Youth Work Manager in Basildon

Bar ’n’ Bus Trust is a Christian charity dedicated to supporting the holistic well-being of young people across South Essex through professional community-based youth work. Focused on creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments, the organisation helps young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills. Through diverse initiatives like in-school programs, community outreach, and mobile youth services, Bar ’n’ Bus addresses local needs and ensures equal access to opportunities for all. The organisation partners with schools, churches, families, and local agencies, and its work is guided by values of faith, inclusivity, empowerment, creativity, partnership, and safety. Bar ’n’ Bus Trust is committed to fostering the growth and potential of every young person in the community.

The Youth Work Manager will oversee and expand the full programme of community-based youth work provision in South Essex, ensuring services are shaped around young people’s needs and putting young people at the centre of everything we do. This includes delivering detached and mobile youth work, open access and group sessions, targeted programmes, and one-to-one support in schools and the community. The role also focuses on increasing opportunities for youth voice and participation, actively involving young people in service design and decision-making.

You will lead and line-manage Youth Workers, investing in staff development, providing guidance and support, and ensuring a high standard of youth work practice. You will manage the smooth day-to-day running of youth programmes, taking a hands‑on approach and supporting delivery where needed. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice. You will lead on recruitment, induction, supervision, and training of youth work staff, and recruit, train, and support volunteers to grow youth work provision. This includes providing formal training opportunities, including assessor training where appropriate.

The role also involves monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on programme outcomes and performance indicators, working with the CEO to secure funding, manage budgets, generate income, and ensure the sustainability of youth programmes. You will develop and maintain strong working relationships with delivery partners and stakeholders, including schools, voluntary organisations, statutory services, and local churches, increasing opportunities for volunteering, partnership, and collaboration.

You will actively contribute to the development and delivery of Bar ‘n’ Bus’ organisational strategy, participate in the spiritual life of the charity through prayer meetings, theological reflection, and spiritual development activities, and maintain the Christian ethos of the organisation. You will drive charity vehicles for youth work activities as required (in-house training provided), represent Bar ‘n’ Bus to the public, and undertake any other duties as requested by line management.

The successful candidate will have a passion for creating and maintaining transformational opportunities for young people by leading and supporting a committed team of youth workers and volunteers.

Experience & Skills

• Committed to Bar ‘n’ Bus’ mission, vision, and values.
• Relevant professional youth work qualification (JNC 6-7).
• Minimum of 5 years professional youth work experience.
• Proven ability to pioneer, develop, monitor, and evaluate youth work in response to the needs of young people.
• Proven ability to line-manage and motivate a youth work team.
• Experience creating and developing opportunities with “hard-to-reach” young people aged 10–19, including those facing social exclusion, disadvantage, disaffection, or engaging in risk-taking behaviour.
• Experience working with and leading teams of volunteers and other youth workers.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Experience of partnership working in a community development context and with local churches.
• Familiarity with representing the ethos and objectives of a faith-based organisation to external audiences.
• Hold a current full UK driving licence and access to a private vehicle insured for business use.
• Be over 21 and have held a full UK driving licence for more than 2 years (required for driving charity vehicles).
• Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and young people policies and procedures.
• Experience of leading training and/or assessing qualifications in youth work.
• Proven track record of securing funding for youth work programmes and monitoring outcomes for funders.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Attributes

• A person who identifies as a Christian is passionate about working in partnership with churches, and can engage fully in the spiritual life of the charity through prayer and theological reflection.
• A hands‑on manager prepared to fill gaps and take on a diverse range of roles to ensure the smooth running of youth work operations.
• Physically capable of moving equipment and confident in driving large vehicles (full training provided).
• Flexible over working hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight when required.
• Self‑motivated and able to manage multiple priorities across delivery and leadership.
• Acts with integrity and empathy.
• Works well in a team, willing to both support and direct colleagues.

Terms of Employment

This is a full‑time role (37 hours per week) requiring evening and weekend work. Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Contract Permanent

Salary £35,003.93 – £37,889.38, depending upon qualifications and experience (Pay Review Pending)

What We Offer

• Pension: 5% employer contribution
• TOIL: Time Off in Lieu for additional hours worked, including residentials, as agreed with line management
• Professional Development: Access to a range of relevant training and qualifications
• Wellbeing: Funding and support for staff to access mental health and wellbeing resources
• Culture: A supportive, collaborative team with regular team meetings, prayer & worship, and shared learning