Job Description
We’re looking for a dedicated and creative Cooking and Baking Youth Worker to build an exciting, inclusive culinary programme. We are looking for somebody who truly knows what’s current, whether it’s viral food trends, budget-friendly recipes or creative baking, and has the passion to turn the training kitchen into a hub of energy, life skills and social connection. At Manchester Youth Zone, you won’t just be teaching recipes, you will be listening to what our young people want and taking action to deliver it. This is a unique opportunity to use cooking and baking as a tool or youth work, fostering personal development and creative a safe, supportive environment, where every young person feels empowered to build their confidence and grow.
Key Duties
· To work directly with young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to facilitate safe, fun and structured cooking and baking activities within the Youth Zone.
· To create and deliver a high-quality cooking and baking offer, which is safe, fun, challenging and developmental. This will include the planning and delivery of a regular programme of training kitchen activities, teaching essential food preparation, kitchen safety and healthy eating habits, whilst contributing towards the planning, delivery and evaluation of specific projects.
· Encourage the attendance and participation of young people and that their ideas contribute fully to the planning, delivery and evaluation of sessions, projects and activities.
· To plan engaging activities that cater to diverse abilities, interests and backgrounds of young people.
· 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 use your creative skills to showcase the culinary work that is being developed to ensure our reports to funders are accurate, inspiring and informative.
· 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 attendance sheets, MEAPPS and impact stories as instructed by management.
· 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 family.
· 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 at least 18 years or above.
This role is for Mondays (3.15pm to 6.45pm), Fridays (5.15pm to 8.45pm) and Saturdays (10.45am to 2.15pm).
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Work Location: In person
