At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in a fun, play-based environment.
- Company: Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
- Benefits: 40 days annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a strong commitment to community values.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun!
- Qualifications: Experience with children in a play-based setting is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15.49 - 15.49 £ per hour.
This is an exciting opportunity to support our Midlothian service, with children, young people and their families in a women-only group-based environment. We are looking for enthusiastic, warm, creative and relational workers to complement our team and support community-based activities for the families connected with us.
Experience of working with young people in a community setting is preferable, with an understanding of how to build trusting relationships with children and their families. You will be fun, creative, adaptable, hardworking and comfortable in a play-based setting, predominantly with children from birth to 12 years. The role is an opportunity for anyone interested in exploring a career supporting children and their families to develop skills in a supportive environment. Due to the nature of the support being located in a women-only setting, the position is not open to male applications.
The post holder will support delivery of age-appropriate activities primarily for children aged 1-12 years within our Women’s Supper evenings. The post holder will work alongside colleagues from Children First and other agencies to provide a supportive play-based environment for children up to age 12 and their mothers within the playroom setting. The post holder will provide direct play-based support and adult supervision to enable children to engage in safe, fun play-based opportunities.
The setting provides a supportive space for children and their mothers to meet other families, access food and play on a weekly term-time basis. The post holder will communicate fully with the lead worker regarding planning and delivery of the weekly play session.
Key Results Areas
- Delivery of flexible, age-appropriate group-based support for children, young people and their families
- Positive engagement of children, young people and their families in the design, delivery and evaluation of activities
- Contribute to the safety of children and young people by observing their needs and informing the lead worker of any needs identified
- Contribute to the planning of activities through creative engagement and resource review
- Participation in group and individual debrief and review sessions with lead worker and line manager
- Development and sharing of good practice with the service manager
What We’re Looking For
- Warm, friendly and enthusiastic personality
- Passion for working with children and their families
- Reliable, consistent and genuine in approach
- A sense of fun, good listening skills, and understanding of children’s basic needs
- Willingness to learn and improve
What You’ll Get From Us
- A workplace with values of with love, with purpose and with strength
- 40 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Pension scheme and wellbeing support
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Access to Westfield Health for confidential counselling support and wellbeing resources
- Blue Light card discount
- A Fair Work accredited workplace
Corporate Responsibility
- Commit to Children First vision, mission and values
- Comply with safeguarding policies and procedures
- Adhere to Code of Conduct and relevant professional standards
- Involve children, young people and families in practice and implement Participation Standards
- Involve volunteers and implement Volunteer Development Policy
- Observe health and safety requirements
- Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and anti-discriminatory practices
- Undertake other duties as required by the line manager
Qualifications and Personal Qualities
There are no formal qualifications required for the role; experience of working with children in a play-based setting is desirable. You should be able to:
- Demonstrate good listening skills
- Show flexibility and adaptability
- Communicate clearly
- Be organized and respond to children’s needs across ages and development stages
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child and provide emotional, practical, and financial support to families. Our core values guide how we work: with love, with purpose and with strength. If you share our vision and values and would like to join our team, we would love to hear from you.
Youth Worker in Dalkeith employer: Children First
As a Community and Events Fundraiser with Children First, you'll join a Fair Work accredited workplace in Edinburgh that prioritises values of love, purpose, and strength. Enjoy generous benefits including 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive wellbeing support, all while making a meaningful impact in the community by empowering supporters and driving fundraising initiatives to protect Scotland's children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Worker in Dalkeith
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Children First, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Children First. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Children First's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Worker in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Children First. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Children First.
How to prepare for a job interview at Children First
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Children First.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Youth Worker at Children First.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Children First that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Youth Worker role.
