At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower vulnerable children in police custody and the community.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a leader in social work and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and local discounts.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and involves evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in diverse communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth work and a passion for helping children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 43000 € per year.
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
It\'s an exciting time to join us - Lewisham is a wave 2 Pathfinder authority and is leading the way on national reforms to social work practice through the Families First for Children programme.
INTRODUCTION
An exciting opportunity is available as Youth Engagement Worker
We are seeking an experienced …Youth Worker
The Engage programme aims to work with children aged 10-17 in police custody following their arrest at what is known as a “reachable moment” Getting arrested and being in police custody can be stressful and scary. Our vital program offers children an opportunity to see a Youth Worker in police custody who will listen and support them without judgement. Engage Identifies risk factors relating to further offending and ensures appropriate targeted responses are delivered utilising local provision and bespoke interventions to prevent further offending.
What’s the role?
The Engage Project is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Youth Worker to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to supporting and empowering vulnerable children to address emerging needs, those facing challenges and improve life chances.
As a Youth Worker your role combines seeing children in police custody and in the community. You will play a key role in supporting a child in a reachable teachable moment of crisis. Through engaging programs that focus on a wide range of issues your role will help them make positive changes.
About You
You will have experience in:
- List key criteria
- Proven experience working with children and young people in a youth work, education or community-based setting, particularly those who display challenging behaviour.
- Strong understanding of the issues affecting children from a variety of backgrounds.
- Provide advice and support to help children navigate challenges they may face
- Ability to engage, inspire, and motivate children through creative and practical approaches.
- Excellent communication skills with children and professionals.
- A good understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.
- Ability to create and deliver engaging programs that address a wide range of youth-related topics.
- A team player with resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for youth development.
- Advocate for the needs and interests of children within the community, to their families, and in external partnerships.
- Relevant qualifications in Youth Work or a related field are desirable
In January 2024, Ofsted\'s report lauds significant improvements in our children\'s services. Praised areas include strong leadership, high-quality support for families and children, and positive outcomes across all criteria.
- The Executive Director for Children and Young People and his team are credited for driving these improvements, with particular focus on enhancing workforce stability, early help services, and partnerships with stakeholders.
- Noteworthy practices include creative life-story work and culturally sensitive social work approaches, crucial in a diverse borough like Lewisham.
- The Council\'s anti-racist practice network and safe space platform also garnered praise for supporting staff from black and global majority backgrounds.
- Overall, the report highlights a commendable commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in Lewisham.
- Generous leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
We are looking for people to join our team who:
- value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
- can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead
- are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
- are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
- work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
- take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions
- are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.
The job is primarily based in Holbeach, Catford, London SE6 9TW. There are 2 local train stations 3-5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop right by the office.
We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
- The job is subject to a DBS check (Enhanced)
- Evenings and some weekend working
- This job is a fixed term contract until March 2026
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.
Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact , 020 8314 7474.
Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification
Please click here to view the letter from the Director
Please click here to view Our Visions and Values
Salary
£41,580-£42,861 per annum (SO2)
All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Creating an Inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to \'draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham\'. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media:
LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram
Seniority level
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
OtherIndustries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lewisham Council by 2x
Get notified about new Youth Worker jobs in London, England, United Kingdom .
London, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Hackney, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Bromley, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago
Camden Town, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Early Years Educator - £1000 joining bonus!
Fulham, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Croydon, England, United Kingdom 22 hours ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Lead Play & Youth Worker - Doorstep Homesless Families
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-LjbffrYouth Engagement Worker in London employer: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and young people within our culturally rich community. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, we empower our staff to thrive while contributing to transformative social work practices. Join us in Lewisham, where your efforts will not only enhance your professional growth but also create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Engagement Worker in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Engage programme and its objectives. Understanding how the programme supports children in police custody will help you articulate your passion for youth work during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of youth work, especially those who have experience working with vulnerable children. Engaging with local organisations or attending relevant workshops can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you would use to engage and support children facing challenges. Think about creative approaches that align with the values of Lewisham Council and demonstrate your understanding of the diverse backgrounds of the children you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to safeguarding principles and practices. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated safeguarding issues, as this is crucial for the role of a Youth Engagement Worker.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Engagement Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Youth Engagement Worker position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, especially those related to working with vulnerable children and young people.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, directly address how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and understanding of the issues affecting children from diverse backgrounds.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Emphasise any previous experience you have working with children and young people, particularly in challenging situations. Mention any relevant qualifications in Youth Work or related fields, as well as your understanding of safeguarding principles.
Follow Application Guidelines:Ensure that you follow the application guidelines provided in the applicant handbook. This includes completing the application fully and not submitting a CV, as the recruitment process is anonymous. Pay attention to detail to avoid any mistakes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Show Your Passion for Youth Work
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with young people. Share specific experiences where you've made a positive impact on their lives, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham's diverse community and the specific challenges faced by its youth. Being knowledgeable about local issues will show that you are proactive and ready to engage effectively with the children you'll be working with.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with children and professionals in the past. Discuss your approach to building trust and rapport, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crises. Think through potential situations you might face as a Youth Engagement Worker and how you would respond, focusing on empathy and support.
