At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic young adults in developing skills for youth work through coaching and practical workshops.
- Company: A dedicated organisation focused on empowering young people with SEND/SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for long-term growth.
- Why this job: Help shape the future of young people while gaining valuable coaching experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic young adults and strong coaching skills are essential.
We are looking for two experienced Youth Work Coaches to support a young person who is approaching 18 and whose longer-term ambition is to work within youth work. The young person is autistic and has additional SEND/SEMH needs. Applicants should therefore have direct experience working with autistic young adults or older teenagers.
The purpose of the role
This is a supported work-experience and vocational-development role. The aim is to help the young person understand, practise and gradually take on the real skills and responsibilities involved in youth work. Initially, this will involve structured 2:1 coaching focused on communication, professional behaviour, routines, boundaries, teamwork and practical workplace skills. As confidence and readiness develop, the young person will be supported to assist within appropriate small-group practical workshops. This will provide real-world experience of contributing to sessions, supporting others and understanding how a professional youth worker operates in practice. You will act as both a coach and professional role model, helping the young person build the skills needed for future work experience and employment.
Areas of development may include:
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of a youth worker
- Appropriate communication with young people and adults
- Professional boundaries
- Preparing for and arriving at work appropriately
- Following instructions and routines
- Planning and preparing activities
- Communicating as part of a staff team
- Recognising when and how to offer help
- Supporting participants within practical workshops
- Managing feedback, mistakes and unexpected situations
- Developing confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Reflecting on performance and identifying next steps
- Building employability and independent-living skills
- Progression into real-world experience
Where appropriate, the young person will gradually take on clearly defined responsibilities within small-group practical workshops. This may include supporting workshop preparation, interacting appropriately with participants, assisting with activities and contributing to sessions under close supervision. Responsibility will increase in line with the young person's readiness, with the longer-term aim of preparing them for further work experience and future employment within youth work or a related field.
About you
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
- Have direct experience working with autistic young adults or older teenagers
- Have experience within youth work, SEND, specialist support, mentoring or community work
- Understand how autism can affect communication, executive functioning, sensory needs, anxiety and responses to change
- Can break professional and social expectations into clear, achievable steps
- Can model skills rather than simply give instructions
- Maintain clear and consistent professional boundaries
- Can encourage independence while providing appropriate support
- Are patient, reflective and adaptable
- Understand safeguarding and professional responsibility
- Believe in the value of meaningful work experience as a route into adulthood and employment
Formal youth-work qualifications would be welcomed, but relevant experience with autistic young people and strong practical coaching skills are particularly important.
Working pattern
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30am-3:00pm 16.5 hours per week £17.35 per hour + 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay. The role is initially linked to this young person's programme, but we are looking for staff who can become part of our longer-term team. Where appropriate, contracts may be extended and staff may move on to support other young people or programmes within the provision.
Youth Work Coach - SEND/SEMH, Employment & Independent Living in Hebden Bridge employer: Radskills Ltd
As a Youth Work Coach, you will join a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to empowering young people with SEND/SEMH needs. Our work culture prioritises professional development, offering opportunities for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic young adults. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a nurturing environment where your skills can flourish while helping others gain independence and confidence in their future careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Work Coach - SEND/SEMH, Employment & Independent Living in Hebden Bridge
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Radskills Ltd, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Radskills Ltd. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Radskills Ltd's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Work Coach - SEND/SEMH, Employment & Independent Living in Hebden Bridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Radskills Ltd. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Radskills Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Radskills Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Radskills Ltd.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Youth Work Coach - SEND/SEMH, Employment & Independent Living at Radskills Ltd.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Radskills Ltd that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Youth Work Coach - SEND/SEMH, Employment & Independent Living role.
