THE YOUNG LIVES FOUNDATION

LISTEN          SUPPORT          EMPOWERCharity No: 1119528    Company No: 5999166RECRUITMENT PACKSessional Youth Worker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 YLFSessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackWe aim to support young people to thrive through highly effective andaccessible programmes where they:are given a voice, 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 over3,000 young people and families each year including those in care, on theedge of care, care leavers, young offenders and young people disengagedin education.Sessional Youth Worker 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 a stablepresence in our communities and people's livesHonest with Integrity. We are transparent and honest with strongmoral principles and clear about what we do and whyInnovative and Flexible. We are a 'can do' charity. We are agile andadaptable to change, open to new ways of working with courage andambition. We learn, grow and offer valueGrateful. We recognise and value the contributions and support ofothers, always saying thank you for the gifts of time, money andsupport given to usRespectful. We treat all people equally and fairlyOUR IMPACTSessional Youth Worker 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 £630,000 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 & GOVERNANCESessional Youth Worker 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."SOPHIENATHANAJSessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackYour RolePlan, deliver and develop youth programmes that will attract and engage children and young people in need, positivelyimpact on their personal and social development and achieve the overall aims of the programme in line with YLF’smission.Establish consistent trusting relationships between young people and staff/volunteers supporting the activities inorder promote their personal development.To oversee the staffing of sessions,  supervise volunteer youth workers, and ensure required ratios are in place.Provide 1-2-1 mentoring when required, in the community, at hubs or in schools, to assist young people with goals andovercome barriers to engagement. Deliver programmes/support that is trauma-healing and actively seeks to reduce the potential of re-traumatisation ofparticipants.Deliver activities that are inclusive and accessible to young people from differing cultural backgrounds, young peoplewith additional needs, children and young people with physical, learning and developmental disabilities.Ensure activities are risk-assessed, with robust measures in place to ensure the health, safety and well-being ofparticipants, including staff and volunteers. Involve young people and other stakeholders in co-production of the Programme, ensuring they have input in thedesign, delivery and evaluation , obtaining very regular feedback utilising a variety of mediaEnsure that activities participated in, and their associated learning and achievements are appropriately measured,recognised and reported on accordingly in agreed formats.To submit reports on take-up, outcomes, impact and satisfaction to YLF management and commissioners/funders.To work collaboratively with YLF’s marketing team to ensure the activity programme is well promoted amongstchildren and young people, carers and families, schools and within social services via networking and associatedpromotional activities, and to external funders and supporters.To recruit, train, direct, encourage, motivate and support staff and volunteers involved in delivering activities,assuring a rewarding experience for volunteers and excellent volunteer retention. To work with YLF district youth workers across the county to assure consistency in programme delivery andcollaborative working, providing cover and assistance in other districts as and when required. To be fully conversant with the charity’s safeguarding procedures and code of conduct ensuring that all staff andvolunteers involved in activities are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and the actions they may need to take                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .....MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESSessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackReports to:   Director of Youth PorgrammesResponsible for:    Youth Hub DeliveryThe Role: Legends Youth Workers deliver meaningful youth work tochildren and young people aged 8-18 in need. The role involves takingthe lead in organising and partaking in an inclusive programme ofactivities, trips and adventures supporting children and young people tothrive.LEGENDS SESSIONAL YOUTH WORKER To deliver highly effective and enjoyable youth programmes, including weekly youth groups, holiday activities,overnight adventures and 1-2-1 mentoring support to young people considered in need within the nominated districtand surrounding areas, where young people will receive meaningful support and be provided the time, opportunitiesand resources to thrive.JOB PURPOSETo ensure that administration relating to the provision of activities is completed efficiently and that all expenditureis appropriately authorised, monitored and recorded, and within budgetTo be responsible for ensuring effective communication and liaison with those who have parental responsibilityfor children and young people engaging in activities and also with relevant professionals, keeping waiting lists to aminimumTo ensure that the recording and retention of all personal data complies with GDPR and the Young LivesFoundation’s data protection policyTo participate in regular supervision and appraisals and engage in learning and development opportunitiesTo represent the Young Lives Foundation at meetings, conferences, training events, and to give presentationsTo provide cover or additional support for colleagues, as required To have flexible availability to meet the needs of service users during service operating hours To 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 managerTo comply with the YLF Code of Conduct and ensure Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are followed at all timesTo attend 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 limitsand has 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 the Young Lives FoundationTo undertake such other duties as may, from time to time, be reasonably required GENERAL REQUIREMENTSSessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackLocation:  Positions available in New Ash Green / Sittingbourne / Gravesend / MaidstoneSalary:  £12.50 p/h     Hours:  Sessional    Contract:   PermanentProbation: A period of 6 months     Notice: During the probationary period, 1 week on either side. Following successful completion of the probationaryperiod, one month 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 & CONDITIONSThe youth worker is required to work flexible hours, including regular evenings and weekends and during schoolholidays, and to be available to lead residential trips and adventures away.Youth groups currently run weekly during the evenings; the successful applicant must be able deliver the groupson these days and offer flexibility.Applicants must be able to drive and have use of a car for business purposes, to transport young people and/orequipment. It will be an advantage you are a able to drive a minibus.OTHERValues andEthosA strong commitment to safeguarding young peopleAn enthusiasm and commitment to our charity values and behavioursUnderstanding of a child centered approach to work and co-productionA genuine passion for the wellbeing and development of children and young people in needQualificationsA good standard of educationLevel 2 qualification in Youth Work/related qualification or be willing to undertake thisqualification as part of training and development   Knowledgeand Experienceof  Working in the charity sector (desirable)Working in a professional capacity with children and young people with proven track-recordIssues affecting children living in the care system, care leavers and those who require earlyhelp interventionsPrinciples of youth work and Trauma-Informed practice (desirable)Planning and delivering activities for children and young people, including those based atyouth hubs, trips in the community and residential trips (overnight adventures away)Providing informal learning opportunities for children and young peopleSafeguarding, risk assessments, health and safety, and working to codes of conductWorking to targets/performance indicators, monitoring processes and reportingEffective liaison with other professionals, parents or carersCo-coordinating and supervising staff and volunteers             Co-production and engaging children and young people in planning/evaluating activitiesSkillsOrganise and deliver a programme of positive activities that will attract and engage childrenand young people in needAbility to motivate, inspire and enable the children and young people to enjoy and achievethrough activity-based learning and personal development opportunitiesPromote the benefits of involvement in positive activities to children and young people, theirparents/carers, and others concerned with their well-being and development  Co-ordinate and support the work of staff and volunteers, providing leadership and motivationPlan and manage time and workload efficiently and effectively                                                          Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and manage expenditure within agreed budgetsWork as a team member with all YLF colleagues, attending YLF training and social events Self-motivated and self-starter with a track record of developing new programmes and ideas,able to use creative and innovative techniques to solve problems and develop initiativesWork independently, while sharing information and contributing to YLF’s strategic goals Organised and able to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines and able to work efficiently andaccurately under pressurePersonalCharacteristicsApproachable, non-judgmental and empathic            High level of integrity and reliability                                                                                               Energy, enthusiasm and sense of humourWillingness to share in activities with children and young people                                      Commitment to children and young people’s learning and participation                                                       Able to cope under pressure and accept responsibility to meet goalsIn sympathy with the overall aims and ethos of the Young Lives FoundationOtherCommitment to, understanding of, and maintenance of the sensitive nature of our work andvalues in all communications Willingness and availability to work flexibly, including evenings, some weekends and schoolholidaysCommitment to personal and professional development, working to quality standardsPERSON SPECIFICATION Sessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackTOP 10 STANDARDS AS SET BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLESessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackTOP 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?Your benefitsThe application processClosing Date:    * *   Please note the application will be closed as soon as wehave received sufficient applications.                                   Interview Dates:   TBC                           Interviews will consist of an interview exercise with care experienced young people and a formal interview with 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 youAPPLY ONLINESessional Youth Worker Recruitment PackWorking 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.For sessional staff we also offer:Access 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 OFFERwww.ylf.org.ukThe Young Lives Foundation71 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SX01622 693459 enquiries@ylf.org.ukRegistered Charity no: 1119528@ylfcharity@ylfcharity@ylf.org.ukcompany/ylfcharitythe young lives foundationStay connected: