Walthamstow, Greater London, United Kingdom
Job Description
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Contract Type: Full Time/Permanent.
Working hours per week: 36.
About the role: The Youth Engagement Lead within the Youth and Family Resilience has two main functions.
- To develop and operationally manage Voice in Partnership (VIP) activities for children and young people involved in or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. The group provides children and young people with safe and constructive activities that help them to thrive and develop. The group is also involved in co-producing projects to ensure children and young people benefit from the services available to them and contribute towards service strategy and delivery.
- To hold a protected case load within the Vanguard Health team and to provide direct casework linked to the Partnership Panel where no existing key link worker can be identified. This programme is delivered through an integrated partnership between the London Borough of Waltham Forest, North-East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), and local grassroots organisations. Together they provide interventions for individuals, families and professional networks.
- Support children and young people up to age 25 who are affected by, or at risk of, violence and exploitation.
- Design and project manage projects based on the interests of children and young people and connect them to their local community.
- Contribute towards reducing reoffending rates and keeping children and young people safe.
- Create accessible avenues to mental health and wellbeing via collaborative planning across VCSEs, Clinical Psychology, SALT, and systemic practitioners.
- Case management of 1:1 or group work; working with children and young people to develop or implement a personal plan combining for example counselling with local providers, online support and positive activities. Coordinating regular reviews of the personal plan with the young person and other agencies, if involved.
- Lead a range of engagement projects with children and young people working with partner organisations, staff members and other stakeholders as needed to deliver projects effectively.
- Prepare and present reports and recommendations.
- Organise and prepare service users to present reports and recommendations at the relevant meetings/boards.
- Attend Health team meetings and Vanguard Partnership meetings.
- Work alongside NHS Clinical Lead for the Vanguard health team and other health team members.
Supervisory responsibility: Recruit and supervise a rolling group of 8-12 young people who contribute to service delivery outcomes.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Excellent project management skills.
- Experience of leading projects and delivering on time and on budget.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy and a commitment to taking an evidence-based approach.
- Ability to manage relationships with internal and external partners involved in projects.
- Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Ability to facilitate group discussions and report perspectives accurately.
- Understanding of a relational, systemic and trauma-informed approach to serious youth violence and exploitation from a community perspective.
- Awareness of relevant children’s legislation and policies – particularly in relation to exploitation and contextual safeguarding.
- Good understanding and awareness of contextual safeguarding principles and issues, including risk assessment.
- Understanding of delivering culturally appropriate services that are responsive to the needs of young people and their families.
- Accountable for ensuring the highest professional standards and professional conduct.
- Knowledge and awareness of the issues relating to communities from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and Equal Opportunities.
- Understanding of working with community, voluntary sector and/or youth services and/or activist groups.
- Knowledge of relevant consultation and peer involvement strategies and models within large organisations.
- Degree or equivalent or vocational qualification in relevant subject or area.
Terms and Conditions
- Subject to safer recruitment practices as it involves work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
- Satisfactory DBS check.
- Ability to speak fluent English with confidence and accuracy, suitable for the role.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: promoting equality of opportunity, opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage, ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels, and providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
The Council’s preference is for online application. For applicants who are unable to complete an online application due to a disability, an alternative application method can be arranged. Flexible working arrangements are considered where possible to suit individuals’ personal circumstances while meeting the needs of the Council.
Locations: Walthamstow, Greater London, United Kingdom.
