Lead Youth Engagement Worker in Bristol

We are seeking a full‑time Lead Youth Engagement Worker to work with young people within our Alternative Learning Provision. The role involves leading and overseeing a team of Youth Engagement Workers who support young people to develop confidence, improve educational outcomes and successfully re‑engage with education. Alongside overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, the Lead Youth Engagement Worker will also deliver 1:1 mentoring, group sessions and targeted interventions, while working closely with schools, local authorities and families to referrals, induction onto the programme and positive outcomes for young people. Provision will be delivered from the new 224 Youth Zone as well as Ashton Gate Stadium.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of Youth Engagement Workers supporting the daily supervision, engagement and development of a small cohort of young people within the Foundations Alternative Learning Provision (ALP).
• Deliver and facilitate high‑quality group‑based and targeted 1:1 mentoring sessions that promote young people's personal, social, emotional and behavioural development.
• Support with the planning and delivery of engaging educational, personal development and practical activity sessions, which may include PSHE, AQA Unit Awards, functional skills Maths and English and physical activities.
• Coordinate the day‑to‑day delivery of the programme, including staff support, quality assurance, administrative tasks and effective communication with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with schools, local authorities, parents/carers and external agencies to meet young people's needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in working or leading within an alternative learning provision, youth programme, mentoring service, or education‑based intervention.
• Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential.
• Experience in working with young people with SEND or EHCPs.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive and eager to work in a dynamic charity environment.
• Level 2/3 in Youth Work – Essential (or willing to work towards).
• An understanding of working with targeted or vulnerable young people, particularly within areas of deprivation.
• An understanding of the issues and challenges faced by young people, schools and communities within south Bristol.
• Confident in managing group dynamics and promoting positive behaviour in both group and 1:1 settings.
• Ability to build strong, trusting and professional relationships with young people who may be disengaged from education.
• Experience in supporting young people with behavioural, pastoral or additional needs (including SEND/EHCP).
• Skilled in engaging young people with diverse needs, including those with EHCPs, SEMH needs and challenging behaviours.
• Confidence in supporting basic educational content, including Maths, English, PSHE and accredited learning (e.g., AQA Unit Awards).
• Ability to plan and deliver structured and engaging learning, mentoring and activity‑based sessions.
• A commitment to supporting young people, and the principles of equality and diversity.
• An understanding of safeguarding and health and safety in an ALP or youth work setting.
• Self‑motivated and the ability to work on own initiative.
• A passion for working with young people to achieve positive outcomes and change lives.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Competent IT skills.
• Full UK driving license.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years employment and 30 days after 5 years (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure days).
• Opportunity to purchase 5 extra days holiday per year.
• A flexible working environment.
• 5 paid volunteering days per year.
• Generous continuous personal development budget.
• 2 x BCFC and Bristol Bears tickets to home league games.
• Work equipment (BCFC clothing, laptop).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Death In Service Benefit.
• Employee Assist programme.
• The opportunity to be part of an incredible journey.

Equality Statement

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Safeguarding Statement

Bristol City Robins Foundation are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared.