SYA,
Job Description: Professional Youth Worker
Salary: £35, Pay rise pending)
Hours: 37 hours/week (evenings and weekend work is required)
Location: Shropshire (travel required)
Contract Type: Permanent
*About SYA*
Our vision is that all young people are safe, valued and have a bright future.
Our mission therefore is to "Empower the young people of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin through access to quality, affordable and tailored youth provision, promoting positive physical and mental health.
*Role Overview*
As a Professional Youth Worker, you'll contribute towards the delivery and development of youth work across Shropshire. You'll manage staff, support SYA and affiliated clubs, deliver training and activities. This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on direct youth engagement, volunteer development, and operational excellence.
You'll report to the Area Manager and work closely with the CEO and wider team to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and impactful youth programmes.
*Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy*
Contribute to SYA's mission
Support operational management and oversee activity programmes
Represent SYA at meetings
Assist with bid writing and business development where appropriate
Youth Work Delivery (Minimum 75% of time)
Deliver face-to-face youth sessions, clubs, and projects
Design and lead engaging activities that promote personal development
Ensure sessions meet contract specifications and quality standards
Staff & Volunteer Management
Utilise coaching and mentoring techniques to develop young people and volunteers into skilled practitioners
Deliver and coordinate training programmes for young people and volunteers
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and safeguarding
Quality Assurance & Monitoring
Implement NYA-aligned quality standards
Conduct reviews and assessments of youth work delivery
Ensure health & safety compliance, especially for trips and high-risk activities
Administration & Reporting
Maintain accurate records and monitoring data
Attend meetings and contribute specialist knowledge
Support marketing and communications across platforms
Write and review risk assessments
*Who You'll Be Responsible For*
SYA staff on lower pay scales
Volunteers within SYA projects and independent clubs
Young people participating in SYA activities
Performance & Impact
You'll be expected to:
Deliver youth work with a customer-focused mindset
Collaborate with partners across the voluntary, public, and private sectors
Meet service and personal development goals through supervision and review
Conditions of Service
Flexible working hours with an annualised hours system (Equivalent to 37 hours PW)
Evening and weekend work essential
Must provide a suitable vehicle for work use (mileage reimbursed at HMRC rates)
Subject to SYA's employment contract and team handbook
Pre-Employment Checks
Appointment is subject to:
Satisfactory references
Occupational health clearance if required
Proof Of Qualifications
Enhanced DBS check (including ongoing rechecks)
Person Specification: Professional Youth Worker
*Qualifications
Essential Criteria*
JNC Level 6 qualification in Youth Work.
*Experience*
Minimum 2 years' experience delivering face-to-face youth work with young people aged 11–25
Experience managing or mentoring staff and/or volunteers in a youth work setting
Experience designing and delivering inclusive youth programmes and activities
Experience working within safeguarding frameworks and responding to concerns appropriately
*Skills & Knowledge*
Strong understanding of youth development, participation, and engagement strategies
Ability to plan, monitor, and evaluate youth work using recognised quality standards (e.g. NYA)
Competence in writing risk assessments and managing health & safety for youth activities, including trips
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with young people and professionals
Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing priorities
Personal Attributes
Passionate about empowering young people and promoting their physical and mental wellbeing
Committed to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
*Other Requirements*
Enhanced clear DBS
Access to a suitable vehicle for work use (mileage reimbursed at HMRC rates)
Desirable Criteria
The following would strengthen a candidate's application:
*Qualifications*
Safeguarding, DSL, First Aid, Food hygiene
*Experience*
Experience in mentoring and coaching, Team building and developing social action projects
Experience working in partnership with schools, local authorities, and voluntary sector organisations
Experience delivering training to young people, staff, or volunteers
*Skills & Knowledge*
Familiarity with monitoring tools and reporting for commissioned youth work contracts
Digital literacy, including use of social media and online platforms for youth engagement
Understanding of trauma-informed practice and mental health support strategies