Youth Engagement Coordinator - Part time in Southampton

A safe place to live. Someone to believe in. A chance to move forward. Not every young person starts adulthood with the same opportunities. Some have experienced trauma. Some have faced homelessness. Some are struggling with emotional wellbeing, substance misuse or difficult life circumstances. What many need most is somebody who will walk alongside them.

As a Youth Engagement Worker at the YMCA Fairthorne Group at George Williams House, you'll develop and deliver engaging programmes and activities to the young people we support. You will help young people build confidence, develop skills and move closer towards being independent and leading happy and fulfilling lives. Because meaningful change often starts with a trusted relationship.

YMCA Fairthorne Group, George Williams House is a purpose-built accommodation service close to Southampton city centre, providing a home for up to 52 young people aged between 18 to 25. Many of the young people we support have experienced significant challenges and may have complex needs. This role is about creating opportunities: opportunities to connect, to learn, to belong, to build resilience, to improve wellbeing, and to take positive steps towards education, employment, training and independent living.

You’ll work both one-to-one and in group settings, helping young people identify goals and supporting them to achieve them.

What you’ll do

• Develop, promote and deliver engaging daily activities and programmes for young people.
• Support, mentor, coach and walk alongside young people as they work towards personal goals.
• Undertake risk assessments and support planning.
• Build positive and trusted relationships with residents.
• Support activities that involve the wider community, including our adjacent youth centre.
• Engage external partners and specialist agencies to deliver support and activities.
• Advocate on behalf of young people and help them access appropriate services and opportunities.
• Actively support young people into employment, education, training and volunteering opportunities.
• Assist with the selection and induction of individuals applying for accommodation.
• Maintain clear and accurate records and programme information.
• Contribute to safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing processes.
• Identify and respond appropriately to emerging risks and concerns.

This role is about more than activities. Activities create opportunities. But the real impact comes from the relationships behind them. Sometimes success looks like a young person attending a session for the first time, building enough confidence to speak in a group, applying for a job, starting a training course, making a positive choice, or asking for help when they need it. Progress isn't always measured in big milestones. Often it's found in the small steps that build towards lasting change.

The person we’re looking for

We're looking for somebody who genuinely believes in the potential of young people and is committed to helping them thrive. You'll have:

• Experience delivering programmes within a youth, adult or community-based setting.
• Experience supporting young people or adults with complex needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
• An understanding of the challenges facing young people today.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing poor emotional wellbeing, trauma or substance misuse, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• The ability to respond positively and effectively to challenging or high-risk behaviours.
• Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Most importantly, you'll be:

• Approachable and supportive.
• Resilient and patient.
• Confident building relationships and establishing trust.
• An effective communicator.
• Solution-focused and proactive.
• Able to motivate and encourage others.
• Passionate about creating opportunities for young people.

Benefits that make a difference

• 100% off childcare for YMCA employees at our nurseries.
• Extra support during the school holidays.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with service up to 30 days, with the option to buy up to 10 additional days.
• An additional day to celebrate something that matters to you.
• Access to our Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Enhanced family leave provisions.
• Blue Light Card eligibility, gym discounts and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Professional learning, Youth Work development and opportunities to grow your Youth Services career across YMCA Fairthorne Group.

YMCA Fairthorne Group Southampton is part of the YMCA Fairthorne Group, supporting children, young people and families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to build a positive future. Through accommodation, youth work, wellbeing support and community programmes, we help young people develop confidence, independence and resilience. The work you do will directly contribute to helping young people: Belong, Contribute, Thrive.

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.