At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to create impactful youth programmes and experiences.
- Company: Exciting new youth charity focused on community and inclusion.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension, free gym access, and bespoke training.
- Other info: Join a vibrant environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and shape their future.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work and team leadership required.
Are you motivated, energetic, and organised with the ability to connect with both young people and staff/volunteers? If you are looking for a leadership position that requires creativity, that will enable you to flourish, be ambitious, operate both strategically and operationally, and drive success then this is the position for you!
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: Tilbury, Essex
Salary: £38,000 to £43,000 (dependent upon experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (hours will be outside of the usual 9-5)
Benefits: 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays; workplace pension; free gym access (once the site has opened); access to the OnSide Talent Academy; bespoke training and mentoring.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 7 September
First stage interviews (online): Wednesday 16 September
Young Person Panel (in-person in Tilbury): Evening of Monday 21 September
Second stage interviews (in-person): Future Youth Zone – Wednesday 23 September
About the Role: As the Head of Youth Work, you'll take the lead in shaping the future for young people, guiding a dynamic team of Youth Workers to create a youth work experience that stands out. We’re looking for someone who’s creative, driven, and all about making things happen for young people. You’ll be hands-on, with a positive vibe, ready to bring fresh ideas to the table and see them through to success.
No two days will be the same! You’ll be at the forefront, designing the new Youth Work Offer, recruiting and developing a passionate team, and ensuring our programs run smoothly. From junior and senior clubs to holiday clubs and events, you’ll make sure everything is on point.
You’ll be a crucial part of this new Youth Zone for Grimsby and North-East Lincolnshire, welcoming up to 250 young people each session and creating a space where they can thrive. Ready to make a difference? Join us!
Key responsibilities include:
- Staffing
- The Offer (Programme)
- Safeguarding Young People
- Partnership Working
- Policy, Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Leadership
- Inclusion
Before the Youth Zone opens and during its construction, there will be elements of hybrid working in place.
About You: You will be driven, hardworking, organised and equally comfortable engaging with young people and staff/volunteers. Have a sense of fun, plenty of energy but also a calm temperament and the ability to operate at a senior level. Believe in young people’s potential and be proactive and can-do.
You won’t be afraid to get stuck in leading sessions yourself if needed, and you will lead on safeguarding within the organisation.
You will have experience of:
- Youth work, including in open access environments with young people aged 8-18 (up to 25 with additional needs/disability)
- Leading and managing youth work activities
- Managing staff and volunteers, leading a team to achieve targets and key performance indicators (for example membership & attendance)
- Managing budgets
- Managing conflict between young people and establish clear behaviour standards
- Developing opportunities for young people to participate in decision making processes
To apply, you will be asked to submit a CV and cover letter via the company website.
About the Organisation: 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 – 18, 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 an Enhanced DBS check.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Youth Work, Head of Youth Work, Director of Youth Work, Youth Work Director, Head of Community Youth Work, Community Youth Work Director, Youth Worker.
Head of Youth Work in Tilbury employer: OnSide Youth Zones
As a leading national charity dedicated to empowering young people, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee development, our team members are supported in their professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Join us in shaping the future of youth engagement and enjoy the unique advantage of working within a passionate network that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Youth Work in Tilbury
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by OnSide Youth Zones.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like OnSide Youth Zones.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at OnSide Youth Zones.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at OnSide Youth Zones. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Youth Work in Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of OnSide Youth Zones. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of Youth Work, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at OnSide Youth Zones
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of OnSide Youth Zones. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!