At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower young people through engaging youth work projects across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
- Company: Join the Blend Youth Project, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, enhanced annual leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people reach their potential in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth work and ability to build positive relationships with diverse groups.
The predicted salary is between 13.17 - 13.17 £ per hour.
Responsible to: Youth Work Manager
Rate of Pay: £12.75 - £13.17 per hour
Hours of Work: 9 hours per week (Flexibility to work evenings and weekends required)
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Base: Multi-site around the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area
Job Description
Purpose & Scope
To work as part of the Blend Youth Project team to support and assist with the delivery of youth work projects and programmes across multiple sites and project locations, so that we effectively engage with young people in their local communities, creating safe spaces to promote their personal and social development and enhance their life chances.
To be involved in the ongoing development and delivery of youth work provision which is accessible, inclusive, and which advocates for and celebrates the lives of young people, actively facilitating their participation and working for their empowerment as valued members of their communities.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- To build and maintain positive and non-judgemental relationships with young people in individual and group contexts, enabling their participation, promoting their personal & social development, and providing access to relevant support and signposting.
- To work effectively in a range of youth work delivery contexts across various locations including: open drop-in sessions, project-based delivery, and detached work.
- To contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of the youth work programme.
- To actively contribute to all relevant quality assurance procedures, such as end of session debriefs, evaluations and consultations.
- To support with the delivery and supervision of other off-site activities/trips as requested.
- To identify and address the needs and concerns of young people, signposting them to additional support when necessary.
- To adhere to all existing working policies, practices, methods and procedures.
- To understand and comply with existing Safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures in performing the duties of the post.
- To understand and comply with relevant Health & Safety legislation, policies and procedures in performing the duties of the post.
- To maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate.
- To understand and implement all relevant Equal Opportunities legislation and practices.
- To take a shared responsibility for the care and management of premises and equipment, assisting with opening and closing procedures, and ensuring that routine practices are adhered to.
Person Specification
Characteristics & Values
- Can embrace fully the ethos, vision and values of Valley CIDS/Blend Youth Project.
- Passion for working with young people & helping them reach their potential.
- Self-motivated, resourceful and the ability to motivate others.
- Committed to anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.
Skills & Knowledge
- Able to build positive relationships with young people, acting as a role model and source of support.
- Able to work effectively with young people in individual & group contexts.
- Able to engage and motivate young people, including those who may be at risk or disengaged.
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in youth work.
- Understanding of the issues affecting young people’s lives.
- Effective ICT skills and competent in the use of Microsoft Office software.
Experience
- Experience of working with diverse groups and understanding different social and cultural needs.
Qualifications & Training
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Youth Work (or working towards one).
Other Requirements
- A full UK Driving License & access to a business insured vehicle to enable travel required to fulfil the duties & responsibilities of the post.
- A commitment to working unsociable hours, including regular evenings.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will therefore be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Benefits
- Enhanced Annual Leave
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- 20% discount in all Lighthouse Charity Shops
- Company Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to exclusive shopping and lifestyle discounts
- Christmas Saver Scheme
- Company Events
Youth Support Worker employer: Valley CIDS
As a Youth Support Worker with the Blend Youth Project, you will join a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering flexible hours and a range of benefits including enhanced annual leave and access to exclusive discounts. We are committed to creating safe spaces for youth engagement, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Valley CIDS.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Valley CIDS!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Valley CIDS, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Valley CIDS or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Valley CIDS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Valley CIDS! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valley CIDS
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
