Youth Support Worker

Responsible to: Youth Work Manager

Rate of Pay: £12.75 - £13.17 per hour

Hours of Work: 9 hours per week (Flexibility to work evenings and weekends required)

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Base: Multi-site around the Chesterfield area

To work as part of the Blend Youth Project team to support and assist with the delivery of youth work projects and programmes across multiple sites and project locations, so that we effectively engage with young people in their local communities, creating safe spaces to promote their personal and social development and enhance their life chances.

To be involved in the ongoing development and delivery of youth work provision which is accessible, inclusive, and which advocates for and celebrates the lives of young people, actively facilitating their participation and working for their empowerment as valued members of their communities.

• To build and maintain positive and non-judgemental relationships with young people in individual and group contexts, enabling their participation, promoting their personal & social development, and providing access to relevant support and signposting.
• To work effectively in a range of youth work delivery contexts across various locations including: open drop‑in sessions, project-based delivery, and detached work.
• To contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of the youth work programme.
• To actively contribute to all relevant quality assurance procedures, such as end of session debriefs, evaluations and consultations.
• To support with the delivery and supervision of other off‑site activities/trips as requested.
• To identify and address the needs and concerns of young people, signposting them to additional support when necessary.
• To adhere to all existing working policies, practices, methods and procedures.
• To understand and comply with existing Safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures in performing the duties of the post.
• To understand and comply with relevant Health & Safety legislation, policies and procedures in performing the duties of the post.
• To maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate.
• To understand and implement all relevant Equal Opportunities legislation and practices.
• To take a shared responsibility for the care and management of premises and equipment, assisting with opening and closing procedures, and ensuring that routine practices are adhered to.

• Can embrace fully the ethos, vision and values of Valley CIDS/Blend Youth Project.
• Passion for working with young people & helping them reach their potential.
• Self‑motivated, resourceful and the ability to motivate others.
• Committed to anti‑discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.

• Able to build positive relationships with young people, acting as a role model and source of support.
• Able to work effectively with young people in individual & group contexts.
• Able to engage and motivate young people, including those who may be at risk or disengaged.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in youth work.
• Understanding of the issues affecting young people’s lives.
• Effective ICT skills and competent in the use of Microsoft Office software.

• Experience of working with diverse groups and understanding different social and cultural needs.

• Experience in mentoring or one‑to‑one support with young people.

• Level 2 or 3 qualification in Youth Work (or working towards one).

• A full UK Driving License & access to a business insured vehicle to enable travel required to fulfil the duties & responsibilities of the post.
• A commitment to working unsociable hours, including regular evenings.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will therefore be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• 20% discount in all Lighthouse Charity Shops
• Company Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to exclusive shopping and lifestyle discounts
• Christmas Saver Scheme
• Company Events