At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire youth work programmes, creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
- Company: Base71 Youth Zone, a vibrant community hub for young people in Barnsley.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to inclusivity and high-quality youth services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of youth work and empower the next generation.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work leadership and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Base71 Youth Zone, we believe every young person deserves access to a safe, welcoming and inspiring place where they can have fun, feel supported and realise their potential. Since opening our doors, we have already welcomed nearly 8,000 young people, creating opportunities for them to build confidence, develop friendships and access life-changing experiences.
We are now looking for an outstanding Head of Youth Work & Partnerships to help lead the next stage of our journey. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop our universal youth work offer, inspire and lead our delivery teams and strengthen partnerships across Barnsley to ensure young people receive the very best support and opportunities.
About the Role
This is a rewarding senior leadership role for an experienced and passionate youth work professional who believes in the transformative power of youth work and the potential of every young person. We are looking for someone who can lead with energy, creativity and purpose — someone who is ambitious for young people and motivated to create outstanding experiences that help them thrive. You will lead a dynamic team of Youth Workers, Managers and volunteers, creating a culture that is inclusive, supportive and focused on high-quality delivery. With a hands-on and solutions-focused approach, you will bring fresh ideas, drive innovation and ensure young people remain at the heart of everything we do.
No two days at Base71 are ever the same. You will oversee a wide-ranging youth work programme across Junior, Senior, Inclusion and Holiday Club provision, ensuring our offer remains engaging, safe and responsive to the needs of young people. Alongside operational leadership, you will build meaningful partnerships with schools, community organisations, funders and key stakeholders, helping to strengthen the impact and reach of Base71 across the borough.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the strategic development and future growth of Base71, helping to shape a Youth Zone where young people feel safe, valued, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about empowering young people
- An experienced leader within open-access youth work, community provision or a similar setting
- Skilled in developing and motivating high-performing teams
- Confident in leading safeguarding processes and responding to complex situations
- Experienced in partnership development and stakeholder engagement
- Organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities effectively
- Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and amplifying young people’s voices
You Will Have Experience Of:
- Leading youth programmes for diverse young people aged 8–19, including up to 25 for young people with additional needs or disabilities
- Safeguarding leadership, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Building strong relationships and communicating effectively with a wide range of audiences
- Managing staff performance, rotas, budgets and operational delivery targets
- Understanding the challenges facing young people today and the role youth work plays in improving outcomes
- Holding a relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, ideally supported by a youth work qualification
To Apply:
To apply, please email a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) in response to the person specification and questions below:
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Looking at the person specification, briefly describe how your skills and experience (including any lived experience) make you a good candidate for this role. (200 words max)
- How would your previous experience support you to be a strong leader at Base71? (200 words max)
- How you demonstrate your commitment to fairness, equity and respect.
- Confirmation you are eligible to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence before a job offer confirmed).
- Any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or the selection process.
- This role will be based in the Youth Zone and therefore require an Enhanced DBS.
- Do you have any unspent conditional cautions or convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974?
- Do you have any adult cautions (simple or conditional) or spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020?
Head of Youth Work & Partnerships in Barnsley employer: Base71 Youth Zone
Base71 Youth Zone is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people and fostering a supportive, inclusive work culture. As the Head of Youth Work & Partnerships, you will lead a passionate team in a vibrant environment that prioritises creativity and innovation, while also offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful community impact in Barnsley. With a commitment to equity and diversity, Base71 provides a unique platform for you to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Youth Work & Partnerships in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the youth work sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to youth work. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to empowering young people, which is key for roles like Head of Youth Work & Partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the organisation directly. Ask questions about their youth programmes and express your passion for making a difference. It’ll help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings at Base71. We’re all about finding passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Applying through our site gives you the best chance to showcase your skills and enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Youth Work & Partnerships in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for empowering young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to address each question in the application specifically. Use examples from your experience that align with the person specification. This helps us see how you fit into our vision at Base71.
Be Concise and Clear:Keep your answers to the point, especially for the 200-word questions. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so make every word count while showcasing your skills and experiences.
Check Your Eligibility:Before hitting send, double-check that you meet the eligibility requirements to work in the UK. It’s crucial for us to know you’re ready to join the team without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Base71 Youth Zone
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to work at Base71. Be ready to articulate your passion for empowering young people and how your values align with their mission. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in youth work or community settings. Think about specific situations where you motivated a team or handled challenges effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Understand the Community
Research the local community and the specific challenges facing young people in Barnsley. Being knowledgeable about these issues will help you discuss how you can strengthen partnerships and create impactful programmes tailored to their needs.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about their current youth programmes or how they measure success. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
