At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead youth work sessions and support young people's development in vibrant community settings.
- Company: Join SPACE, an innovative charity dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6 weeks annual leave, pension contributions, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or transferable skills with a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Do you want to help us unlock potential with young people and their communities? Do you love a challenge? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and inspiring Lead Youth Work Practitioner.
About the job
- Location: Bideford Based (Expected to work across North Devon with mileage reimbursement)
- Employment type: 1 year fixed term with potential to become permanent
- Hours of work: 30 Hours a week
- Deadline for application: 14th August 2026
- Interview Date: 24th August 2026
SPACE is an ambitious and innovative charity, driven by our values and seeking to support even more young people by developing current and new services. Our employees strive to achieve the best they can and must be committed to seeing the best in others. We value everyone's contribution and create safe spaces for exploration and growth.
This post requires either an experienced youth worker or someone looking to change careers and work with young people as part of the youth work team. Transferable skills will be considered. Our Youth Centres are busy and vibrant spaces. The successful candidate will enjoy the challenge of leading sessions alongside providing young people with individual packages of support.
What is the role
- Leading youth work in a variety of settings
- Supporting the development of co-workers and volunteers
- Codesigning and supporting the delivery of social action projects in the community
- Working with partners and stakeholders
- Planning, evaluating and evidencing of youth work
- Helping young people to develop skills and put their ideas into action
- Leadership and confidence
- Passion for supporting and advocating for the rights of young people
- Creativity and solution-focused thinking
- Respectful with excellent empathy and kindness
- Ability to multitask, set priorities and reach out when you need help and support
- High commitment to continuous professional practice
Space is an inclusive and learning organisation. Our employees should strive to achieve the best they can and must be committed to seeing the best in others. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply, as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
What We Offer
- Annual leave: 6 weeks for the first 5 years then increased to 7 weeks (pro-rata’d for part-time roles)
- Additional 3 Statutory days given between Christmas and new year plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions starting at 6% rising to 8% in the third year
- Employee assistance programme 24/7
- Casual dress code
- Continuous Professional Development: Formal and informal training opportunities
- Trained wellbeing champions available for a chat
Safeguarding Statement and Pre-Employment Checks
At SPACE, we work with young people and are fully committed to ensuring their safeguarding and welfare is a priority at all times. As part of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, all of our employees, contractors and volunteers will be expected to comply. Upon a conditional offer of appointment being made, all employees will also be required to satisfy our pre-employment screening process which will include:
- An identity check (photo ID)
- Receipt of satisfactory references cover for 3 years to current
- Documentary evidence of right to work in the UK
- A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Lead Youth Work Practitioner in Northam employer: Space Youth Services
Space Youth Services is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Tiverton. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration with community partners, ensuring that our team can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Join us to be part of a passionate team committed to driving change and growth in our local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Youth Work Practitioner in Northam
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Space Youth Services, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Youth Work Practitioner in Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Space Youth Services. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Space Youth Services. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Space Youth Services
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Space Youth Services.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Lead Youth Work Practitioner role at Space Youth Services, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Space Youth Services that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
