SENIOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

The Venture; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Senior Youth Engagement Officer to lead youth advisory boards and facilitate youth engagement in mental health projects. This role involves mentoring young leaders, organizing events, and ensuring young people's voices are heard in project decisions. The ideal candidate should have a Level 3 qualification in Youth Work and experience in safeguarding. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. This position encourages proactive engagement and a commitment to supporting youth development.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work.
• Clean UK driving licence required.
• Experience in safeguarding or equivalent role.
• Significant safeguarding experience and understanding youth development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB).
• Recruit and engage young people from Wrexham and Flintshire.
• Organise workshops, events, and activities effectively.
• Contribute to overall project success through planning and collaboration.

Skills

Strong communication skills in English

Experience working with young people and young adults

Empathy and ability to connect with young people

Excellent planning and organisational skills

Good IT skills including digital communication and online working

Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders

Ability to travel throughout Wrexham and Flintshire

Welsh language skills

Education

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work

Level 3 safeguarding children in Wales qualification

Job description

About the Project

The National Lottery funded Meddwl Ymlaen Mind Our Future project is led by The Venture on behalf of the North East Wales partnership. The aim is to empower young people aged 11 to 24 to shape mental health services across Wrexham and Flintshire. Young people will co develop and influence policy, processes and services that affect their mental wellbeing.

Overview of the Role

The Senior Youth Engagement Officer will lead the youth engagement and co production elements of the project. A key part of the role is to lead and facilitate the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB), made up of 11 to 24 year olds who guide the direction of the project. The post holder will support their leadership development, confidence and decision making. The role also includes developing a strategy to recruit and engage more young people, delivering a calendar of youth led events, and ensuring young voices shape all aspects of the project. The officer will represent Mind Our Future in meetings with stakeholders and support young people recruited into paid roles within the project.

Main Duties

• Lead and facilitate the YLAB, plan and chair meetings, and support members to take an active leadership role.
• Recruit and engage a diverse group of young people to join the YLAB and ensure the group reflects the communities of Wrexham and Flintshire.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and personal development opportunities for young people involved.
• Co design project activities with young people, ensuring their voices guide decisions, planning and evaluation.
• Organise workshops, events and activities and ensure all logistics are managed effectively.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and communicate project updates.
• Recruit and support young people in paid roles within the project, including training, mentoring and ongoing support.
• Act as the designated safeguarding lead for the project including implementing safeguarding procedures, providing guidance, and liaising with authorities when required.
• Contribute to overall project success through planning, evaluation and collaborative teamwork.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and equality across all work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work
• Clean UK driving licence
• Level 3 safeguarding children in Wales qualification
• Significant experience in a Safeguarding Lead or equivalent role

Desirable

• Diploma or degree in mental health, particularly relating to children and young people
• Health and Safety training

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Strong communication skills in English
• Experience working with young people and young adults
• Empathy and ability to connect with young people
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills including digital communication and online working
• Ability to produce quality reports and presentations
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and motivate young people
• Ability to work collaboratively and create a positive environment
• Ability to travel throughout Wrexham, Flintshire and occasionally across Wales
• Ability to meet deadlines and targets

Desirable

• Welsh language skills
• Ability to adapt communication styles for different needs (for example Makaton)

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Significant safeguarding experience
• Knowledge of youth work and youth development
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting
• Awareness of youth sub cultures and social media
• Experience of youth participation or consultation
• Understanding of professional boundaries
• Experience implementing Health and Safety and Equalities processes
• Knowledge of Youth Work in Wales : Principles and Purposes and related frameworks
• Knowledge of Data Protection and GDPR
• Understanding of the importance of Welsh language and culture

Desirable

• Experience of co production
• Experience working with diverse groups of young people
• Experience working with varied abilities
• Partnership working experience
• Project management experience or transferable skills

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Trustworthiness
• Commitment to professional development
• Commitment to equality and challenging discrimination
• Integrity, discretion and strong personal drive
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
• Compassion and patience
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Genuine care for supporting others
• Fun, engaging and adventurous attitude

Other Requirements

• Ability to carry equipment between locations
• Frequent evening and weekend work will be required
• Enhanced DBS check required