Job Description

Job Role: Play Worker (Zero Hours Contract)

Accountable to: Team Leader (Juniors)

About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone:

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub located at the heart of Blackburn and a dedicated site in Darwen, open to young people aged 5 to 25 years old, aiming to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. Our vision is to be at the heart of the community, collaborating to create a more cohesive and prosperous Blackburn and Darwen.

We are one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn, with a membership of over 2,500 young people. We are open 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and offer over 40 different activities and opportunities in our open access youth club.

Context of Role:

You will be expected to prepare and deliver activities to both individuals and groups in a nurturing and caring environment whilst ensuring that all young people are safe and happy. Successful candidates for this role will be enthusiastic, committed to putting young people first.

Main Responsibilities:

To plan and deliver a play and activity programme ensuring that it inspires and motivates Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone members. Ensure your programme and practise is always fully inclusive, safe, exceptional, cost effective and relevant to the needs of our members. To work as part of the Play Work team taking an active role in developing strategies to engage and retain members including outreach and detached work where required. To promote and communicate, with passion and belief, Blackburn Youth Zone's Universal Play Work offers members, potential members and their parents / guardians. To develop and maintain professional and appropriate relationships with children and young people. Follow up any developmental work needed with young people to the team leaders. Ensure that our members maintain a high standard of behaviour and discipline during sessions in line with our respect policy. Record and evaluate the sessions each night, involving young people in the evaluation process. Encourage young people to actively participate in decision making processes and structures. Work flexibly to ensure the needs of our members are met, working with partner agencies where appropriate support needs specific intervention. To have responsibility and commitment to safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times, identify and manage risks effectively. Promote social integration and inclusion, and proactively challenge any prejudice and discrimination. Adhere to Blackburn Youth Zone policies and procedures at all times with particular emphasis on equal opportunities, health and safety and safeguarding. Promote a positive image of Blackburn Youth Zone through professional operation and conduct with all our stakeholders and the general public. Support the delivering participation programmes that develop Young People's skills and confidence to actively influence decisions that affect them within Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone and the wider community.

Measurable Outputs:

Feedback on delivery from young people through consultations. Engagement and delivery attendance through activity registers. Programme planning and submission. Submission of CFC.

Person Specification:

Education/Training/Qualifications

Five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above. (Essential)*
Play Level 2 or equivalent. (Desirable)*
First Aid. (Desirable)*

Experience:

Experience with working with young people ages 5 to 12 both in groups and individually. (Essential)*
Understanding of safeguarding principles (Working Together to Safeguard Children) (Essential)*
Experience of delivering sports and / or arts activities and / or targeted personal development programmes. (Essential)*
Face to face delivery with young people aged 5 to 12 years old. (Essential)*
Experience of working in an outreach or detached setting Experience of working in a team and alongside volunteers Planning and delivering a programme of youth work activities. (Essential)*

Skills/Abilities:

Strong commitment to young people and ability to engage and build positive relationships with disengaged young people. (Essential)*
Ability to use initiative in decision making and resolving problems. (Essential)*
Good organisational skills. (Essential)*
Ability to adhere to and maintain effective relationships with young people, staff, parents, carers and other colleagues within appropriate professional boundaries. (Essential)*
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of children (evenings, weekends, residentials). (Essential)*

Knowledge

Understanding of the principles of good youth work practice. (Essential)*
Ability to identify and challenge discrimination and discriminatory behaviour, taking appropriate action as necessary. (Essential)*
Understanding of issues affecting young people's lives. (Essential)*
Knowledge and understanding of Working Together to Safeguard Children & Young People. (Essential)*
Ability to work in accordance with national, local and organisational Child Protection and Safeguarding policies and procedures. (Essential)*
Ability to identify and appropriately respond to cases of potential or actual child abuse. (Essential)Between

Working hours

This role is being offered on a zero hour basis to cover staff absence and annual leave. No hours can be guaranteed. Any hours offered will generally be evenings and weekends. You will also be expected to work across both our Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zones.

Remuneration package

Salary: National minimum wage, between 6.40 - 12.24 (depending on age and experience)

Pension: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone operates a workplace pension scheme with Royal London for auto-enrolment purposes. You will contribute 5% of your gross earnings whilst the Youth Zone will contribute 3%. If you meet the criteria you will be auto-enrolled into the scheme within 3 months of commencement of your employment although you have the option to opt-out if you so wish.

Other Benefits

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 Support and Advice FairQuid (Financial Wellbeing Support) Think Therapy (Mental Health Support) Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups. This post is subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records through an enhanced DBS check and completion of appropriate vetting checks. We promote safer working practice across our Youth Zone and all successful employees and volunteers will be expected to share this commitment.

The Youth Zone welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 1 per week

Work Location: In person