Our Youth Services Team are at the very heart of what we do; they are on the front line! As a member of this team, you will be working directly with our young people, delivering a variety of sessions and activities that support the charity in meeting its core objective of: “Enabling young people to lead their best life“.

The environments in which you will work will on occasion change as we endeavour to provide young people with a whole-host of different activities to help develop their emotional, physical and social well-being. Members of the youth service team ensure that young people have fun by providing a structured, well-managed and disciplined programme for all members.

As a Youth Support Worker you will work primarily in the evenings with the occasional weekend at one of our two youth centres located in the Grange Park Estate and Bloomfield Ward. You will be be responsible for supporting the delivery of all sessions, as well as managing behaviour and safeguarding. You will be part of the team running the programme.

We are looking for a  charismatic, flexible and  friendly  team-player who is a natural with young people and has an ambition to achieve. The role requires a multi-skilled individual who wholeheartedly believes in the work the charity undertakes and passionately wants to make a difference.

• You MUST be a positive role-model. This means you need to be a person of honesty, integrity and good standing. You should be well-presented, well-mannered and well behaved.
• You’re a natural with young people! You understand how to engage them in all levels of conversation and relate to them on a person level whilst maintaining a professional dignity at all times.
• You have a good understanding of modern technology including smart phone applications, internet-based software and the basic Microsoft Office programmes.
• You have a POSITIVE and “can do” attitude to everything in life. You want to continually improve yourself and others and subscribe to the “tomorrow will be better than today” notion.
• You are GREAT FUN – 99% of the time! Boring old bores need NOT APPLY! Our young people want infectious laughs, contagious smiles and lots of energy. We are their favourite thing!
• You need to be able to manage a diverse workload in a changing environment and deliver tasks against agreed timescales. You’ll also need to be flexible in your approach to working hours.
• You are patient, nurturing and calm. You have a resilient ‘CAN DO’ attitude when times are challenging. You are committed to supporting children with additional needs. You have the ability to think on your feet and adapt your delivery when needed.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Participate in regular staff meetings:

• Provide constructive feedback on proposed session plans and ideas.
• Present your own ideas for provision delivery and improvement.
• Pro-actively discuss previous delivery with a view to improving next time.

Build and maintain genuine professional relationships with children and young people attending the provision.

Support and/or manage the provision to which you are assigned including:

• Ensure you have full understanding of the session plan before you are required to deliver a programme.
• Ensure you have all of the required resources in place before you are required to deliver a programme.
• Manage the group’s behaviour effectively to ensure their safety and well-being is always protected.
• Have fun and make sure others do, too!

To complete a thorough and honest session report after every provision.

Report any incidents, accidents, allegations or concerns in line with the relevant procedures.

Have a good knowledge of the following documents:

• Staff & Volunteer Handbook
• Safeguarding Bundle
• Health & Safety Policy

Ensure that delivery sites are left clean and tidy at the end of each provision.

Build and maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, parents and other stakeholders that are conducive to effective performance in your role.

Develop and maintain a good knowledge of The Boathouse Youth.

Professionally and proactively represent the organisation at all times.

Following instruction, other responsibilities may include:

• Acting as a ‘Key Holder’ for the premises.
• Attending one-to-one supervision meetings and annual appraisals.
• Cleaning and maintaining premises, vehicles and delivery areas.
• Working in partnership with other agencies.
• Other reasonable duties as advised.

Qualifications

• Relevant Level 3 Qualification or higher in working with children and young people. ESSENTIAL
• Level 2 Safeguarding. DESIRABLE
• Basic First Aid. DESIRABLE
• Other relevant qualifications i.e. Dance, Performing Arts, Outdoor Ed etc. DESIRABLE

Skills and Experience

• An understanding of the issues faced by children and young people living in Blackpool. ESSENTIAL
• Lived experience of issues faced by the children, young people and families whom we work with. ESSENTIAL
• Experience of working at a ground level with children, young people and families in a community setting. ESSENTIAL
• Experience of delivering educational and/or recreational activities to children and young people. ESSENTIAL
• Experience of working in the charity sector. DESIRABLE
• Ability to work with large groups of children and young people in a fast paced environment. ESSENTIAL
• Communication Skills and the ability to work in a team. ESSENTIAL

The Boathouse Youth is committed to the effective Safeguarding of its Young People. This post will be recruited in accordance with the NSPCC’s guidance on safer recruitment. This includes a thorough interview, scrutiny of former employment, a requirement for references and an Enhanced DBS check.

• Regular Workplace Social Events (Christmas Party, Cycling Days, Tough Mudder Events, Staff Residential Experiences, Staff Lunches)
• Competitive rates of pay
• Training and CPD opportunities
• Refreshments on shifts