Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The Outreach Worker will serve as a key liaison between Leeds Children's Charity and schools across Leeds, with a strong focus on institutions that support disadvantaged and ethnically diverse children. The postholder will strengthen school partnerships, reduce barriers to participation, and support children's engagement in the charity's programmes. This role will also identify additional needs, help prepare children for residential visits, and link schools to the charity's fundraising efforts to maximise impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. School Partnerships

Establish, nurture, and maintain relationships with schools, with a focus on those serving high levels of deprivation and ethnic diversity.

Add new schools to the partnership network and build on existing relationships year on year through skilled communication and a commitment to genuine partnership working.

Promote the charity's offer to school leadership teams and designated safeguarding leads.

2. Communication and Collaboration

Act as the primary point of contact for schools, ensuring timely, inclusive, and effective communication on programme logistics, expectations, and opportunities.

Maintain accurate records of school engagement and partnership development.

3. Engagement with Families

Engage directly with families, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised communities, to understand and reduce barriers to participation.

Offer culturally sensitive support to improve trust and take-up of services.

4. Programme Preparation

Deliver tailored assemblies and classroom presentations to prepare children for residential visits, focusing on building confidence and readiness.

Respond to individual concerns and queries from pupils, parents, and school staff.

5. Needs Assessment and Support Planning

Work with schools to identify children who may benefit from additional support before or after attending the programme.

Collaborate with internal teams to align additional resources or referrals as needed.

6. Fundraising Collaboration

Support school-based fundraising initiatives by acting as a conduit between schools and the fundraising team.

Share stories of impact to support campaign materials and school engagement strategies.

7. Monitoring and Reporting

Evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts through regular reporting and reflective practice.

Contribute to programme development by feeding insights into strategic discussions.

9. Community Advocacy

Represent the charity positively within local networks and forums.

Proactively champion inclusive practices that enable broader access to services.

Person Specification Essential

Criteria Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience in outreach, education, or community development roles.

Demonstrated ability to work with disadvantaged and/or ethnically diverse communities.

Understanding of the education system and the needs of schools.

Skills & Abilities

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills across all stakeholder groups.

Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication skills.

Confident in delivering engaging content to children in educational settings.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.

Personal Attributes

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with children and families.

Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Other Requirements

Willingness to travel across Leeds (own transport).

Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Desirable Criteria

Experience supporting or leading fundraising initiatives.

Understanding of barriers faced by families from minority ethnic communities.

Ability to speak additional languages spoken widely across Leeds communities.

Why Join Leeds Children's Charity?

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a well-established and trusted local charity with a long history of supporting children's wellbeing through life-changing experiences. The Outreach Worker will play a critical role in widening access, building trust, and ensuring the voices of disadvantaged children are heard and reflected in the charity's work.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: 15,600.00 per year

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person