Youth Engagement Coordinator - Part time Job Southampton area,England UK,Social Work

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…