Are you passionate about making a difference for children in care and care-experienced young people?
Based in Sheffield – a vibrant, diverse and rapidly developing city – this is an exciting time to join Community Youth Services, bringing together a range of youth engagement offers designed to meet the needs and aspirations of our children and young people. Rooted in the values of high‑quality youth work, we deliver safe, creative and ambitious youth provision where young people’s voices are at the heart of everything we do.
Working alongside voluntary sector partners and statutory services, we’re committed to providing outstanding opportunities for young people outside of formal education. With anti‑discriminatory practice and inclusion embedded throughout our work, we recognise the barriers some young people face and the importance of safe spaces, trusted relationships and contextual safeguarding. Through youth voice, universal youth work, IAG, early intervention, targeted support and street-based work, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Sheffielders.
About the Role:
This is a unique opportunity to join the Youth Voice and Influence Service, with a dedicated focus on amplifying the voices of children in care and care-experienced young people. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating and co-facilitating the Children in Care Council (CiCC) and the Care Leavers Group, ensuring their ideas, experiences and priorities shape services locally, regionally and nationally.
As a Youth Voice & Influence Worker (Care Experienced), you will draw on your experience to build positive relationships, reduce barriers to participation, and empower young people to create change.
You will plan, coordinate and deliver regular face‑to‑face sessions, including evenings, occasional weekends, and during school holidays.
You will need to hold a youth work qualification at degree level 6, (Students who will qualify this year will also be considered).
Role requirements:
1. A Level 6 Youth Work qualification (or working towards completion this year).
2. Experience of youth work, participation and involvement projects.
3. Experience working with diverse groups of young people aged 10–25 years including those with care experience.
4. Passion, creativity, empathy and a strong commitment to championing the voices of care-experienced young people.
Key Responsibilities:
5. Plan, develop and co-facilitate the Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Group, ensuring their voices influence policy, service development and decision-making.
6. Support young people to participate fully in consultations, co‑production, social action and youth-led projects across Sheffield, as well as regionally and nationally.
7. Promote care experience voice within Children & Families Service and the Community Parenting Agenda.
8. Attend relevant networks, meetings and participation events, sharing best practice and strengthening partnerships.
9. Use creative, engaging and accessible approaches to reduce barriers to involvement and build confidence, skills and belonging.
Our Commitment: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Any successful candidate will need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.