Youth Engagement Coordinator - Part time

YMCA Fairthorne Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Holiday entitlement up to 30 days

Health and wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA George Williams is seeking an enthusiastic Youth Engagement Worker to design and run daily activities for young people, helping them build confidence and life skills. You’ll work one-to-one and in groups, guiding goal setting and progress in a supportive environment near Southampton city centre.

The role emphasises safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and building trusted relationships, with opportunities to collaborate with our wider youth services and community partners.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering youth, adult or community programmes.
• Ability to support young people with complex needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop, promote and deliver engaging activities for young people.
• Mentor and support individuals toward personal goals.
• Undertake risk assessments and case planning.
• Build positive relationships with residents.
• Engage external partners to deliver activities.
• Support young people into employment, education or volunteering.

Skills

Youth work

Trauma-informed care

Safeguarding

Communication

Tools

IT skills

Job description

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.

• Listen
• Encourage
• Challenge
• Support
• And help them recognise their own potential

What the role is really about

As a Youth Engagement Worker at YMCA George Williams, you’ll develop and deliver engaging programmes, activities and support that help young people build confidence, develop skills and move closer towards independent and fulfilling lives.

Because meaningful change often starts with a trusted relationship.

YMCA George Williams is a purpose-built accommodation service close to Southampton city centre, providing a home for up to 52 young people aged 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, 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

You’ll:

• 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
  Free childcare for YMCA employees at our nurseries.
• Extra support during the school holidays
  One free week of YMCA Day Camps for each of your children every year, plus 50% off a second week.
• More time away from work
  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.
• Celebration Leave
  An additional day to celebrate something that matters to you.
• Health and wellbeing
  Access to our Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family support
  Enhanced family leave provisions.
• Everyday benefits
  Blue Light Card eligibility, gym discounts and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Career development
  Professional learning, Youth Work development and opportunities to grow your Youth Services career across YMCA Fairthorne Group.

Part of something bigger

YMCA George Williams is part of 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.

Could this be you?

If you’re an experienced Youth Worker, Engagement Worker, Support Worker, Community Development Worker or Housing Support Professional, and you’re passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

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.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fair …

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.