At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with young people in public spaces, providing guidance and support.
- Company: Join Lewisham's vibrant Youth Service team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, local discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a community-focused role that empowers young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with diverse youth and a Level 3 Youth qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 32384 - 33384 £ per year.
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.
Are you passionate about building relationships with young people where they are? In public spaces, on estates and in parks? Join Lewisham’s dynamic Youth Service team as a Detached Youth Worker, engage with young people where they are, and support them to access services and opportunities in the community.
As part of a team you will be out in Lewisham's town centres, parks and estates, engaging with young people, providing guidance and building trusted relationships. You will understand and be responsive to young people's needs and interests and support them to get involved in their community, make the most of opportunities and stay safe. You will help monitor and evaluate progress and contribute ideas towards the development of the work.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- 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
What we’re looking for: You will have experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, in a variety of settings, including as a detached youth worker. You will enjoy being out and about and able to initiate conversation and engage with young people, where appropriate identifying opportunities to signpost young people to services and activities. You will work well in a team and have knowledge of contextual safeguarding.
The job is primarily based in Lewisham borough, on the street and in other public places. We operate a hybrid approach where you may occasionally be required to work both in the office and from home.
Special conditions: Relevant Level 3 Youth and community (JNC) qualification is needed. Weekend working is required for this job. The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
£32,384.00 to £33,384.00 per annum (SC4) pro rata (18 hours per week).
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 www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Detached Youth Worker employer: Lewisham Youth Service
Lewisham Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of Catford. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through strategic procurement initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises value for money while fostering growth and mentorship within the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detached Youth Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lewisham Youth Service.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lewisham Youth Service!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lewisham Youth Service, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lewisham Youth Service or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Detached Youth Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lewisham Youth Service:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lewisham Youth Service! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Youth Service
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
