Jobs in loughborough

About Our Work 

Support Through Sport CIO, based in Nottingham, delivers sport-based intervention, mentoring, and youth work programmes to thousands of disadvantaged young people, empowering them to develop pro-social behaviours and providing a lasting positive impact within underserved communities.

The organisation works to a Theory of Change which ultimately provides at-risk young people with protective factors, diverting them away from negative influences such as youth offending, ASB, violence, gang culture and knife crime. Through an innovative, youth-led approach, Support Through Sport harnesses the power of sport to empower disadvantaged youth and create safer communities, where young people can thrive.

We’re passionate about implementing real change within disadvantaged and underserved communities, providing young people with support, guidance and opportunities which enable every young person to achieve their full potential.

Role Overview 

Support Through Sport CIO is seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to deliver our innovative School and Community Navigator programme throughout Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The Senior School and Community Navigator will lead a team of three Navigators across four schools in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The role combines direct support to children and young people aged 10–17 with leadership and coordination responsibilities, ensuring delivery is of the highest standard and in line with Support Through Sport policies and project specifications.

Working closely with schools, families, and local agencies, the Senior Navigator will provide supervision and guidance to staff, build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure effective safeguarding, monitoring, and reporting systems are in place. You will work with young people aged 10–17 in community settings, building trust-based relationships and providing early intervention to reduce risk factors linked to crime, violence, and exploitation.

The role combines youth work, mentoring, and community engagement, supporting young people to tackle challenges such as disengagement in education, substance use, poverty, discrimination, and school exclusion. You will act as an advocate for young people, bridging gaps with the wider community while promoting respect, empowerment, and positive life choices whilst working utilising a child-centred and collaborative approach.

At Support Through Sport, we use a range of creative approaches, including sport as a diversionary tool, to build brighter futures and create safer communities. Flexibility is essential, as sessions may take place during evenings and weekends, in addition to typical school hours. You will be required to work within the complex support system which often surround young people at-risk, to ensure a multi-agency approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

You will be supported to meet a benchmark of training and standards, including:

Basic Training

Health & Safety

Neurodiversity

EDI & Cultural Competence

Effective Communication

Resilience in Youth Work

Level 3 LA Safeguarding

GDPR & Data Protection

First Aid at Work

Enhanced DBS

Full Induction

Enhanced Training 

Contextual Safeguarding

Operational Skills

Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse

Health and Wellbeing

Key Information

Position: Senior Targeted Practitioner - School & Community Navigators

Reporting To: East Midlands Regional Manager

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week

Contract: Full Time, 6 month probationary period

Salary: £28,000 - £29,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

Location: Nottingham & Nottinghamshire (Nottingham Office)

Transport: Car driver essential

Essential attributes include: 

Experience working with children and young people (10–17 years) in school and community settings

Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection, with experience responding to and escalating concerns

Proven experience supervising or leading staff or volunteers in a youth work, education, or community setting

Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with schools, families and stakeholders

Strong knowledge of violence affecting young people, exploitation, and early intervention approaches

Experience of multi-agency working and attending safeguarding and strategy meetings

Ability to use case management systems and produce accurate reports and data

Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice and leadership

Flexible working hours including evenings and school holidays

Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Nottinghamshire

Desirable Attributes Include:

Qualification in youth work, education, or a related field (JNC strongly desired)

Experience of staff training, coaching, or professional development

Knowledge of local referral pathways and support services across Nottinghamshire

Experience working within schools or multi-school programmes

Training in conflict resolution, mental health first aid, or trauma-informed practice

Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

Self-motivated with a positive attitude

Passionate about making a difference in the community

Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills

Confident in delivering a range of sports and physical activities

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership, supervision, and day-to-day support to a team of School and Community Navigators, ensuring high-quality delivery across all schools and community settings.
• Support the training, professional development, and reflective practice of staff, encouraging continuous learning and consistency of approach.
• Deliver services to the highest standards, in line with specifications, funder requirements, and Support Through Sport policies and values.
• Lead delivery across four schools and identified community hubs, building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior leaders, pastoral staff, SEND teams, and wider support services.
• Develop and sustain effective multi-agency partnerships with schools, statutory services, and community organisations to ensure joined-up provision and pathways of support.
• Attend and contribute to regular meetings with schools, community stakeholders, and safeguarding partners, representing Support Through Sport professionally.
• Liaise with relevant agencies and take appropriate, timely action to safeguard children and young people, ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of all practice.
• Ensure staff follow safeguarding policies and procedures, providing oversight, guidance, and follow-up where required, and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Support risk assessments, contextual safeguarding discussions, and contribute to case management at multi-agency meetings.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of mentoring and outreach support within both school and community settings, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.
• Monitor and record outcomes effectively using Upshot, case notes, and assessments to evidence impact and progression.
• Provide accurate data, case studies, and impact reporting for funders, stakeholders, and internal learning, contributing to continuous improvement.
• Deliver targeted 1:1 mentoring, small group sessions, and outreach with children and young people, supporting engagement, wellbeing, and positive life choices.
• Encourage participation in education, training, and community opportunities, advocating for pathways into positive progression.
• Act as an advocate for young people, ensuring their voices influence programme design and delivery, and that they feel heard, valued, and respected.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion within delivery, ensuring support is tailored to meet the individual needs of all young people.

Benefits Include: 

• Working alongside a very passionate team
• Enhanced DBS check provided
• Further development opportunities
• Sense of satisfaction
• Ongoing personal support
• Great team incentives
• Positive working environment
• Career Progression opportunities
• Competitive salary plus expenses
• No micro-management
• Training and CPD offers

Note

Please note that in order to apply for this role all candidates must hold the right to work in the UK, undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide 2 professional references. If these are not completed in a timely manner, your application maybe disqualified.

We look forward to receiving your application and hearing about how you can support us to build brighter futures for young people in Nottinghamshire!