Youth Worker

Cheshire West And Chester Council; Chester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire West and Chester Council is seeking a Youth Worker specialising in youth voice and participation to join the PLACE team. You will develop and deliver Youth Voice programmes and work with SEND, LGBTQ+ young people to ensure their views influence services.

The role involves leading Youth Senate, coordinating events, safeguarding, and building partnerships with schools and community organisations to amplify young people’s voices across Cheshire West and Chester.

Job description

The Youth Service is undergoing an exciting change as we expand our offer to the young people of Cheshire West. This opportunity to be part of the PLACE team, in the role of Youth Worker specialising in youth voice and participation.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

Make a Difference. Amplify Young People's Voices.

We are looking for a passionate, motivated, and experienced Youth Worker - Youth Voice & Participation to join our Youth Service Team.

This exciting role places young people at the heart of decision-making by ensuring their voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. You will lead a range of participation opportunities that empower young people, particularly those from SEND, LGBTQ+, and diverse communities, to influence services, policies, and decisions at local, regional, and national levels.

About the Role

As a Youth Worker - Youth Voice & Participation, you will develop and deliver engaging Youth Voice programmes, including Youth Senate, LGBTQ+ Youth Voice, and SEND Youth Voice groups. You will support young people to build confidence, leadership, citizenship, and public speaking skills while providing advocacy, guidance, safeguarding support, and access to appropriate services.

You will lead Youth Senate activities, organise meetings and campaigns, coordinate participation events, and support young people to represent their views within a variety of forums and partnerships.

The role also involves planning and leading conferences, residentials, visits, and participation events, alongside maintaining accurate records, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring high-quality safeguarding and inclusive practice throughout all aspects of service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Youth Voice and Participation programmes and group work.
• Lead and coordinate Youth Senate activities and campaigns.
• Support young people to influence decisions and shape services.
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate youth work sessions and projects.
• Provide emotional support, guidance, advocacy, and signposting.
• Promote inclusive participation for SEND, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented young people.
• Build effective partnerships with schools, health services, community organisations, local authority teams, and regional and national networks.
• Lead trips, residentials, conferences, and events, including risk assessments and operational planning.
• Manage Youth Voice budgets and resources effectively.
• Maintain accurate case records and outcome monitoring.
• Supervise and support Youth Inclusion Workers.
• Attend relevant meetings, forums, and partnership boards.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working directly with young people.
• Be passionate about youth participation and empowerment.
• Understand safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate strong communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
• Be committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Have experience of partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Be able to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by the principle of Young People First.

We strive to:

• Listen
• Advocate
• Empower
• Include
• Safeguard
• Create Opportunities
• Amplify Young People's Voices

Core Principles

• Youth Voice
• Inclusion
• Safeguarding
• Participation
• Partnership Working
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Positive Outcomes for Young People

If you are committed to helping young people realise their potential, influence change, and have their voices heard, we would love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of young people across Cheshire West and Chester.