Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, committed and enthusiastic Youth Worker to join a highly motivated and successful team here at Durham Area Youth.

This is a hugely rewarding role and one that requires a proactive, organised and practical approach to ensure programmes are delivered effectively and efficiently.

The post holder will plan, undertake and lead youth work sessions and projects, working directly with young people aged 6-18 years old, helping them to build trusted relationships, becoming more informed during key development ages and having a voice at the heart of making decisions that provide a sense of purpose and achievement.

You will be passionate about empowering young people to make positive change for themselves and their communities. You will be able to be agile, having the ability to adapt your approach, using your own initiative, whilst also working effectively as part of a team. You will show authenticity in your work, be open to empathetic conversations and be trustworthy.

You will have experience and an awareness of all or some of the following, delivery of quality youth work practise, safeguarding, confidentiality, risk assessments and social action. Current driving licence/able to meet the travel requirements of the post required.

Job Purpose:

Durham Area Youth is an award-winning charity focused on providing high quality Youth and Community work to the people in the areas we serve. Ensuring our work is directed by the voices of the young people and community. The Youth Worker is a key member of the youth delivery team and is focused on enabling the delivery of this work by:

- Planning and delivering sessions to meet the needs of the young people and the communities in which they live.

- Delivering high quality youth sessions that meet grant requirements, monitoring and evaluation metrics.

- Representing the charity with our local partners and networks.

- Working directly with our beneficiaries; helping children and young people, along with their communities, to bring about social change and improve the quality of life in the local area.

- Role modelling the Durham Area Youth values.

What is the overall purpose of the role?

Promoting the personal, educational, creative and social developments of young people, helping them reach their full potential. Helping to hold a safe, stimulating and supportive environment where young people learn to;

treat themselves and others with kindness and respect

discover exciting new ideas and activities they are unlikely to experience anywhere else

have fun, play, laugh, learn, experiment, make mistakes and thrive

grow into motivated, positive, resilient and caring citizens

Central to the role will be promoting the values of youth work and ensuring young people's voices are central in their planning, delivery and evaluation.

Key Accountabilities

- Plan and lead youth based sessions for all ages across multiple sites as centre based

- Actively engage young people and communities in an inclusive way that helps them make sense of the issues that affect their lives to enable participation and decision making.

- Develop positive relationships with young people and promote their interests to engage in further activity and engage in new experiences.

- Developing new sessions and activities in dialogue with young people and DAY staff team.

- Organise and support trips, educational experiences and support for young people and community groups.

- Maintain attendance records, product activity plans and session evaluation.

- Manage resources efficiently, adhering to Durham Area Youth policy.

- Handling cash for sessions inline with our financial management policy

- Support the delivery of project based and targeted youth work activities

- Ensure all safeguarding records kept up to date.

- Ensure safety of all young and vulnerable people; reporting on safeguarding, first aid and risk management (on and off site).

Act as a role model for young people by;

o Actively promoting equal opportunities, encourage participation, decision-making and responsibility amongst young people.

o Valuing and promoting diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of the programme.

o Managing time and resources effectively.

o Actively contributing to the training and development activities of the organisation.

o Commit to continuing professional development to meet changing demands of the job and participate in appropriate training activities.

o Inspiring young people to engage in the services and understand and appreciate the role of youth work as a career opportunity

o Support with fundraising activities and events led by young people, staff and volunteers in support of Durham Area Youth

o Staying informed on legislation, local and national issues, and best practice in youth work

o Any other duties as would be expected of a youth worker in a youth-led service

Person specification:

The Youth Worker is a critical role to the organisation and has a commitment to the mission and values of Durham Area Youth. At the heart of this they hold a strong desire to make a difference to the communities and young people. They are experienced in:

- Working with and engaging young people using a range of interventions.

- Supporting young people to work on their mental health and wellbeing.

- Setting up and running projects in partnership with other organisations and the community.

- Working with challenging or risk-taking behaviours (such as alcohol / drugs).

- Raising awareness of the work of an organisation via social media and other channels

- The Youth Worker is preferred to have a minimum Level 2 qualification in Youth Work, however those with a related professional qualification passionate and experienced working with young people invited to apply. Additional certificates in Food Hygiene, Safeguarding and First Aid will also be required and provided by the organisation.

The Youth Worker will be required to work across and travel between multiple sites therefore it is desirable that they hold a valid driving license.

The Youth Worker is:

- flexible and willing to work as a team.

- Professional, conscientious and reliable.

- Non-judgemental and positive in approach.

- A creative thinker who is solution focused.

- Motivational to others, able to tell our story, build engagement and further the work.

You will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Essential

Minimum Level 2 Qualification in Youth Work or related profession

Minimum of one year experience of working with young people aged between 6 - 18 years

Knowledge and understanding of issues facing young people

Ability to engage, support and motivate young people using a range of methods

Experience of supporting young people with challenging behaviour

Positive and self-driven, able to work independently and as part of a team

A working understanding of safeguarding children and young people and how to maintain appropriate professional boundaries

A working understanding of equality and diversity with the ability to challenge discriminatory behaviour

Good organisation and administration skills and proficiency in IT

Willingness to flexible hours, including evenings and weekend

Desirable

Knowledge of regional/local networks, structures and initiatives

Knowledge of government policy structures and initiatives in relation to young people

Working with young people from specific interest groups such as mental health services, NEETS etc

Experience of coordinating and delivering programmes to young people including meeting targets and deliverable outcomes

Food Hygiene, Safeguarding and First Aid if not already qualified will also be required and can be provided by the organisation

Experience of usage of social media, canva and promotion of activities

Current driving licence/able to meet the travel requirements of the post. *We understand that under certain circumstances you may not have a full driving license, e.g. registered disabled. As the role requires travel locally, demonstrating a means of appropriate mobility is essential

Midas certificate to drive a minibus

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: 13.50 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 17/08/2025
Reference ID: DAY YW