Responsible to: Head of CYPS
Responsible for: Youth Work, line management of part-time youth workers and volunteers, management of specific youth work projects
Qualification: NVQ Level 3 Youth Work Practice
Hours of Work: 16 hours per week, including evenings, weekends and occasional residential work
Salary: £30,000 FT (Pro rata for 16 hours PT – £12,000 per annum)
Location: Based in West Norwood, Lambeth, with flexible working as per service requirements
Main Purpose of the Role
As a key member of Rathbone’s Youth Services team, you will be responsible for the leadership of youth work teams and the delivery of high-quality programmes for young people.
Your key duties include:
- Leading and managing teams of part-time staff and volunteers
- Organising and planning youth work programmes
- Delivering face-to-face sessions with and alongside the staff team
- Managing and implementing termly project plans
- Monitoring and evaluating outputs and outcomes in line with funding agreements
The Senior Youth Worker plays a central role in the success of Rathbone Youth Service. Alongside the Head of CYPS, you’ll form part of the Youth Service Leadership Team, providing guidance and support to Youth Workers and Volunteers to ensure the best possible service for young people.
Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties
Relationships with Young People
- Develop positive and appropriate relationships with young people
- Create session plans that respond to young people’s needs and promote their development
- Liaise with parents or carers where appropriate
- Engage young people in decision-making, including managing the Rathbone Youth Board
Staff Management
- Provide regular line management, supervision and support meetings
- Conduct staff appraisals and reviews of targets
- Lead pre- and post-session briefings, ensuring accurate recording and monitoring on Upshot
Project and Budget Management
- Develop and deliver project plans in line with Rathbone’s policies and procedures
- Record and evaluate learning outcomes and outputs for your areas of work on Upshot
- Monitor and record expenditure in line with youth club financial procedures
General
- Attend training, supervision and team meetings
- Build strong relationships with partner agencies
- Work with the Head of CYPS to secure project funding where appropriate
Person Specification
We are seeking two Senior Youth Workers to join our developing team. Each will focus on a specialist area — Employment & IAG or Music Production — while supporting the full range of youth and family services.
Both roles include mentoring responsibilities, with training provided.
Key Skills and Experience
| Requirement | Essential / Desirable |
|---|---|
| Minimum two years’ experience in youth work (face-to-face) | Essential |
| Experience delivering informal and creative activities | Essential |
| Experience planning, monitoring and evaluating programmes | Essential |
| Ability to lead a team and youth work sessions | Essential |
| Experience working alongside volunteers | Essential |
| Strong communication (oral and written) | Essential |
| Experience producing well-formatted documents | Essential |
| Organisational and time management skills | Desirable |
| Ability to work under pressure | Desirable |
| IT skills (MS Office, Excel, databases) | Desirable |
Knowledge and Understanding
| Requirement | Essential / Desirable |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s lives | Essential |
| Understanding of safeguarding, H&S and diversity best practice | Essential |
| Awareness of data protection and confidentiality | Desirable |
Qualifications
Recognised JNC Youth Work qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Youth Work) — Essential
Personal Attributes
- Conscientious and reliable
- Able to encourage, motivate and support young people
- Works well under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Positive, problem-solving approach
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Commitment to learning and development
Circumstances
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Must be flexible about work location (mainly West Norwood, but services operate across Lambeth)
- This post requires an Enhanced DBS check
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the post to:
Charline King, Head of Children and Young People’s Services
📧 c.king@rathbonesociety.org.uk
Closing Date: 27 June 2025, 5pm
Rathbone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities in all our services and workplaces.
