Head of Youth Work

Are you driven, hardworking, and organised, with the ability to engage both young people and staff/volunteers? Energetic and fun, yet calm and composed at a senior level? If you have a passion for unlocking young people’s potential, this role might be perfect for you!

No two days are the same so you will need to be able to wear different hats; this involves leading the creation of the new Youth Work offer and managing both the recruitment and development of the delivery team. In addition, you will be accountable for the effective implementation and operation of all core programs, including junior, senior, and holiday clubs.

As an equal opportunities employer, the organisation welcomes applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. The dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

Location: Grimsby (at the Youth Zone when it has been built, some flexibility before then)

Salary: £35,000 to £40,000 (dependent upon experience)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Benefits: 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays; workplace pension; free gym access (once the site has opened); access to the Talent Academy; bespoke training and mentoring.

Closing Date: 9am, 9th June 2025

First Stage Interviews: 16th June 2025

Young People Panel: Evening, 24th June 2025

Second Stage Interviews: 27th June 2025, Visit to a Youth Zone in the North West (Travel cost will be reimbursed)

The Head of Youth Work is a dynamic and challenging senior management role that will lead a team of Youth Workers and oversee the universal youth work offer. We are looking for someone with creativity, ambition for young people, a can-do attitude, and a hands-on approach, all of which must be done to the highest standard.

You will hold overall responsibility for developing and delivering a vibrant, open-access Youth Zone for Grimsby and North-East Lincolnshire, serving up to 250 young people per session.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the delivery team, ensure an effective staff rota is in place and address any challenges such as holidays cover planning, absence, and performance.
• Ensure an inclusive, engaging, and up-to-date youth work programme is delivered seven days a week.
• Ensure young people’s ideas are integral to planning all activities, and they have a voice within the senior leadership team.
• Ensure the Youth Zone is well-attended and meets key performance indicators.
• Champion young people within the organisation.

About You

You will have/have experience of:

• Proven track record leading open-access youth services creating a safe environment to deliver engaging programmes for diverse youth demographics (ages 8-19, up to 25 with additional needs/disabilities).
• Experienced in safeguarding, ideally as a designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills.
• Experience managing clear behaviour standards and managing conflict between young people.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Proven track record in project management of youth programmes.

This is a brand-new locally run youth charity, set to provide thousands of young people with the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, try something new and feel safe. With community centric values and located in the heart of Grimsby, it will be an inspiring place for young people aged 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure. The building is due to be completed in 2025.

The charity recognises that the workforce is under-represented in certain areas and are committed to addressing this. Therefore, they actively encourage applicants to submit anonymous applications; in practice this means removing your name and email address from your CV and cover letter. The HR Lead will have these details from your submission, but they will not be available to the selection panel when they are considering your application.

The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires a basic DBS check.