Youth Development Coordinator

Location: Hybrid – some time at our office in Chopwell, delivery at various regional woodland sites, and some home working.

Working pattern: You will be required to work at least 3 evenings per week, and some weekends, to deliver the Youth Programme.

Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), including some evening and weekend work.

Salary: £27,500 pro rata (£22,000 actual salary for 28 hours/week).

About Us: At Stomping Grounds North East, we believe every child and young person deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable of shaping their own future. Through our nature-based youth work, we support children and young people to thrive — building confidence, relationships, and leadership skills in woodland spaces. Our work is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that young people should have a voice in shaping the opportunities available to them.

Why Join Us: This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful with a lasting impact on society and nature. You’ll be working directly with children and young people to create real change — supporting them to build confidence, develop skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. We are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in the outdoor and environmental sector, and we aim to create a working environment where everyone can thrive.

Purpose of the role: The Youth Development Coordinator will lead and expand our youth development programmes, supporting hundreds of children and young people across Gateshead, Newcastle, and Northumberland to build wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging through nature-based programmes. You will lead the delivery and coordination of our youth programmes, creating meaningful, structured opportunities for young people aged 5–18 to grow, connect, and develop skills for life.

You will play a key role in:

• Supporting young people to feel safer, more confident, and better able to manage emotions.
• Creating opportunities for peer connection, leadership, and progression.
• Developing pathways into volunteering, accredited training, and leadership roles.
• Working alongside communities to ensure our programmes are inclusive, accessible, and shaped by young people themselves.

This is a hands-on role combining programme delivery, coordination, mentoring, and relationship-building — ideal for someone passionate about youth work, connecting with nature, and making a lasting difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of weekly Forest School and youth development sessions across multiple sites.
• Plan and deliver structured, engaging programmes with clear outcomes for young people.
• Support the development of a joined-up youth pathway from early years through to leadership opportunities.
• Ensure sessions are inclusive, creative, and responsive to young people’s needs.
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure safe, high-quality delivery at all times.

Youth Development & Mentoring:

• Develop a unified youth development and leadership framework.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and young people aged 5–18.
• Mentor and support young people on Forest School pathways to develop confidence, resilience, and social skills.
• Create opportunities for peer mentoring and youth leadership.
• Support young people to access volunteering, peer mentoring, and progression pathways.
• Recognise and celebrate achievements through events, showcases, and storytelling.
• Conduct observations and write reports to inform EHCPs, funding requirements, and partner communications.

Partnerships & Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with schools, families, and local partners.
• Work collaboratively with external partners to ensure a holistic approach to participant development.
• Engage young people and families in shaping and co-designing programmes to reflect their needs, aspirations, and lived experiences.
• Increase access for those facing barriers to participation.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning:

• Track and evaluate participant progress, programme outcomes, and impacts on social, emotional, and leadership skills.
• Gather feedback, case studies, and evidence of impact.
• Contribute to reporting for funders and organisational learning using qualitative and quantitative data.
• Use insight to continuously improve delivery.

Volunteer Coordination:

• Coordinate a volunteer management process.
• Contribute to creating a positive and inclusive volunteer experience.
• Support volunteers to build confidence and skills alongside young people.

Safeguarding, Inclusion & Wellbeing:

• Ensure programmes are trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, culturally inclusive, and accessible.
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, and risk management procedures.
• Create environments where all young people feel safe, respected, and able to be themselves.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Previous experience in youth development work, outdoor learning, or similar settings.
• Strong experience in project/programme coordination and delivery.
• Experience delivering structured programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and support young people, including those facing barriers or with additional needs.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• A commitment to inclusivity, trauma-informed practice, and empowering young people.
• A strong understanding of the challenges facing young people in the North East (particularly Gateshead, Newcastle, and Northumberland), or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and child protection procedures.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and delivery partners.

Desirable:

• Forest School Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Experience in Forest School, outdoor education, or nature-based youth work.
• Experience in co-designing programmes or participatory practice.
• Knowledge of SEND, neurodivergence, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience in evaluation and reporting for funders or statutory bodies.

Impact: Through your work, you will support hundreds of children and young people each year. This role will directly influence the lives of over 400 children and young people across the North East, particularly those facing disadvantage, exclusion, or systemic barriers. By embedding structured pathways from early engagement to accredited leadership, you will help create a lasting legacy of confident, skilled, and empowered young people, ready to thrive in their communities and beyond. You will be part of a team creating lasting change — not just for individuals, but for communities across the North East.