Job Description

35 hours per week329,000 per annumPermanent with fundingThe location of this role is hybrid - home based with partial work from the nearest Space to Grow / Childrens Society office.Areas with Space to Grow Childrens Society delivery include - Newport, Wales; Newham; London; Chelmsford; Leeds; Torbay, Manchester/Wythenshawe; Newcastle; Nottingham; Coventry and Warwickshire; Wrexham, Wales.This role sits within our National Space to Grow Programme team. Space to Grow offer early help, emotional health and wellbeing support for children aged 8-13 years old. The programme is funded by a 31 million grant from funding partners BBC Children in Need, The Health Foundation, and Impact on Urban Health, matched by a further 31 million from The Childrens Societys impact fund.This is a key role for our programme who will build team capabilities and share expertise in youth voice activities and add capacity, helping to further embed youth voice activities in our 13 practitioners day to day work. The role will also lead a programme of youth voice and participation work with children who have experienced emotional health and wellbeing challenges in order that their views and ideas inform the work of services, The Childrens Society and the wider sector and policy environment.We are looking for an individual that is passionate and energetic and committed to the values of youth voice and participation to join our dynamic, ambitious team.A priority of the Space to Grow programme is to support children not usually represented within emotional health and wellbeing and mental health services (such as but not limited to) children from the global majority, young carers, LGBTQ+ children, children with ALN, children from marginalised groups) this would be a key focus for this role too. We actively welcome applications from these groups.When completing your personal statement please outline your specific skills, knowledge and experience that relates to those listed in the recruitment pack.A key part of this role will be your ability to

• develop relationships with children and support them to have their voices heard.
• lead and develop groups.
• respond and adapt to new ways to amplifying young peoples voices and addressing the barriers to those least likely to engage.
• have a clear commitment to intersectional approaches when working with young people and working with young people who experience multiple systemic oppressions.
• commit to continuous learning to enhance own practice and keep abreast of innovative practice.
• use your communication & influencing skills, both written and verbal to lead and inspire others and the ability to engage with young people.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIESIn order to be successful in this role, you must have:

• A minimum of 2 years experience in youth work
• Experience of facilitating participation activities with young people on a one-to-one basis and in group work settings.
• Experience of supporting young people who are dealing with complex and sensitive needs and providing pastoral support.
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team in the field of youth voice and participation.
• Experience of being a champion of youth voice and participation.
• Experience of developing inclusive practice.

Other requirements for the role:

• Live within travelling distance to one of our Space To Grow Delivery sites
• Regular evening working which are both face to face and virtual engagement.
• Regular weekend working which is on average once a month.
• Regular travel across the region to work with young people.

Closing date for applications midnight 6th June 2025.Interviews will be in two stages:Stage 1 in person Young Peoples panel on Saturday 5th JulyIn person interviews will be held in WythenshaweStage 2 staff interview panel online 10th and 11th JulySpace to GrowEvery childhood is special. Its a time to learn and grow, to make friends, to discover. But there are challenges, big and small. From bullying and racism at school, to abuse, to problems at home, the pressures can quickly start to build up.If that happens, were here. Space to grow, from The Childrens Society, Children First, and MACS, offers free early help for children aged 8 to 13 in each nation, so that they can feel happier, supported, healthier and safer.In particular, well be here for children from groups who ordinarily may not be well represented within wellbeing and mental health services, such as children from the global majority, young carers, LGBTQ+ children and young people and others.With Space to grow, children can get the help they need to understand and deal with their feelings, build strong relationships, and communicate. Whether its one-to-one support, joining a workshop, or speaking to a specialist project worker children can get the support thats right for them exactly when they need it. Theres advice, information, and resources for parents and carers too.With Space to grow, children can get support that helps them to flourish.Space to grow is made possible by our incredible funding partners: BBC Children in Need, The Health Foundation, and Impact on Urban Health.The Childrens Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support. We campaign to get laws and policies changed to make childrens lives happier and safer.Every day were changing the lives of children in this country for the better and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.BenefitsEnhanced Annual Leave 28 days-length of service extra 2 after 2, 5 and 7 goes up to 36 days.Free eye test-claim back via my finance-take form to dentist-eye test form can also claim for glasses.Pension-match contribution up to 8% can opt out, have to auto enrolled every 2 years do get money refunded if opt out you contribute 4% and will be matched to 8%Life assurance death in service, 4x salary gets paid to nominated person.Cycle to work 39% off bike cost can be spread across the year.770 retailers discounts offered with YouStar App.The Childrens Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.Therefore, candidates applying for work in our Children and Young Peoples Directorate will be required to complete an Employment history template document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be uploaded by the candidate alongside uploading your CV.

The Children's Society