Youth Leader
JOB DESCRIPTION: YOUTH LEADER
MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB: To develop and deliver engaging activities which will support the educational, physical and emotional needs of Deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 11-17 years. You will consult with and engage young people to identify need and develop their ideas, the Programmes Manager will then plan the activities as advised by you.Your role will include the support and guidance to individuals; this will include making referrals to other team members or external supporting agencies if required.
You will be responsible for the safety and safeguarding of the young people you are supervising, and you will also supervise and give guidance to the volunteers to other sessional staff who may be supporting the youth session.
Ideally you will be a British Sign Language user, however non signing applicants with vast youth work experience will be considered for this role if they are open to learning BSL. Communication support will be provided.
REPORTS TO: Community Programmes Manager
Salary: £14.50ph - £16.50ph depending on qualifications and experience.
Hours: 100 hours annually, which includes the delivery of one Saturday afternoon session per month plus one session per week during all school holiday periods (we deliver a four-week programme in the summer holidays). Salary will be paid monthly for hours worked each month.
Length of contract: This role is permanent, the first 6 months of employment are served as a probationary period.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Place of work: Delivery of activities will be at various locations across Hertfordshire. With regards to liaising with the programmes manager, you will do this remotely.
Benefits: Flexible working where applicable, opportunities for remote working, generous annual leave entitlement, option to opt in to our pension scheme
Key Role
- Develop ideas with young people, liaise with planning staff and deliver monthly Saturday activities and youth school holiday programmes in collaboration with Phoenix membership and staff team.
- Provide activities for d/Deaf young people that will help them expand their knowledge, life skills, opportunities, social circles and wellbeing.
- Support young people’s transition into adulthood through information, education and referrals to other organisations where required.
- Promote other opportunities for young people such as the DofE Award.
- Always ensure the safeguarding and safety of supervised young people.
- Organise the assisting project staff and volunteers at activities, ensuring your expectations are clear.
- Form professional and positive relationships with Young People and their Parents/Carers
- Provide engaging activities, being creative in your methods of engagement. This may be working in partnership with other organisations and activity providers.
- Promote young people’s independence, sense of inclusion and empowerment.
- Be empathic and understanding of the issues faced by vulnerable young people.
- Work effectively with other team members and external partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for members, making referrals where required.
- Risk assess the environment and activities to always ensure the safety and safeguarding of members.
- Work within budget, ensuring spend approval is sought from management.
- To always provide a professional and friendly service.
- You will hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as Youth Work, Teaching, Health and Social Care.
- Undertake Safeguarding training and deliver on the responsibilities of this role.
- Undertake any other training as identified.
- Manage working hours effectively.
- Attend and contribute to management supervision and team meetings when required.
- Manage safeguarding concerns and referrals as set out in Phoenix safeguarding policy.
- Comply with all of Phoenix policies and health and safety regulations.
- You will be a fun, positive and supportive individual, wanting to help make a positive difference to the lives of d/Deaf young people.
- You must hold a clean driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes as travel across Hertfordshire is necessary for this role. Some young people may require transport support to enable access; this is dependent on staff travel routes and activity location. Business insurance is required, the cost of which will be covered by the charity.
- Anything else as required, in connection with supporting young people in their development and wellbeing.
- This role is subject to a six-month probationary period.
YOUTH LEADER - PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications & Training
Essential:
- Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Youth Work, Education, Health & Social Care or similar
- Willingness to undertake Safeguarding training and any other relevant professional development
- Additional relevant qualifications in youth engagement, inclusion, or special educational needs
- British Sign Language (BSL) qualification or willingness to work towards one
Essential:
- Experience of working with young people aged 11–17 in a youth work, education or community setting
- Experience of planning and/or delivering engaging activities or programmes for young people
- Experience of supporting vulnerable young people, including understanding emotional, social and developmental needs
- Experience of working as part of a team and collaborating with other professionals or external organisations
- Experience of working with d/Deaf or hard of hearing young people
- Experience of supervising volunteers or sessional staff
- Experience of making referrals or signposting to support services
Essential:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people and their families
- Ability to engage, motivate and inspire young people through creative and inclusive approaches
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and ability to apply these in practice
- Ability to assess risk and ensure safe delivery of activities
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload
- British Sign Language (BSL) skills and experience communicating with Deaf individuals
- Knowledge of issues affecting d/Deaf young people and barriers to inclusion
- Awareness of youth development programmes (e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Award)
Essential:
- Enthusiastic, positive and approachable manner
- Empathetic and understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable young people
- Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and empowerment
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and locations
- Reliable, professional and committed to delivering high-quality support
Essential:
- Full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
- Willingness to travel across Hertfordshire
- Willingness to work Saturdays and during school holiday periods
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Benefits
- Casual dress
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Work from home
