
- Proficiency in using computer systems 9preferable Google Workspace) to include data inputting.
- A positive and friendly demeanor, with a genuine desire to help others. Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Ability to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
Knowledge
- Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks.
- Ability to interact with young people from a range of different backgrounds and a commitment to youth development.
- Passion for working with young people and making a positive impact in the community. Commitment to the mission and values of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.
Working hours
The usual hours of work are 15 hours a week generally following this working pattern:
Monday 4pm-9pm
Tuesday 4pm - 9pm
Thursday 4pm -9pm
Closing date for applications Monday 4th May 2026
Remuneration package
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Pension: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone operates a workplace pension scheme with Royal London for auto-enrolment purposes. You will contribute 5% of your gross earnings whilst the Youth Zone will contribute 3%. If you meet the criteria you will be auto-enrolled into the scheme within 3 months of commencement of your employment although you have the option to opt-out if you so wish.
Other Benefits
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 Support and Advice)
- FairQuid (Financial Wellbeing Support)
- Think Therapy (Mental Health Support)
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay
- Birthday leave
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.
The strength of OnSide Youth Zones comes from the diversity of the people within our vibrant network. We are proud that our Youth Zone team reflects the communities we serve, and we value people working together from a range of different backgrounds locally and nationally, and with different experiences, all with a shared passion for boosting the aspirations of young people across the country. Diversity brings innovation, fresh ideas and creativity, and we actively strive to create a culture that is truly inclusive and fair for all and where everyone in the team can be themselves and thrive. The Youth Zone welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.
To apply, send your CV and cover letter via the Indeed
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
