Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
It's an exciting time to join us - Lewisham is a wave 2 Pathfinder authority and is leading the way on national reforms to social work practice through the Families First for Children programme.
INTRODUCTION
An exciting opportunity is available as Youth Engagement Worker
We are seeking an experienced …Youth Worker
The Engage programme aims to work with children aged 10-17 in police custody following their arrest at what is known as a “reachable moment” Getting arrested and being in police custody can be stressful and scary. Our vital program offers children an opportunity to see a Youth Worker in police custody who will listen and support them without judgement. Engage Identifies risk factors relating to further offending and ensures appropriate targeted responses are delivered utilising local provision and bespoke interventions to prevent further offending.
What’s the role?
The Engage Project is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Youth Worker to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to supporting and empowering vulnerable children to address emerging needs, those facing challenges and improve life chances.
As a Youth Worker your role combines seeing children in police custody and in the community. You will play a key role in supporting a child in a reachable teachable moment of crisis. Through engaging programs that focus on a wide range of issues your role will help them make positive changes.
About You
You will have experience in:
* List key criteria
* Proven experience working with children and young people in a youth work, education or community-based setting, particularly those who display challenging behaviour.
* Strong understanding of the issues affecting children from a variety of backgrounds.
* Provide advice and support to help children navigate challenges they may face
* Ability to engage, inspire, and motivate children through creative and practical approaches.
* Excellent communication skills with children and professionals.
* A good understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.
* Ability to create and deliver engaging programs that address a wide range of youth-related topics.
* A team player with resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for youth development.
* Advocate for the needs and interests of children within the community, to their families, and in external partnerships.
* Relevant qualifications in Youth Work or a related field are desirable
What’s in it for you?
In January 2024, Ofsted's report lauds significant improvements in our children's services. Praised areas include strong leadership, high-quality support for families and children, and positive outcomes across all criteria.
* The Executive Director for Children and Young People and his team are credited for driving these improvements, with particular focus on enhancing workforce stability, early help services, and partnerships with stakeholders.
* Noteworthy practices include creative life-story work and culturally sensitive social work approaches, crucial in a diverse borough like Lewisham.
* The Council's anti-racist practice network and safe space platform also garnered praise for supporting staff from black and global majority backgrounds.
* Overall, the report highlights a commendable commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in Lewisham.
In return, we’ll offer excellent development opportunities, the opportunity to make a real difference to our local community plus a range of benefits including:
* Generous leave entitlement
* Local Government Pension scheme
* Flexible working and family friendly policies
* Season ticket and bicycle loans
* A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
* Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for people to join our team who:
* value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
* can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead
* are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
* are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
* work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
* take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions
* are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.
Location
The job is primarily based in Holbeach, Catford, London SE6 9TW. There are 2 local train stations 3-5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop right by the office.
We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
* The job is subject to a DBS check (Enhanced)
* Evenings and some weekend working
* This job is a fixed term contract until March 2026
Your Application
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.
Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Yvonne.Henry@lewisham.gov.uk, 020 8314 7474.
Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification
Please click here to view the letter from the Director
Please click here to view Our Visions and Values
Salary
£41,580-£42,861 per annum (SO2)
All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Creating an Inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to 'draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham'. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
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Other
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Government Administration
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