Youth and Children’s Lead

YMCA Bournemouth; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading local charity in Bournemouth seeks a Youth and Children’s Lead to oversee youth activities for children aged 5-17. The ideal candidate will possess a Level 3 qualification in youth work and have at least two years of experience working with young people. This part-time role involves mentoring, session planning, and adhering to safeguarding procedures. Join a passionate team making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Competitive pension contribution

Free access to counselling service

Discounts on gym memberships

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working with children and young people.
• Experience in leading projects and teams.
• Understanding of children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prepare youth and children’s work sessions.
• Ensure safeguarding and health and safety procedures are followed.
• Mentor and support children and young people.

Skills

Build positive, supportive relations with children and young people of all ages

Bring a sense of humour

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in youth/children/community work

Level 3 in safeguarding

Job description

Job title: Youth and Children’s Lead

Location: Bournemouth

Employment type: Part-time

Working hours: 15 Hours per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and occasional weekends)

Salary: £10,530.00 – £10,930.00 per annum

Application closing date: 31.08.2025

Interview date(s): 08.09.2025

About Us

YMCA Bournemouth is a part of a global organisation making a real difference at a local level in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We are dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking services that address the needs of our community. Our work spans key areas such as Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing, all with the aim of enabling individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.

About The Position

We are looking for a Youth and Children’s Lead to join our team and contribute to lead youth and children’s work sessions, age 5-17 years. You will provide age-appropriate activities across the different age groups, building positive and appropriate relationships, providing mentoring and one-to-one support. You will lead and support a team of volunteers.

This Role Will Involve

• Leading and preparing youth and children’s work sessions
• Ensuring safeguarding and health and safety procedures are followed and reported on YMCAB online system
• Mentoring and supporting children and young people
• Detached work with children and young people in the community
• Attending team meetings, planning sessions and training
  
  

What We’re Looking For

You will be a passionate and motivated individual who is driven by our mission to empower individuals and create stronger communities.

Skills And Competencies

• Build positive, supportive relations with children and young people of all ages
• Bring a sense of humour and enjoy engaging with children and young people
• Work directly with individuals and groups to support skill-building, confidence and personal development
• Set and maintain clear, respectful boundaries with children, young people and volunteers
• Demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills
• Collaboratively effectively within a team environment
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Approachable and genuine
• Empathetic and supportive
• Proactive and resilient
• Flexible and adaptable
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• At least two years’ experience of working with children and young people (essential)
• Level 3 recognised qualification in youth/children/community work (essential)
• Level 3 in safeguarding (essential)
• Experience in leading projects and teams by providing a rounded programme for children and young people including team games, crafts, sports (essential)
• A commitment to working evenings, day times when sessions are being run and occasional weekends if required, at a variety of locations and the flexibility to do so (essential)
• ICT and media skills, experience of mentoring and one-to-one session, and an understanding of children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing (desirable)
• Full driving licence (desirable)
  
  

If you’re a motivated team player who shares our values and wants to be part of a supportive, impactful organisation, we’d love to hear from you!

Why join YMCA Bournemouth?

• Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
• Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
• Enjoy a range of benefits including a competitive pension contribution, free access to YMCA Bournemouth’s counselling service, discounted gym memberships and café discounts. Plus, enjoy discounts on holiday activity clubs, children’s parties, preschool services, and room, facility and minibus hire. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change
  
  

Additional Information

• The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance.
• Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date.
• The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers.
• If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly.
• Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.
  
  

How To Apply

Please click on the ‘apply now’ link. You will need to complete our application form and attach a copy of your full CV.

• Job description
• Application form
• Criminal background declaration form
• Equal opportunities monitoring form (optional)
• Welcome letter
• Statement of ethos
• Privacy notice recruitment
• Safeguarding policy