Responsible for the leadership and day-to-day management of a Youth Centre, ensuring high-quality, consistent youth work delivery that meets the needs of young people in the local community.

You will lead a team of staff, supporting their performance, development and wellbeing, while overseeing the delivery of an engaging and structured youth work offer within your centre.

Working closely with the Head of People, you will implement workforce development plans and support staff to progress through their youth work journey.

The role requires strong leadership, organisation and a commitment to delivering high standards of youth work within a busy and dynamic environment. You will be responsible for creating a centre that young people choose to attend, where staff feel supported and where high-quality youth work is delivered consistently.

Leadership & Line Management

• Lead and manage a team of youth workers and support staff
• Provide regular supervision and day-to-day support
• Set clear expectations and maintain high standards
• Support staff development through on-the-job coaching and guidance
• Implement PDPs and development plans set with the Head of People
• Lead from the front by delivering sessions and modelling high-quality youth work practice

Youth Work Delivery & Curriculum

• Lead the planning and delivery of a high-quality youth work programme within your centre
• Ensure sessions are engaging, inclusive and meet the needs of young people
• Maintain strong standards of delivery across all sessions
• Ensure young people’s voices shape the programme
• Ensure programmes support the development of confidence, resilience, social skills and wellbeing
• Balance fun and engagement with meaningful youth development outcomes

Programme & Project Management

• Coordinate delivery of centre-based programmes including:
  
  • Universal provision
  • Open access
  • Targeted work / projects
• Manage rotas, resources and session planning
• Ensure delivery runs smoothly and safely

Performance & Engagement

• Take ownership of centre performance including attendance, engagement and retention
• Work towards and exceed agreed KPIs
• Use data and feedback to drive improvements in delivery

Community Presence

• Be a visible presence in the local community
• Build relationships with schools and partners
• Promote the centre and its offer

Centre Management & Environment

• Ensure the centre is safe, welcoming and well-maintained
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the building
• Create an environment that young people feel proud to attend

As a member of The Boathouse Youth management team you will work across all programmes and have responsibility for the offer delivered to young people aged 4–17 at your centre, as well as the day-to-day running of the site.

You will work with stakeholders, young people and other agencies to promote and develop the organisation and its services.

You will have a passion for putting children and young people first and wanting to be a positive role model in their lives.

Essential

• A JNC Professional Youth Work Qualification at Level 6 or above
• Significant experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people over a sustained period
• Experience of face-to-face youth work over a sustained period
• Experience in managing a team of staff
• Understanding of the issues and challenges faced by children and young people growing up in disadvantaged areas
• Experience in programme development, implementation and evaluation
• Experience of managing facilities (building management)
• Ability to work with individuals and groups of young people to help tackle challenges
• Ability to challenge and manage behaviour
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent digital skills including Word, Excel, social media platforms and the internet
• Ability to build relationships with children, young people and adults regardless of external factors
• Willingness to work towards the strategic vision of The Boathouse Youth
• Willingness to work evenings (at least 3 per week) and weekends
• Full driving licence

Desirable

• Additional qualifications in a skill or discipline (e.g. Performing Arts, Sports, Outdoor Education, Forest Schools)
• D1 entitlement for minibus driving
• A track record of multi-agency working
• Experience of being the most senior person responsible
• Ability to write reports
• Willingness to be involved in residential experiences over weekends and during school holidays

• Use of Apple MacBook
• Personal development
• Regular workplace social events and annual staff residential
• Wellbeing support – an additional 3 wellbeing days

The Boathouse Youth is committed to the effective safeguarding of its young people. This post will be recruited in accordance with NSPCC guidance on safer recruitment. This includes a thorough interview, scrutiny of former employment, a requirement for references and an enhanced DBS check