Senior Youth Worker

Job Description

The Trustees and Staff of Dunston Drop-In CIO are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced senior youth worker to carry out a full range of duties for four youth clubs per week including: 1 Girls group mixed age, 2 Junior youth groups aged 8 -12 and 1 senior youth group aged 13 -16 at the Dunston Drop-In plus working hours during the day to complete administration work for the project. To include working with young people aged between 8 and 16, supervising and monitoring staff, project monitoring and evaluation. Your duty will be to ensure that there is adequate personal, social and educational growth within the young people, to allow them to reach their full potential within the community. You will be responsible for researching, applying for and evaluating funding bids for this project and also producing a monthly report to the trustees regarding the project, the projects finances and to report any issues.

Please note that due to the nature of the building you will be working in, you will need to provide a DBS check.

Main Duties

• To provide adequate recruitment, induction and management of the youth worker and volunteer youth club staff. This will involve implementation of the centres policies.

• Working with existing staff and trustees to develop and manage the youth clubs. This may include administrative tasks such as maintaining records, making and answering phone calls and writing & responding to written communication.

• Attending regular training and development opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge.

• To plan the a programme of activities ensuring a balanced curriculum which meets the needs of the priority age range 8-16 years.

• To lead the team in planning, co-ordination and development of youth work in the centre or project, ensuring the team fulfils its duties and responsibilities.

• Liaise with staff, volunteers, trustees, young people, potential new users and potential partner organisations.

• Working with parents and community groups to win support for improved provision and acting as an advocate for young people’s best interests.

• Working in partnership with professionals from other organisations that support young people such as social care, health, police, education, youth offending teams and local authorities.

• Maintain the resources and budget of the project and informing the centre manager of any issues arising.

• Manage project budgets. Ensure that all charitable funding is spent in line with the terms of the donation. Document all money spent following agreed accounting procedures.

• To identify opportunities for new projects within the youth club and actively seek funding for them with centre manager. Be aware of other projects, observe the local needs or identify sources of target funding which could be used to develop projects for the Dunston Drop-In.

• Produce reports of all work undertaken to be presented to trustees and funders. These reports will monthly be presented to trustees and must include details of any grant applications made and financial status of project already under-way.

• To develop, manage and deliver the youth work of project. This will involve working directly with young people. It may also involve work outside the project or centre including assisting with outings or international youth work developments when appropriate.

• To ensure that young people are empowered to take a full and active part in their project/ youth centres decision making processes.

• Working face-to-face with young people, in a youth club format and also in an outreach format.

• Assessing the needs of each young person, and planning/delivering programmes related to areas such as; health, fitness, smoking, drugs, gangs, violence, relationships and bullying.

• Running art-based activities, community or environmental projects, outdoor activities and sporting activities.

• Supervising groups of young people aged between 8 and 16, volunteers and other staff during evening youth clubs. This will usually be within the Drop-In, but supervision of outside activities may also be necessary.

• Work within the Drop-in policies and procedures.

• Working within the Drop-ins policy on safeguarding, take appropriate actions if any concerns about a young persons health, safety or well-being arise.

Additional duties may vary depending on the project work completed within the first year, this could include attending local fairs or awareness raising sessions, it could also include one-one sessions with young people and their families outside of youth club sessions.

Working Arrangements

This is a part time position with a possible two year extension. You will be expected to split you work time between evening youth clubs and administrative duties. Position dependant on funding.

Contact

Please contact Shona Dillon Centre Manager on 0191 4609590 or via e-mail shona.dillon@dunstondrop-in.org.uk to arrange an interview or for more information. Please send or bring a C/V

Person specification

Essential skills & Qualifications

• Proven ability to identify children at risk and take appropriate child protection actions.

• Proven ability to work with disadvantaged young people.

• 12 months minimum experience of developing and working within youth projects.

• Proven ability to apply for and secure funding for projects.

• Able to work with trustees, including the production of reports.

• Ability to work with other members of staff and volunteers.

• Experience of working with outside organisations e.g. schools, local police etc.

• Knowledge and awareness of the difficulties, challenges and barriers facing young people.

• Ability to supervise and develop young people, colleagues and volunteers.

• Good IT skills

• Minimum NVQ level 3 in Youth Work

• The worker will be comfortable working in informal settings with groups of young people and their families.

• Effective team leader

• Time management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines. prioritising activities and evaluating sessions.

• Ability to relate and communicate with young people.

• Willingness to take up relevant training.

• Flexible and adaptable.

• Friendly, outgoing and confident.

• Ability to pass a DBS check.

• Experience supervising staff

Desirable skills & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Youth Work.

• Experience of working with external organisations that support young people.

• Experience of working within a community environment.

• Current food hygiene certificate.

• Emergency First Aid certificate.

• Working knowledge of the voluntary sector.

• Experience working with socially excluded young people.

• A full driving licence and own transport would be desirable but not essential.