Youth Advisor Level 1 - Portsmouth in Isle of Wight

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.

We are looking for a Youth Advisor Level 1 to join our fantastic Play, Youth & Community service and make a real difference! This role is 6 hours per week to be worked 18:00 - 21:00 on Monday & Friday evenings, based at Hillside Youth Club in Portsmouth, and the role is permanent.

The youth service aims to improve outcomes for young people aged 11yrs-19yrs and up to 25yrs for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. We do this through Information, Advice, Guidance and a range of activities provided through our youth clubs and projects. We support vulnerable young people who are at risk or future risk of further problems such as substance misuse, youth offending, teenage pregnancy and homelessness.

Working with young people aged between 11yrs -19 years, in a youth club setting, you will encourage young people’s participation in their club and in planning and running activities with them. Building relationships with these young people, by being a good listener, listening to what the young people want from the activities as well as listening to their issues and signposting them on to other services as and when required. You will be expected to support the work under the direction of the Youth Club Manager.

Your duties could include sport, dance, participation in art, music, drama, discussions, and cooking with young people to name but a few, also off-site activities to include day trips and residentials.

Who is the person?

• Be enthusiastic and be able to make and maintain effective relationships with young people.
• Have experience of working with young people from age 11-25 years, be enthusiastic and able to make and maintain effective relationships.
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to engage effectively with young people, staff, and stakeholders in a restorative way.
• The ability to converse at ease with service users.
• Be friendly and approachable with a sense of humour and lots of patience.
• Be able to work within a team, as there will be lots of interaction with volunteers and other staff as this is very much a hands-on job.
• An understanding of anti-discriminatory practice is essential and the empowerment of young people is essential.
• Be open-minded, but recognise and challenge inappropriateness in a young person’s behaviour or language.
• Be flexible in your hours of work as you will need availability to work in the evenings and occasional weekends as well as working from different sites.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.