The Trust, which has supported the community of Walney since its establishment in 2003, is seeking to appoint a suitable candidate for the role of Youth Worker.
There are two key areas to the work of the Trust: our youth work and our community work. Our long-established youth club and other work with young people has underpinned the youth work for many years. The community work was introduced some years or so ago and has also flourished. Over time, it has become more apparent that these vital provisions overlap considerably and as such, there is a need to develop roles that oversee these key areas of the Trust.
The Youth Worker will play an important role in delivering engaging, inclusive and developmental opportunities for children and young people aged 7 to 16. Working as part of the Youth & Community Team and under the direction of the Deputy Community & Youth Lead, the postholder will help plan and deliver youth club sessions, activities, workshops and projects that support young people's wellbeing, confidence, resilience and personal development.
The role focuses on building positive relationships with young people, creating welcoming and safe environments, encouraging participation and supporting young people to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed to thrive. The Youth Worker will also contribute to safeguarding, monitoring and evaluating activities, and ensuring young people's voices help shape the provision we offer.
We are looking to appoint a Youth Worker who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people; someone who can build trusting relationships, encourage participation, act as a positive role model and work effectively as part of a supportive team.
All the Trust's staff are funded by a variety of external funding agencies, many of which have supported our work for a considerable number of years. The Youth Worker position has been funded by Team Barrow, Francis C Scott Trust, Sir John Fisher Foundation and The National Lottery, helping us continue delivering high-quality youth and community provision.
Trustees have given their full support to recruiting a Youth Worker for a minimum of 3 hours per week, working evenings during term time, with variable hours during school holidays, at £12.71 per hour. We are looking for the successful candidate to start as soon as possible. The post will be based at our centre on Walney.
Trust employees are entitled to 28 days paid holiday (pro-rata for part-time) during our holiday year, which runs from 1 January to 31 December each year. This includes provision for the 8 public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time).
The work of the youth team is highly valued by local partners and stakeholders. Here is a selection of feedback we have received:
“Trust staff are an invaluable and integral part of our local partnership infrastructure. For example, they are a key partner in the Furness Youth Work Partnership which brings local youth work delivery partners together to jointly achieve positive outcomes for children, young people and families, and to keep young people safe. They achieve this by good planning and coordination; providing young people with things to do, places to go and people to talk to; championing and advocating to ensure local voices are heard; and by working innovatively and creatively.”
“As someone who comes from a youth work background, I think Walney is exceptionally blessed to have your Trust at its centre as well as Leonard Cheshire just up the road, both are real assets to the area with the service you provide for young people and their families. The work that has been done throughout this pandemic has been truly exceptional, not just from youth working staff but all Trust staff and the volunteers who have provided the food hub service.”
Hopefully this Introduction shows you a little of why we are very keen for this work to continue and are now seeking to make an appointment to this role!
If this is a position you are interested in, then please read the following documents,that are available on the Vacancies page on the Trust website www.walneycommunitytrust.org
- Person Specification
- Job Description
- Application Form
If, having studied these, you wish to make an application, then please send both the following to Laura Powell, Community & Youth Lead at: [email protected] or by post to: Walney Community Trust, Spring Mount Community Hall, Amphitrite Street, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 3AR:
- Completed application form
- Current CV
If you require any further information before submitting an application, or if you would like an informal chat and/or visit to our centre, please contact me on
The closing date for receipt of applications is ongoing.
Thank you for your interest in Walney Community Trust!
Please see the following, in addition to this introductory document
Job Description
The youth worker will engage, support and inspire young people aged 7-16 yrs to develop confidence, resilience, positive relationships and life skills through structured youth work, mentoring, group activities and informal education.
The role promotes early intervention, positive youth development, and safe spaces where young people feel heard, valued and supported. The Youth Worker will contribute to the Trust’s wider aims of improving wellbeing, building community resilience, and empowering young people to achieve their potential.
The postholder will contribute to the planning, organisation and delivery of the Trust’s Youth Club provision, ensuring that young people have access to safe, engaging, inclusive and developmental opportunities.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience working with children, young people and/or community groups in a youth work, education, voluntary or community setting
- Understanding of the needs, challenges and barriers faced by young people, families and communities
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding legislation, procedures and best practice, including recognising and responding to concerns
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with young people based on trust, respect and clear boundaries
- Ability to engage, motivate and encourage participation from young people from diverse background to develop confidence, resilience, social skills and positive decision-making
- Experience supporting the planning and delivery of group activities, workshops, youth sessions or informal learning opportunities.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm, fair and consistent manner whilst modelling positive behaviour
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute positively to planning discussions and meetings
- Good organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records, attendance data and incident reports
- Competent IT skills for recording information, communication and reporting
- Positive, friendly, approachable and enthusiastic attitude
- High levels of personal integrity, reliability and professionalism
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Passion for supporting young people and helping them achieve their potential
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development
- Willingness to work evenings during term times and daytimes in half terms as required
Thank you for your interest in Walney Community Trust!
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
