Job Description

Are you an experienced, enthusiastic youth practitioner with a passion for supporting young people? Do you enjoy leading group sessions that build confidence and community?

We're looking for a Sessional Youth Worker to join The Lighthouse Project - an exciting new youth and community initiative in Byker. Our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces where young people aged 8-19 can belong, connect and thrive. Backed by a 4.4 million Youth Investment Fund grant, we've transformed the former St Michael's Church on Byker Hill into a state-of-the-art youth and community hub. We now need people like you to help us bring it to life.

This is your chance to be part of building something from the ground up - joining us at the very beginning and helping shape the culture and impact of our sessions. Initially, sessions will run on a Monday and Wednesday evenings. You'll play a hands-on role in leading youth activities, supporting volunteers and building positive, trusting relationships with young people from across the estate.

Many of the young people we support are navigating real adversity and that shows up in the room. This role will require someone who's emotionally switched on, confident in managing behaviour and ready to hold boundaries with compassion and consistency. You'll need to lead by example, bring a calm, grounded presence and create space for young people to make mistakes, reset and try again.

This is a part-time, session-based role, perfect for someone looking to make a tangible difference while working flexibly. There's also potential for more hours as the project grows. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, bring warmth and structure to each session and help create a space where young people feel seen, heard and supported, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications from both employed and self-employed (freelance) workers.

For more information on the role, please copy and paste this link for our job pack into your browser: http://bit.ly/3IrmYyO

Key Responsibilities

As a Sessional Youth Worker, you will:

Plan and deliver

open access youth work sessions, tailored to the needs of young people

Create safe, inclusive and engaging environments

that promote learning, fun, and personal development

Build positive, trusting relationships

with young people, acting as a role model and source of guidance

Coordinate volunteers

during sessions and help to build an empowered, responsive delivery team (alongside the Youth and Community Programme Manager)

Manage behaviour confidently

using a relational, trauma-informed approach to uphold a positive session culture

Support with logistics

, including session setup, resources, and pack-down

Contribute to feedback and reflection processes

to support ongoing learning and programme development

Understand and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures

at all times

What We're Looking For

Essential:

Experience working with young people in youth work, education, or community settings Confidence leading structured group sessions or activities Experience managing group dynamics and responding to challenging behaviour Ability to commit to regular Monday and Wednesday evening sessions (5-9pm, including setup and pack-down) Confidence in supporting and coordinating a team of volunteers A flexible, proactive mindset with strong problem-solving skills Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain professional boundaries

Desirable:

A Level 2 or above qualification in Youth Work, Education or a related field (or actively working towards one) Safeguarding and/or First Aid training (or willingness to complete it) Familiarity with the Byker area and the challenges facing young people in the community

What We Offer

Supportive coaching and development

from the Youth and Community Programme Manager

Ongoing training opportunities

with potential for formal youth work qualifications A brand-new, fully resourced facility to empower your work

A chance to shape a brand-new programme

and make a visible difference in the local community

Future progression opportunities

as the project grows

A fun, purpose-driven environment

with a passionate, tight-knit team and plenty of tea and coffee to keep you going!
Job Types: Part-time, Freelance

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 9 per week

Schedule:

Holidays Monday to Friday Night shift
Application question(s):

Are you able to commit to working on a Monday and Wednesday evening each week to meet the requirements of this role? Why would you like to work as Sessional Youth Worker for The Lighthouse Project?
Experience:

working with children in a relevant role: 2 years (preferred) leading sessions and staff: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/07/2025
Reference ID: Lighthouse Sessional YW
Expected start date: 21/07/2025