At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people through mentoring, activities, and community engagement.
- Company: Join NYAS, a leading charity dedicated to advocating for young people's rights.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract for 12 months, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower young people to thrive and build connections in their community.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong local knowledge and a commitment to support.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
About the role
The Side-by-Side project supports children in care and care leavers to have the same opportunities as those who have not experienced care. For many young people, navigating the care system and especially the transition to leaving care can be complex, isolating, and overwhelming. Too often, care-experienced young people are expected to face adulthood before they are ready, without the safety nets of family, friends, and community networks that many of us take for granted. The project provides a mentoring and befriending service, offering consistent, trusted relationships that help young people feel less alone, build confidence and life skills, and navigate key life changes as they move towards independence. Side-by-Side supports young people with a range of needs, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges. The project is guided by strong safeguarding practice, built on trust, and delivered through trauma-informed, person-centred approaches.
Working 18 hours per week, you will work directly with young people through engagement sessions, group activities and co-designed initiatives. You will also work alongside volunteers, supporting them to safely and effectively engage with young people. This role does not involve acting as a young person's key worker or holding a caseload. Instead, your focus is on enabling connections, strengthening community networks and creating opportunities for young people to thrive across Solihull. Please note this is a fixed term contract position for 12 months.
About you
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual with strong local knowledge and a commitment to community-based support. You will be confident working directly with care-experienced young people, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Build community links: develop relationships with local venues, services, and partners to support young people and Side-by-Side activities.
- Support volunteers: recruit, train, and guide volunteers, helping them signpost young people to relevant services.
- Engage young people: deliver activities, gather feedback, and support co-designed initiatives to ensure young people shape the services they receive.
- Live our values: all work is guided by trust, reducing loneliness, providing practical and emotional support, and delivering person-centered approaches.
How to apply
Please apply through the NYAS website. In your application, you will need to evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria laid out in the person specification, within the job description attached.
Safeguarding and Compliance
NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment. In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process. We reserve the right to close the advert early should the right candidate be found before the closing date.
About NYAS
As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld. We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard. We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. Work with us to help change young lives.
Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker in Birmingham employer: The National Youth Advocacy Service
At NYAS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Our Birkenhead office offers a supportive work culture with flexible hybrid working arrangements, fostering employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and is committed to compliance and excellence in legal services.
Contact Details:
The National Youth Advocacy Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker in Birmingham
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Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
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When you spot a temporary role at The National Youth Advocacy Service that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at The National Youth Advocacy Service. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
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References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for The National Youth Advocacy Service.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at The National Youth Advocacy Service!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Youth Advocacy Service
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of The National Youth Advocacy Service resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Side-by-Side Community Engagement Worker position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
