At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop impactful youth services for young people aged 11-25.
- Company: Join YMCA St Paul’s Group, Europe's largest YMCA and a leader in youth services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, discounts, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a dynamic, community-focused workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years managing youth services and a Level 3 qualification in youth studies.
The predicted salary is between 46202 - 52100 £ per year.
About YMCA St Paul’s Group: YMCA St Paul’s Group is the largest YMCA in Europe and a leading provider of supported housing, youth and community services. The Youth Project is a registered charity and subsidiary of YMCA St Paul’s Group, delivering innovative youth services and programmes that support young people. Together, we create inclusive places where young people, families and communities can be safe, healthy, connected and confident. Our work empowers individuals to develop their potential, strengthen their wellbeing and make positive contributions to their communities.
About the Role: Lead youth work that changes lives! YMCA St Paul’s Youth Project is looking for an ambitious, values‑led Youth Work Development Manager to lead, grow and energise youth services for young people aged 11–25. This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced youth work leader who can bring people together, turn ideas into action, and build safe, inclusive and high‑impact services for young people.
- Lead YMCA St Paul’s Youth Project services across multiple sites.
- Develop new youth services and funded projects from idea to delivery.
- Support, coach and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Manage budgets, performance, quality and impact reporting.
- Build strong partnerships with funders, local agencies and communities.
- Ensure a high level of quality and impact whilst adhering to budgetary limitations and business processes.
- Keep safeguarding, inclusion and young people's wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
About You: We are looking for a passionate, organised, and aspirational leader who is looking to enhance, sustain and develop what we offer to young people living in London. You must have at least 3 years’ experience managing youth services across multiple sites and hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in youth-related studies. You will also have a proven track record of setting up and delivering funded projects from beginning to end ensuring the best outcomes for young people.
Benefits: At YMCA St Paul's Group, we prioritise improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our services. We value your authenticity and unique voice and encourage you to share your opinions. You can learn, grow, and reach your full potential as a team member. We are committed to your development and will support your personal growth journey. Our comprehensive learning and development programme includes training, qualifications, and on‑the‑job experience.
- Free gym access across our sites.
- Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets.
- Free access to well‑being and counselling services.
- The ability to work from a range of outer London work locations.
- Career development programmes to help you thrive.
- Family‑friendly policies to help you balance work‑life, including enhanced maternity pay.
- Life Assurance (permanent contracts only).
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship and can only accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK. As this role involves working with vulnerable members of society including regulated activity, a Basic, Standard or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required following a conditional offer. We will consider all circumstances before making a final decision.
At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we actively promote equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives that make our workforce stronger. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold and work in accordance with the Christian ethos and values of the YMCA.
Youth Work Development Manager in Walthamstow employer: YMCA West London
YMCA West London is an excellent employer for those looking to gain hands-on experience in HR and recruitment within a supportive and community-focused environment. As a volunteer, you will benefit from skill development opportunities, work alongside dedicated professionals, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in the local community. The vibrant culture in Wimbledon fosters collaboration and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring HR professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Work Development Manager in Walthamstow
✨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 YMCA West London.
✨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 YMCA West London!
✨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 YMCA West London, 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 YMCA West London 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 Work Development Manager in Walthamstow
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 YMCA West London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to YMCA West London! 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 YMCA West London
✨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.
