At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' journeys, safeguard their wellbeing, and coordinate engaging enrichment activities.
- Company: Join a leading educational group dedicated to student success and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension scheme, subsidised sports facilities, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on empowering students and enhancing their personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in relevant fields and experience working with young people aged 16-19.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Student Services supports students at each stage of their journey from pre-entry to post exit. The department has a student orientated culture and puts students' needs at the heart of everything it does.
As an Enrichment Officer, you will be part of the Colleges Safeguarding Team and will carry out the role of Safeguarding Officer, taking appropriate and timely action to safeguard students, providing a consistent and professional service. You will identify and report Safeguarding concerns and provide ongoing support to students identified as at risk under the supervision of the Student Services Team Leaders.
You will lead on developing, delivering, planning, and coordinating a range of enrichment activities with high levels of engagement. Working with others, you will provide a programme that supports students to build resilience, stay safe and develop employability, personal and social skills whilst proactively building positive relationships with students and effectively challenging behaviour/signposting to support services.
We would like our Enrichment Officer to be qualified to Level 3 or above in an appropriate area (Youth & Community, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care or IAG) and have experience of working with young people aged 16-19 years from a variety of backgrounds, understanding the needs and issues surrounding them and the difficulties students face. You will have experience of planning, coordinating, and delivering activities for young people in an educational setting (or similar) and be able to engage with high numbers of young people to support them to engage with activities.
Able to use initiative, organise and prioritise, you will have a working knowledge of barriers to participation and how to increase participation within an educational environment by those not engaging, and understand relevant external organisations that can be engaged to support and develop enrichment opportunities.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees' physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.
Youth Officer employer: South Thames College
The South Thames Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and student-focused work environment. With generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, additional Wellbeing leave, and a robust pension scheme, employees are encouraged to prioritise their health and professional development. The collaborative culture promotes growth opportunities, allowing staff to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while working in one of London's largest educational institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in student services or youth work. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal chat, be ready to discuss your experience with young people and how you've made a difference. Bring examples of activities you've planned or coordinated that really engaged students.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that interests you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the position and mention any connections you might have within the organisation. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview! Research the college and its values, especially around student support and safeguarding. Think about how your background aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve helped students overcome challenges in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Student Support:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how you can contribute to our student-oriented culture.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with young people aged 16-19. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've engaged with students and supported them in overcoming challenges, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Thames College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Youth Officer and the specific responsibilities it entails. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and the types of enrichment activities that engage young people. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to student welfare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with young people or coordinated activities. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in educational settings. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with students and manage diverse needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current enrichment programmes, how they measure success, or what challenges the team is currently facing. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work as a Youth Officer and how you relate to the students' needs. Building rapport with the interviewers can make a significant difference, so let your personality shine through!
