Why work for Manchester Youth Zone
· Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro-rata)
· We are committed to training and developing our staff, that will include a full induction and access to internal and external training opportunities
· We care about your wellbeing – Access to our EAP, an extra holiday day for your birthday, and onsite gym and sports facilities
· 5% pension contribution
· You will be part of our mission to positively impact the lives of young people in North Manchester
The Manchester Youth Zone first opened to young people in 2012 as an independent charity. Located in Harpurhey enables the Manchester Youth Zone to reach those young people who need "Somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to". At Manchester Youth Zone, we have a shared purpose to create passion and pathways for every young person we work with, we do this through providing a safe and welcoming environment, high quality youth work and promoting inclusion, resilience and aspirations.
We work with young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs offering provision during the day (including weekends) for targeted young people, each evening for universal provision and residential provision for specific programmes. The Manchester Youth Zone has an excellent reputation in a number of areas including safeguarding, working with young people who are "at risk" of criminal exploitation, mentoring and employment skills. We have invested strongly in partnership working, becoming a community asset responding to the needs of young people and the local community of North Manchester.
Job Description
This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and compassionate youth worker to join our team, primarily focusing on our family and mini member sessions. The role involves planning, preparing and leading engaging activities for young children and their parents/carers/family members, creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment. We are looking for somebody who is creative, reliable and passionate about family support and engagement.
Key Duties
· To lead on fun, creative and inclusive activities for children and young people and their families during our family and mini member sessions.
· To support on the planning, delivery and evaluation of Saturday family sessions' – ensuring that families and young people are involved in the planning, and the sessions have a range of activities that bring families together through positive activities
· Adhere to professional practice standards and legislation, including confidentiality, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion policies
· Ensure you're up to date on your knowledge of local service provision for appropriate signposting and referrals
· Manage your own workload, administration and diary commitments
· Enhance parents' understanding of different education, support intervention and play strategies
· Coach, mentor and motivate families to understand the benefits of relevant activities
· Ensure young people's and families voices are heard and help shape the service provided by MYZ by advocating at all levels of the organisation for their inclusion needs.
· Ensure integrated provision is delivered in line with the Youth Zone's operating procedures and standards, including safeguarding, health and safety and equal opportunities policies
· Effectively communicate with the wider team by regularly updating them on relevant progress made by the family or new issues that arise.
· Encourage the participation of young people and their families and that their ideas contribute fully to the planning, delivery and evaluation of sessions, projects and activities.
· To establish positive and engaging relationships with young people from a range of backgrounds and provide interventions that achieve outcomes including positive peer relationships, engagement in new activities, personal development, improved self-esteem, positive self-identity, acquisition of new skills, and developing wider networks of support.
· Effectively communicate at all levels both in terms of spoken conversations, using families preferred communication mechanisms, planning and supporting sessions, and developing short impact stories where required
· Completing MEAPPS (training to be provided)
· Ensure all recordings are well written for internal use and to be used to inform reports for external funders and interested parties.
· Maintain Salesforce with up-to-date information on young people who you have worked with (training provided)
· To work effectively and positively alongside colleagues including staff, volunteers and young leaders. Ensure that all volunteers and trainee staff are made to feel an integral and valued part of Manchester Youth Zone family.
· Undertake regular training and development relevant to the role.
· Actively address any bullying, harassment, or discrimination, promoting cohesion, inclusion, and positive relationships.
· To always understand and adhere to MYZ policies and procedures with particular emphasis on equal opportunities, positive behaviour management, health and safety and safeguarding.
· Always promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people, managing any safeguarding issues should they arise.
· To be an active member of the team and operate in line with the Charity's expectations, values and principles. Work a flexible pattern including evenings and weekends in line with the role/team requirements.
· Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably determined by your line manager.
· Promote a positive image of MYZ through professionalism and good conduct with all our stakeholders and the public.
All applicants must be over 18 years of age and mustn't of attended the centre as a young person within the past 3 years. Appointment is subject to two professional references and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Contract type: 6 months
Hours: Saturdays, 11am to 3pm
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.60 per hour
Expected hours: 5 per week
Work Location: In person