Futures Senior Coordinator

LISTEN          SUPPORT          EMPOWERCharity No: 1119528    Company No: 5999166RECRUITMENT PACKFutures Senior CoordinatorThank you for your interest in this exciting role with the Young Lives Foundation. We trust thispack will tell you everything you need to know to decide whether this might be the role for you.This pack includes the following:• Background about the Young Lives Foundation (YLF)• About this role• Terms and conditions• Application processIf you have any questions or queries relating to this role, please contact us on 01622 693459 oremail recruitment@ylf.org.ukAbout YLFFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackWe aim to support young people to thrive through highly effective andaccessible programmes where they:are given a voices, heard and empoweredare supported by consistent adults through times of challenge and changehave opportunities and resources to be happy and thriveWe want all young people to live in communities wherethey are heard, are safe and supported;with opportunities to thrive. The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy, Mentoring,Befriending and Youth Programmes. We support over 2,700 young peopleand families each year including those in care, on the edge of care, careleavers, young offenders and young people disengaged in education.Futures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackOUR MISSIONOUR VISIONOur Values and Impact“You have done an amazing job helping us through a really difficult period, you were a perfect role model weneeded to set us on the right path again.  I wish every young person could have YLF in their life!!”At YLF we believe that all staff should be:OUR VALUESPassionate. We are a charity that genuinely cares about youngpeople and is driven by our passion and high standardsStable and Consistent. We offer long term support and astable presence in our communities and people's livesHonest with Integrity. We are transparent and honest withstrong moral principles and clear about what we do and whyInnovative and Flexible. We are a 'can do' charity. We areagile and adaptable to change, open to new ways of workingwith courage and ambition. We learn, grow and offer valueGrateful. We recognise and value the contributions andsupport of others, always saying thank you for the gifts of time,money and support given to usRespectful. We treat all people equally and fairlyOUR IMPACTFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackOur PeopleGrant making bodies, businesses, schools and organisations come on board to support the work of the charity. Inaddition to our partners, we rely on donations from the general public, and also individuals or groups to fundraisefor YLF as a fun and gratifying way to raise vital funds and awareness. There are many ways in which they help, including...Sponsorship / Grants              Fundraising events and activitiesGifts in kind / Legacies         Friends of YLFCorporate partnerships      Charity of the YearCommunityMentoringLegends YouthHubsYOUTHPROGRAMMESSchoolMentoringCorporate MentoringGovernance/CEOHR/Legal/PolicyCORPORATESERVICESFUTURESCARE LEAVERS OFFERIndependent PeopleAdvocacy & RightsBefriendingAppropriate AdultsAccompanying AdultsChildren inCare CouncilADVOCACYPROGRAMMESFundraising/CommsFinanceOur YLF team is made up of 30employees and organised asfollows:Mentoring & TransitionSupportAdvocacy &Hardship FundingSupportDrop-in &ParticipationopportunitiesCare Packs &Campaigns for CareLeaversPeer SupportGroups & AlumniSupportApprenticeships &TrainingThey give over 10,000 hours every year, making a huge impact in our community andproviding positive outcomes for young people. They help us with...Mentoring - Befriending - Events - Youth Groups - Support in CustodyYLF aim to raise over £600,000 a year to enable us to continue delivering our youth programmes.FUNDRAISERS & DONORSOur team of over 200 volunteers are at the very heart of our charity.VOLUNTEERSThe Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for the outcomes, performance and progress of thecharity and management of the staff and volunteer team.YLF is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.STAFF & GOVERNANCEFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackOur Young PeopleAJ joined our Legends programme with a severe phobia of water due to a traumatic event inhis past. Over a number of months our team worked with AJ to build up his confidenceenough for him to just paddle in shallow water. Soon we progressed to helping him stand upin the swimming pool which he was so proud of.  A few weeks later we held a residential tripto Wales where one of the activities was a gorge walk ending in a waterfall. A number of ouryoung people who were strong swimmers opted out of this however AJ took the challenge onnot once but three times. We were all so proud of him for overcoming his fear of water andfor this phenomenal achievement.Will has been lucky to have such amazing support fromLisa, which she wanted to continue when he turned 18, andmade the transition into becoming a care leaver. Thanks toLisa's support over the years and confidence buildingexcursions together to the cinema, theatre and bowling,alongside support with interview preparations and CVwork, Will has been able to get himself his first paid jobupon leaving school!WILL"I have been a part of YLF since I was put into care. I wasn't able tospeak to anyone or go to school and so started attending the YLFgroups where I could get out of the house and socialise with otherpeople my own age. I also became a member of the MCYPC andhave my very own advocate who is a Legend! YLF soon becamelike one big family and support network to me. I have grown inconfidence and learnt lots of new skills. YLF is my safe place and Idon't know where I would be without them.""My leaving care mentor has helped me settle into independent living. It was a scary thoughtat first, to live alone, but he was patient and kind and taught me how to budget, cook formyself, get things done and prioritise. I have still got a way to go before I feel fully comfortablewith this big change, but with my mentors help I know that I will be there in no time at all. Hemakes me feel confident in myself and knows how to deal with the things I throw at him. Iappreciate this help a lot and don't know what I would do without him."SOPHIENATHANAJFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackYour RoleTo ensure the programmes are promoted to care leavers, carers, social workers, Independent Reviewing Officers,residential providers and other professionals - also ensuring promotional resources and web content are current andup-to-dateTo ensure young people who contact YLF, or are referred to the service, are contacted in order to ascertain theirhopes, needs, and interests, and to facilitate effective ‘matches’ with volunteers and/or offered othersupport/signpostingTo lead on the production of reports including both quantitative and qualitative data on the performance andoutcomes of the Futures Programmes in line with agreed performance indicators To ensure that mentoring arrangements are monitored and reviewed and to ensure that outcomes are appropriatelymeasured using appropriate processes and our cloud based Volunteero systemTo represent YLF at public events delivering talks and promoting the charity on local TV and radioTo liaise with other local authorities to highlight the Futures offer to care leavers resident in Kent/Medway                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .....MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESReports to:    Director of Advocacy ProgrammesResponsible for:    YLF Futures ProgrammesThe Role:    The Futures Senior Coordinator will line manage a team ofCoordinators, Youth Workers and a Youth Work Apprentice in thedelivery of YLF’s Futures Programmes. The Futures team are alsoresponsible for the recruitment and supervision of volunteers that actas Care Leavers’ Mentors.Futures Senior CoordinatorTo coordinate the development and delivery of the charity’s Futures Programmes across Kent and Medway. The SeniorCoordinator will be responsible for building networks with local authority officials, corporate partners, other agenciesand care leavers to ensure continued development of the Futures offer. The Senior Coordinator will support the Futuresteam to work effectively with teams across the charity.This is an important post requiring a genuine commitment to improving the lives of care leavers. The post-holder mustbe a positive role model for the young people; a champion of their needs, interests and aspirations; and also a championof the charity’s values and an effective ambassador for the work and the organisation.Relevant qualifications/training will be required and candidates will need to possess a variety of skills, experience andpersonal attributes.JOB PURPOSEFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackTo support the management of the relationship between YLF and our grant funders/commissioned servicesTo support YLF’s volunteer recruitment strategies and campaigns in order to recruit sufficient volunteers to ensurecapacity to meet demand and contractual obligations To provide effective line management and supervision to Coordinators and Youth WorkersTo mentor and supervise a Youth Work ApprenticeTo ensure that volunteers are recruited in line with YLF’s Safer Recruitment Policy in terms of interviewing, trainingand accrediting volunteersTo deliver training and effective ‘matching’ of volunteers with young people and to provide ongoing supportTo ensure the team of staff and volunteers follow YLF’s Safeguarding Procedures and operate accordingly To keep abreast of developments in policy, practice and legislation with regards to young people in, and leaving, thecare systemTo contribute, as required, to the design, content and administration of websites, social networks, the production ofpublications, risk assessments and handbook maintenance, and the arrangement of staff and volunteer eventsTo implement and support a supervision and group supervision programme, and social events that ensures volunteersare supported, trained and networked into local district support groupsGENERAL REQUIREMENTSLocation: Working from YLF HQ Maidstone and various locations across Kent (hybrid). This rolerequires regular travel across the region with flexible working patternsSalary:  From £27,711 per annum     Hours:  Full Time - 35 Hours Per Week        Contract: PermanentProbation: A period of 6 months     Notice: During the probationary period, 1 week on either side. Following successful completion of the probationaryperiod, three months on either sideThe job description and terms and conditions do not form a binding contract and may be changed from time to time to alignwith the needs of the charity. The job description set out above is intended for guidance only and is not exhaustive. This postis subject to YLF’s Safer Recruitment Process, a satisfactory DBS check and a successful probationary period.TERMS & CONDITIONSTo have flexible availability to meet the needs of service users during service operating hours including evenings andoccasional weekendsTo work within agreed timescales and allocation of hoursTo work within agreed quality frameworks and quality standardsTo take part in supervision and appraisal and to meet on other occasions, as required, with the Director of AdvocacyProgrammesTo comply with the YLF Code of Conduct and ensure Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are followed at all timesTo comply with GDPR and Data Protection Policy and Procedures To attend/manage staff meetings, as required, including compulsory staff development/training days To keep accurate records of any expenditure incurred and to ensure that such expenditure is within agreed limits andhas been duly authorisedTo maintain such other records as may be required for the purposes of monitoring, evaluation and review; and toprepare periodic reportsTo develop and maintain effective liaison with referral sources and with other professionals To provide cover or additional support for colleagues, as requiredTo uphold the values and adhere to the policies and procedures of YLFTo undertake such other duties as may, from time to time, be reasonably required Futures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackValues andEthosA strong commitment to safeguarding young peopleAn enthusiasm and commitment to our charity values and behavioursUnderstanding of a person-centred approach to work and co-productionQualificationsGood level of educationHigher-level education or equivalent (desirable)(consideration will be given to candidates with employment experience that demonstratesthe necessary skills and experiences required for the role)  Knowledgeand Experience  Working in the charity sector, and experience of working with volunteers Knowledge of issues affecting care experienced young adults such as inconsistentrelationships with adults, contact with family members and the challenge of the ‘care cliff’Knowledge of the principles, purposes and practice of working with care leavers, corporateparents,  social workers and PAs (desirable)An understanding of the value of volunteering in the communityAn understanding of Safeguarding ProceduresExperience of working with young people growing up in care and care leavers Effective liaison experience with social care professionals (desirable)Experience of supervising staff/volunteersSkillsGiving guidance and support to volunteers in their mentoring roles – to recruit, train,supervise, motivate, reward and retain volunteersGiving guidance and support to staff team to ensure the team continue to build effectiveprogrammesAbility to passionately promote YLF as an attractive and fulfilling volunteering opportunityEffectively manage relationships with professionals and external partnersTo manage time and workload efficiently and effectively so as to meet targets and achieveobjectives within agreed timescales and to required standardsAbility to maintain accurate and up-to-date records and produce clear reports on amonthly/quarterly/annual basisTo be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of people usinga variety of mediaA high standard of presentation and media skills, including public speaking at events and onlocal TV and radioA good standard of IT skills, specifically in Microsoft 365/OfficePersonalCharacteristicsGood understanding of own feelings and life experiences and how these may affectrelationships and reactions to situationsRecognition of the importance of professional boundaries in terms of relationships,communication and conductCommitment to the delivery of all objectivesApproachable and non-judgmentalA high level of integrity, reliability and to be trustworthyEnergy, positive attitude, and sense of humour, with a willingness to engage in activitiesCollaborative team player who will get involved in whatever needs to be done to achieve thecharity’s aims and objectivesFlexible, responsive and resilient to changeOtherCommitment to, understanding of, and maintenance of the sensitive nature of our work andvalues in all communications Commitment to adhering to YLF policy at all times, including YLF Child and AdultSafeguarding PolicyCommitment to personal and professional development, working to quality standardsFlexibility to work outside of normal working hours when requiredPERSON SPECIFICATION Futures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackTOP 10 STANDARDS AS SET BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLETOP 10 !Do you meet our Young People'sTOP 10 standards?Have at least 1 ear for meA Good ListenerConsistent and StableContactableUnderstandingHonestFocusedRealisticGood TimekeeperResourcefulBe there for me, stick by meCan I reach you? Will you make time for me?Put yourself in my shoes, don't feel sorry for meDon't beat around the bush, just tell me!See me for me, I'm not just another numberDon't make me a promise you can't keepIt's just good manners! Be creative, the same approach won't always work!Non-JudgementalIf we are in care does that make us a problem?Futures Senior Coordinator Recruitment PackYour benefitsThe application processClosing Date:  26.02.2026                                      Interview Dates:   Week Commencing 03.03.2026              Interviews will consist of an interview exercise with care experienced young people, an IT task and a formal interviewwith line managementHow to Apply: Please complete and return an application form that can be completed online or downloaded from:https://ylf.org.uk/recruitment/ You will be asked to provide three references as part of the application form Diversity StatementYLF is explicitly and actively committed to inclusivity, equality, and reflecting the diversity of the communities served.Nobody involved in YLF’s activities will be disadvantaged on the grounds of age, disability, gender, language, race, ethnicorigin, sexual orientation, social class, religion, political views, marital status or health matters. The charity promotesequal opportunities for all, not only seeking to challenge all discrimination and encouraging tolerance but alsoappreciating the value of different cultures and lifestyles. YLF particularly encourage people to apply who are fromsections of society that are currently underrepresented. This includes, but is not limited to, people with a disability, andindividuals from ethnic minorities. We would also particularly welcome applications from care leavers or individuals withcare experience.Thank you – we look forward to hearing from you.APPLY ONLINEWorking at YLF involves taking responsibilities seriously and delivering high quality work, in what can be, achallenging environment. However the role you undertake will be purposeful and rewarding. We offer careerdevelopment, promote staff wellbeing, and offer family-friendly employment and flexible working. We support allour staff through a programme of personal development, which includes line management, team meetings andsupervision. There is a comprehensive induction and training programme for all staff with regular developmentreviews, annual appraisals and opportunities to give feedback about you role, the charity and it's programmes.We also offer:25 days annual leave plus bank holiday leaveAccess to lifestyle discount schemeAccess to a pension contributory scheme (5 per cent employer contribution; minimum 3 per cent employeecontribution, after 3 months)Employment assistance and wellbeing programmeDeath in service benefitFlexible working arrangements and supportive cultureOUR STAFF OFFERFutures Senior Coordinator Recruitment Pack@ylfcharity@ylfcharity@ylf.org.ukcompany/ylfcharitythe young lives foundationStay connected:www.ylf.org.ukThe Young Lives Foundation71 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SX01622 693459 enquiries@ylf.org.ukRegistered Charity no: 1119528