Youth Worker / Youth Worker in Training

As a fully qualified Youth Worker (full time positions available) or Youth Worker in Training (part time positions available) you'll thrive on working as part of a team that delivers universal, targeted, and holistic issue based Youth Work support to Young People across the city of Leeds. You will support, empower, and educate Young People to be the very best version of themselves as they make the transition to adulthood. From emotional and mental wellbeing, physical health, sexual health, substance misuse, risk taking behaviours, sports, activities, and having fun amongst peers in a safe space. As a member of our Youth Work Team, you will have the opportunity to engage with Young People at times, locations, and in the environments where Youth Work is most needed. Leeds Youth Service are part of the Safer, Stronger, Communities Team, providing the foundation and opportunity for both Young People and Communities to thrive., Youth work supports the personal and social development of young people through engagement, education, and empowerment. Young People are provided with support, encouragement, within safe spaces to build the capabilities they need for learning and the transition to adulthood. Leeds Youth service achieve this through the voluntary engagement of young people in both universal and targeted provision, delivered by skilled and qualified Youth Workers at the times and locations that meet the needs of both individuals and groups. Our team deliver Youth Work programmes across all 33 wards, delivering and diverting Youth Work intervention to Young People 11-17 (25yrs for those with additional and complex needs) and Communities who need it most. Issue based Youth Work is at the core of our delivery with sessions focused on emotional and mental wellbeing, positive decision making, risk taking behaviours, sexual health, substance misuse, physical health, peer pressure, sports, fitness, participation, and empowerment to name just a few. Our delivery takes the form of centre based youth sessions, detached, outreach, and mobile youth van provision. Through incorporating the Childrens and Young People's Plan 2023-28, the Child Friendly 12 Wishes, and the Leeds Community Safety Strategy, the service blends a universal, holistic city wide offer that meets the specific needs of local young people and the communities in which they live. Every programme is planned and delivered in conjunction with Young People, for Young People, ensuring the needs of both individuals and groups are met. Our Youth Work delivery is built upon the Leeds Vision For Youth Work, with the six elements of the Vision integrated throughout our strategic planning and operational delivery.

• Leeds Vision For Youth Work
• Youth Work will be valued and understood.
• Participation and Empowerment
• Collaboration
• Respect and Positivity
• Inclusiveness, Equality, and Diversity
• Quality, Safety, and Wellbeing, Youth Workers In Training are to undertake and achieve JNC (Youth & Community) recognised Level 3 qualification in Youth Work adhering to specific timescales and expectations. For those who hold a L3 (or above) qualification in Youth Work this is not applicable.
• Work directly with young people to develop and maintain relationships to help identify their starting points, needs and aspirations.
• Facilitate the social education of young people through the design and delivery of programmes that are responsive to their needs and aspirations and reflect the Youth Work curriculum.
• Assist in the development of the Service, by planning, delivery, monitoring and reviewing of youth work provision.
• Encourage young people to participate in designing, delivery and reviewing their programmes.
• Encourage young people to take responsibility for their learning and actions.
• Create an environment in which it is safe and appropriate to challenge young people's thinking, attitudes, and behaviour.
• Contribute to the Youth Services performance targets.
• Undertake relevant training according to the needs of the service, personal and professional development.
• Ensure that all aspects of the work are underpinned by the principles of equality and diversity.
• Create and maintain a safe youth work environment in accordance with Health and Safety policy and legislation.
• Maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies, and the general public.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post., Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  As a Youth Worker / Youth Worker In Training you will bring to the role:
• The passion, skill, and ability to work directly with young people to develop and maintain relationships to help identify their starting points, needs, and hopes.
• An ability to support the creation of an environment in which it is safe and appropriate to challenge young people's thinking, attitudes, and behaviour.
• A commitment to work flexibly to accommodate different lifestyles, goals and aspirations of young people at the time and location which meets their needs, working regular evenings (and some weekends) throughout the week.
• A desire for continued self-development through reflective practice, critical thinking, and a variety of training opportunities.
• As a Youth Worker for Leeds Youth Service, you must hold a JNC recognised level 3 (or above) Youth Work qualification. As a Youth Worker In Training for Leeds Youth Service, you will undertake a JNC recognised level 3 Youth Work qualification as part of the role, this will be funded by the service., As a Youth Worker for Leeds Youth Service, you must hold a JNC recognised level 3 (or above) Youth Work qualification As a Youth Worker In Training for Leeds Youth Service, you will undertake a JNC recognised level 3 Youth Work qualification as part of the role, this will be funded by the service., It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
• Able to establish and maintain a constructive and purposeful relationship with young people to support the youth work process.
• Able to support young people in tackling problems, taking actions, and supporting the Youth Worker in Training.
• Able to work effectively with young people in groups.
• Able to work with young people to co-design and develop sessions.
• Able to work with young people to safeguard their welfare.
• Able to support young people to use their learning to enhance their future development.
• Able to record and evaluate youth work sessions.
• Able to develop/ co-develop programmes that recognise and challenge prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination.
• Able to develop a range of activities and resources which promotes confidence and ensures all can participate.
• Able to have a flexible approach within a planned programme and meeting changing demands of the service.
• Knowledge of issues affecting young people and respond appropriately to these issues.
• Knowledge of child protection and welfare issues.
• Knowledge of local and national policies and their relationship to the youth work curriculum.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety issues affecting all activities within your remit.
• Experience of working with young people in a youth work environment.
• Experience of enablingyoung people to work effectively in groups.
• Experience of enablingyoung people to explore their values and self-respect.
• Experience of enabling young people to use their learning to enhance their future development.
• Experience of workingwith young people to safeguard welfare and develop awareness for their self-identity.
• Experience of planning youth work sessions with young people linked to the curriculum and youth service targets.
• Experience of effectivelyrecording and evaluating youth work sessions.
• Experience of workingas an effective and reflective practitioner., Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
• Able to promote and develop effective team working.
• Able to lead on responding to immediate health and safety issues.
• Hold current driving licence.
• Knowledge of case management systems
  
  Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
  
  a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further