About Our Work
Support Through Sport CIO, based in Nottingham, delivers sport-based intervention, mentoring, and youth work programmes to thousands of disadvantaged young people, empowering them to develop pro-social behaviours and providing a lasting positive impact within underserved communities.
The organisation works to a Theory of Change which ultimately provides at-risk young people with protective factors, diverting them away from negative influences such as youth offending, ASB, violence, gang culture and knife crime.
Through an innovative, youth-led approach, Support Through Sport harnesses the power of sport to empower disadvantaged youth and create safer communities, where young people can thrive. We’re passionate about implementing real change within disadvantaged and underserved communities, providing young people with support, guidance and opportunities which enable every young person to achieve their full potential.
Role Overview
Support Through Sport CIO are seeking a passionate, dedicated and reliable individual to join our team as a Targeted Youth Practitioner delivering on our city and county wide School and Community Navigator programme.
As a navigator, you will provide tailored 1:1 mentoring and wider wrap-around community support to children and young people aged 10–17 who are at risk of school disengagement, exploitation, or involvement in crime. The role combines school-based interventions with community engagement to help young people build brighter futures and to embed and sustain protective factors.
Working in close partnership with schools, families, and local services, the Navigator will play a key role in early intervention and prevention across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The role requires flexibility to meet young people where they are, including evenings and community settings, as well as consistency during school hours for education-based interventions.
You will work within a wider School and Community Navigator team, to collectively implement an impactful and innovative programme. your work must be delivered to the highest possible standards, in accordance with the programme aims and objectives and the policies and procedures of the wider charity.
You will be supported to meet a benchmark of training and standards, including:
Basic Training
Health & Safety
Neurodiversity
EDI & Cultural Competence
Effective Communication
Resilience in Youth Work
Level 2 LA Safeguarding
GDPR & Data Protection
First Aid at Work
Enhanced DBS
Full Induction
Enhanced Training
Contextual Safeguarding
Operational Skills
Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse
Health and Wellbeing
Key Information
Position: Targeted Youth Practitioner - School & Community Navigators
Reporting To: Senior Targeted Practitioner - School & Community Navigators
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: Full Time, 6 month probationary period
Salary: £25,000 - £26,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
Location: Nottinghamshire (Newark and Mansfield)
Transport: Car driver desirable, but not essential
Essential attributes include:
Experience working with children and young people (10–17 years)
Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
Ability to engage vulnerable young people in school and community settings
Experience delivering 1:1 mentoring or youth work
Knowledge of violence affecting young people, exploitation and trauma-informed practice
Excellent partnership working and communication skills
Strong organisational skills with accurate record-keeping and report writing
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Flexible working hours including evenings
Ability and flexibility to travel across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Desirable attributes include:
Qualification in youth work, mentoring, or a related field (JNC strongly desired)
Experience working within schools or educational environments
Knowledge of local referral pathways in Nottinghamshire
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
Self-motivated with a positive attitude
Acts as a positive role model for young people
Passionate about making a difference for young people and communities
Flexible and available to work evenings and weekends
Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills
Confident in delivering a range of sports and physical activities
Experience of multi-agency approaches including safeguarding and strategy meetings
Roles and Responsibilities
* Deliver structured 1:1 mentoring sessions using trauma-informed, child-centred approaches, ensuring support is responsive to each young person’s needs and circumstances.
* Develop and review personalised support plans with clear, achievable goals and measurable outcomes.
* Support young people to build confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills, encouraging self-reflection and positive identity development.
* Encourage and facilitate participation in positive social, educational, and physical activities that promote inclusion and progression.
* Work closely with pastoral, behaviour, and SEND teams to improve engagement, attendance, and attainment within schools.
* Provide targeted mentoring and deliver small-group workshops addressing wellbeing, behaviour, and social skills.
* Support reintegration of young people following exclusions, managed moves, or school transitions, ensuring continuity of care and support.
* Engage young people through outreach in community settings, including parks, estates, and youth hubs.
* Work directly with NEET or disengaged young people to re-engage them in education, employment, or training pathways.
* Promote access to youth services, enrichment activities, and volunteering opportunities that strengthen social networks.
* Conduct family engagement and home visits where appropriate, building trust and involving parents/carers in the support journey.
* Attend and contribute to Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection, Youth Justice, and other relevant multi-agency meetings.
* Liaise with schools, police, health services, Violence Reduction Partnership, CAMHS, and social care to coordinate support and share information appropriately.
* Make and support referrals to safeguarding teams, mental health services, housing, and family support agencies.
* Identify, record, and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policy and statutory requirements.
* Develop and review safety plans for young people identified as being at risk of harm or exploitation.
* Maintain accurate safeguarding records and case notes, ensuring compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
* Record interventions, progress, and outcomes on Upshot or other case management systems.
* Contribute to monitoring frameworks by providing accurate data, evaluation feedback, and case studies for internal and external reports.
* Ensure all delivery meets funder specifications, quality standards, and Support Through Sport policies.
* Actively involve young people in shaping the support they receive, encouraging feedback and participation in decision-making.
* Create opportunities for youth voice to influence programme design, delivery, and organisational development.
Benefits Include:
Working alongside a passionate, friendly team
Enhanced DBS check provided
Further development opportunities
Sense of satisfaction
Ongoing personal support
Great team incentives
Positive working environment
Career Progression opportunities
Leaning new and innovative skills
Gaining valuable experience
Competitive salary plus expenses
No micro-management
Training and CPD offers
Note
Please note that in order to apply for this role all candidates must hold the right to work in the UK, undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide 2 professional references. If these are not completed in a timely manner, your application maybe disqualified.
We look forward to receiving your application and hearing about how you can support us to build brighter futures for young people in Nottinghamshire!