At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop youth peer support activities across Scotland, making a real difference in communities.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to youth empowerment and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 36 days annual leave, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on equity, diversity, and wellbeing for all staff and volunteers.
- Why this job: Be a key player in training young volunteers and supporting their growth while impacting lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management, youth work, and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30708 - 30708 £ per year.
Location: Glasgow, Dundee or Inverness (hybrid role between home and various face-to-face events across these regions)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract until March 2029
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £30,708 per annum
Overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you ready to support the everyday delivery of our SafeMates Scotland: Peer Support through Cashback programme? Through this programme we’ll be training over 1,000 young people over 3 years to become skilled volunteer peer supporters. We’ll give them the practical and emotional skills to help their peers at local events, freshers’ fayres, music festivals and in their own communities. Can you help lead the delivery and ongoing development of youth peer support activities across Scotland? This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and well-organised individual to support the programme (directly supported by CashBack for Communities funding). Could this be you?
A day in the life of our Senior Youth Worker – SafeMates Scotland
Everyday you’ll be central to the smooth running of our SafeMates Scotland (Cashback for Communities) programme. Your day could include:
- Programme Delivery: You’ll be responsible for managing high-quality, trauma-informed SafeMates training, volunteer initiatives, community hub activities, and major events. You’ll collaborate with communities to design and expand local, responsive strategies that support the evolving needs of young people. You’ll provide inclusive leadership, coaching, and development to youth workers and volunteers to foster a high-performing team. You’ll oversee volunteer wellbeing and equip them to manage complex situations through structured guidance and reflective practice.
- Risk Management, Safeguarding & Wellbeing Support: You’ll lead safe working practices by developing and reviewing robust risk assessments for all events. You’ll be the safeguarding point of contact, managing concerns and escalating them according to policy. You’ll champion trauma-informed practice and provide compassionate leadership during complex crisis situations.
- Volunteer & Participant Support: You will provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and wellbeing support to Red Cross Youth volunteers to help them manage complex situations. You will also build trusting relationships with young people while ensuring everyone complies with organisational policies and standards.
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement: You’ll build and manage strategic local partnerships while driving communications and social media to boost programme awareness and community participation. You’ll gather grassroots insights and youth perspectives to inform and develop the broader SafeMates Scotland initiative. You’ll work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify, shape and facilitate opportunities.
Qualifications
- Experience of managing programmes (both remotely and in person). This includes delivery of events, monitoring & evaluation and report writing.
- Up to date knowledge of volunteering policy and practice.
- Experience of working with volunteers and young people in community, education, youth work or outreach settings. This should include planning and leading the delivery of activities and events.
- Highly organised and able to work independently (as well as part of a team) while managing multiple priorities and workstreams effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working collaboratively with partners and different stakeholders, including on the coordination of events and activities.
- Proactive, solution-focused and able to respond appropriately and sensitively in crisis situations.
- Proficiency and confidence in using multiple IT systems.
- Ability to work dynamically with technology across a range of platforms.
Application details
Interested? Closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 21st June 2026. Interviews will take place soon after.
Benefits
- Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
- Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days (per annum).
- Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
- Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
- Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
- Wellbeing: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
- Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
Equity and inclusion
We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Carers Confident employer. We are dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable and wellbeing‑focused culture where everyone feels safe, valued and can thrive. Guided by our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Strategy, we foster belonging, psychological and physical wellbeing, and work to remove barriers to fair opportunities. Grounded in compassion and anti‑racist practice, we listen to diverse voices, value lived experience and create environments where staff and volunteers can succeed. Join us and be part of an organisation that leads with care, celebrates difference and helps everyone succeed. Together, we are the world's emergency responders.
SafeMates Scotland Senior Youth Worker employer: British Red Cross
At SafeMates Scotland, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our communities by empowering young people through peer support initiatives. Our flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and robust learning and development opportunities create a supportive environment where employees can thrive. Join us in fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and prioritises wellbeing, all while making a difference across Glasgow, Dundee, and Inverness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SafeMates Scotland Senior Youth Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research SafeMates Scotland and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to youth work and community engagement. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace SafeMates Scotland Senior Youth Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at SafeMates Scotland, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Senior Youth Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially in programme delivery and volunteer support. We love seeing how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and how you can contribute.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Red Cross
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the SafeMates Scotland programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the training process for peer supporters, and how it impacts the community. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing volunteers. Share specific examples of how you've coached others, handled complex situations, and fostered a high-performing environment. Highlighting your inclusive leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Crisis Management Abilities
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to illustrate your ability to respond sensitively in crisis situations. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully managed risks or safeguarding concerns, and explain your thought process and actions taken during those times.
✨Engage with Community Insights
Discuss how you’ve previously engaged with communities and gathered insights from young people. Show that you value grassroots perspectives and can translate them into actionable strategies. This will highlight your commitment to responsive and effective programme delivery.
