Why work for Manchester Youth Zone
· Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro-rata)
· We are committed to training and develop our staff, that will include a full induction and access to internal and external training opportunities
· We care about your wellbeing – Access to our EAP, an extra holiday day for your birthday, and onsite gym and sports facilities
· 5% pension contribution
· You will be part of our mission to positively impact the lives of young people in North Manchester
Manchester Youth Zone first opened to young people in 2012 as an independent charity. Located in Harpurhey enables Manchester Youth Zone to reach those young people who need “Somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to”. At Manchester Youth Zone, we have a shared purpose to create passion and pathways for every young person we work with, we do this through providing a safe and welcoming environment, high quality youth work and promoting inclusion, resilience and aspirations.
We work with young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs offering a universal programme each evening that will energise and excite our members. Manchester Youth Zone has an excellent reputation in a number of areas including safeguarding, delivering high quality universal services for young people and responding to the needs of our community. We are committed to ensuring that all young people have opportunities to thrive and meet their full potential.
Job Description
We’re looking for a Youth Worker - Arts who will play a vital role indesigning, delivering and evaluating engaging and inclusive arts-based programs for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 if the young person has an additional need or disability). This position is responsible for creating a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where young people can explore their creativity, develop new skills, build confidence and connect with their peers through various art forms. The ideal candidate will be passionate about both youth development and the arts, possessing strong facilitation skills, a creative approach, and a commitment to empowering young people.
Key Duties
· To work directly with young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to facilitate safe, fun and structured arts activities within the Youth Zone.
· To plan engaging activities that cater to diverse abilities, interests and backgrounds of young people.
· Deliver high-quality arts-offer, which is safe, fun, challenging and developmental. This will include planning and delivery of a regular programme of activities, special events and trips, team development and competitions/ showcases, and contribute towards the planning, delivery, and evaluation of specific projects.
· Encourage the participation of young people and that their ideas contribute fully to the planning, delivery and evaluation of sessions, projects, and activities.
· To establish positive and engaging relationships with young people from a range of backgrounds and provide interventions that achieve outcomes including helping them develop positive peer relationships, engagement in new activities, personal development, improved self-esteem, positive self-identity, acquisition of new skills, and developing wider networks of support.
· To be able to use your own initiative to flexibly meet the needs of young people, adapting sessions and programmes where required to ensure inclusion.
· Effectively communicate at all levels both in terms of spoken conversations with young people and parents/caregivers, with staff, and senior managers.
· Ensure all recordings are well written for internal use and to be used to inform reports for external funders and interested parties.
· Maintain Salesforce with up-to-date information on young people who you have worked with (training provided)
· To complete impact stories and MeAPPS when instructed by management.
· Use your creative skills to showcase the work that is being developed to ensure our reports to funders are accurate, inspiring and informative.
· To work effectively and positively alongside colleagues including staff, volunteers and young leaders. Ensure that all volunteers and trainee staff are made to feel an integral and valued part of Manchester Youth Zone.
· Undertake regular training and development relevant to the role.
· Actively address any bullying, harassment, or discrimination, promoting cohesion, inclusion, and positive relationships.
· To understand and adhere to MYZ policies and procedures at all times with particular emphasis on equal opportunities, positive behaviour management, health and safety and safeguarding.
· Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times, managing any safeguarding issues should they arise (training provided).
· To be an active member of the team and operate in line with the Charity’s expectations, values and principles. Work a flexible pattern including evenings and weekends in line with the role/team requirements.
· Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably determined by your line manager and be flexible to attend residential trips.
· Promote a positive image of MYZ through professionalism and good conduct with all our stakeholders and the public.
All applicants must be over the age of 18 years old and must not have been a member of Manchester Youth Zone within the past 3 years.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of quality applicants. We encourage early applications.
Closing date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Expected hours: 10.5 per week
Work Location: In person
