Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.
Position
Help Young People Thrive, Achieve and Believe in Their Potential
At Henshaws, we believe everyone has the right to live with confidence, independence and opportunity. We're looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Senior Children, Young People & Families Enablement Officer to join our Sight Loss Services team, supporting visually impaired children and young people to develop skills, build resilience and achieve their ambitions.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a difference, enjoys leading programmes and people, and wants to help shape meaningful experiences that empower children, young people and families.
What You'll Be Doing
Working closely with the Head of Children, Young People & Families, you will:
- Support visually impaired children and young people through important life stages and transitions.
- Develop and deliver engaging activities, events, residentials and work-readiness programmes.
- Build positive relationships with families, schools, local authorities and partner organisations.
- Create opportunities that enhance confidence, independence and social inclusion.
- Lead and support sessional staff and volunteers.
- Develop partnerships with employers and community organisations to expand opportunities for young people.
- Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and quality remain at the heart of everything you do.
Living Our Values
At Henshaws, our values are more than words. They shape how we work with the people we support, our colleagues and our communities.
Ambition
You are motivated to create opportunities, look for innovative solutions and help young people achieve goals they may never have thought possible.
Respect
You value every individual's experience, listen to understand, and create environments where everyone feels included, heard and supported.
Empowerment
You believe in people's strengths and potential, encouraging choice, independence and confidence so that young people can take ownership of their futures.
Why Join Henshaws?
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and families.
- Work within a supportive and values-driven organisation.
- Lead innovative programmes with real impact.
- Access opportunities for learning, development and career progression.
- Be part of a team that is passionate about inclusion, accessibility and empowering people to achieve their potential.
Salary £15.12 per hour/ £27518.40 per annum
Hours per week: 35
Weeks per year: 52
Annual leave: 25 days holiday plus 10 bank holidays
Location: Manchester with travel within Manchester area
Closing date: 10th November 2026 - 12 noon
Requirements
What We're Looking For
We're keen to hear from people who have:
- Experience working with children and young people, particularly those with additional needs.
- Experience leading or supervising others.
- Strong relationship-building and partnership-working skills.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and person-centred support.
- Experience organising activities, events or projects.
- A positive, can-do approach and the ability to inspire others.
- Understanding of SEND and/or visual impairment (desirable).
- Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across the region.
Benefits
5 Weeks annual Leave plus 10 day bank holiday (pro-rata for part-time and term-time staff)
Option to buy one weeks extra annual leave (52 week contracts)
Up to 3 days Paid Emergency Domestic Leave (after one years Service)
A paid Wellbeing day (after one years service)
Company Sick pay after completion of probationary period
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Enhanced Paternity Pay
Company Pension Scheme
Refer a friend bonus £150.00 (As an employee this is payable once your 'Friend' has started with Henshaws and they named you on their application form or CV)
Long service Awards every 5 Years
Access to trained Mental Health First aiders
Employee assistance programme (EAP)
Wellbeing Programme
Employee discount schemes (e.g Blue Light)
Paid training
On the job training
Professional development support
Access to further qualifications
Career progression opportunities
DBS paid for by Henshaws
Other information
Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.
Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.
Registered Charity No: 221888
Attachments
SLST009 CYP Senior Enablement Officer.docx
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Senior Children, Young People & Families Enablement Officer employer: Henshaws
Henshaws is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the beautiful town of Harrogate. As a Part-Time Wellness & Leisure Assistant, you will not only contribute to meaningful education and leisure programmes but also benefit from flexible working hours and competitive pay, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
