Development Officer Jobs
Under 5’s Development Worker
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, dedicated team based in Wakefield.
This is a new post which has been developed following a research project commissioned by Prosper Wakefield District (was Wakefield and District Health and Community Support) in 2022 and carried out by Rocket Science, a national research organisation. The purpose was to identify where additional investment from Prosper could make the most impact in priority areas arising from their findings.
One key finding related to children, young people and families; this was followed up by a workshop where it was developed to focus on under 5’s in a specific area of the district. This role is funded for 2 years with a possible additional year, to take this forward and demonstrate what can be achieved.
Young Lives Consortium is a membership organisation supporting VCSE organisations and groups who work with children, young people and families across the Wakefield District. By working together, we achieve more, progress faster and deliver better services. Our current services include consultancy, training, support, project management, information, guidance and best practice support, our vision is to ensure those working with Children, Young People and Families achieve their goals.
We are looking for a talented, hands-on professional, who is versatile, well organised, creative, positive and motivated. You should have proven experience in this field of work. Ideally you will have experience of the third sector and good governance, you will be values driven and committed to supporting organisations working with children and young people.
In return we offer, a new job for you to grow and develop, opportunity for training and development within the role, a competitive salary, an amazing environment to work in, within a fun, committed and hard-working team.
Job Description: Under 5’s Development worker
Salary: £26,000 pa pro rata + 6% employer pension contribution
Hours : 22.5 hours a week
Place of work: Based at Lightwaves, Wakefield and Knottingley
Holidays: 25 days + 8 days statutory pro rata
Employing Body: Young Lives Consortium
Line Managed by: Chief Executive Officer
Length of contract: 2 years, with the potential to extend to a 3rd year.
MAIN OBJECTIVES:
To establish an under 5’s network of VCSE organisations promoting capacity building, developing workforce pathways, using a child and family centred approach to respond to community need.
To work alongside an established VCSE Play organisation to support the development of a specific offer to children and families of under 5s within the Warwick neighbourhood, located in Knottingley in Wakefield District
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Community Development of Activities for Children under 5.
Using the principles of the ‘First 1000’ days research to inform the project development:
· Prepare to measure and collect data, undertake research, gather key measures on which to measure improvement, evaluate and demonstrate success, identify appropriate methods and design evaluation process, identify target group and potential organisations to become involved.
· Identify and involve key stakeholders such as parents/carers, local under 5's provision, VCSE organisations, schools, health centres, and community leaders. Hold initial meetings to introduce the initiative and gather input.
· Conduct alongside VCSE organisations a comprehensive needs assessment and engagement activities to understand parents/carers' needs, challenges, and preferences for children under 5 in the community.
· Establish a steering group with representatives from all stakeholders to guide the project and develop an action plan.
2. Support for developing the Under 5’s offer
· To research and identify, appropriate existing local training, to support the project goals.
· Develop an offer of training and workshops to the wider staff and volunteer workforce on approaches to early childhood development for VCSE staff, parents, carers, partners and community members resulting in strengthened community leadership with a strong emphasis on Safeguarding.
· Identify, document and log best practice resources already in use within the sector and identify any perceived gaps or need for activities to support need.
· Work alongside VCSE organisations and early childhood experts to identify and begin to develop developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers based on the needs and assets assessment that can be delivered in a community setting.
· Identify accessible and child friendly locations for activities and resources.
· In developing groups recognise that individuals may have a range of health inequalities that may require a trauma informed approach to the work.
· Collaborate with the local authority and health services including the Integrated Care Board for supportive policies and resources.
3. Celebrate and promote the Under 5’s offer developed through this programme
· Organise community events to introduce the activities to promote the offer and champion this with the wider community.
· Provide tasters for example on sensory play, baby yoga, music and movement, and parenting workshops, focusing on child parent interaction.
· Introduce campaigns to support the programme’s aim and share information about early childhood.
· Organise an event to celebrate programme accomplishments and positive impacts.
· Appreciate parent/carer leaders, volunteers, VCSE groups, and stakeholders.
4. Inclusive Approach
- Identify and engage marginalised groups for inclusivity. Collaborate with local organisations to enhance outreach ensuring that people experiencing health inequalities can participate.
- Adapt activities to be culturally sensitive, respecting diverse backgrounds and traditions.
- Actively promote equal opportunities, celebrate diversity and challenge discriminatory practice
5. Monitoring and recording activity, impact and evaluation
· Gather feedback from parents/carers, children, and community members about activity effectiveness. Review workforce development opportunities.
· Develop a comprehensive evaluation framework in collaboration with colleagues to demonstrate impact.
· Evaluate the impact of the capacity building programme, provide recommendations for improvement.
· Assess activity impact, identify gaps, and address barriers with the steering group.
6. Collaboration for Sustainability
· Collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, statutory partners and healthcare providers to promote the activities and gain additional resources.
· Explore further sustainable funding models for ongoing activities.
· Facilitate mentorship opportunities for VCSE groups to respond to early years needs and the trauma-informed approach as required.
· Replicate activities in new community locations.
12. Other requirements
· To ensure that all work delivered meets the requirements of Wakefield District Safeguarding Partnership and within the context of Wakefield Families Together
· To work with YLC colleagues, where agendas are aligned to avoid duplication for example, promote activities through the Young Lives Newsletter, promote activities and opportunities via www.WF-I-Can, develop joint volunteering opportunities and contribute to events, networks and mapping of services.
· To promote engagement in the emerging advisory groups for VCSE and children and young people.
· May be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and travel across and outside the district.
· Act in a manner that contributes to a positive and credible public profile for Young Lives Consortium.
· Participate in your own reviews and appraisal.
· Take part in training and personal development and participate in team meetings, staff development, away days and reviews.
· Must be legally entitled to work in UK.
· Undertake any other duties as required which are in line with the objectives of the post.
To improve the advancement in life of Children, Young People and families in need, by promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of VCSE organisations
This is an exciting new role and part of planned significant investment into a longstanding and prestigious community based youth organisation. The successful candidate will coordinate youth work over multiple locations and will have the opportunity to develop a range of programmes and interventions. The post comes with a training budget and external supervision options.
As a Deputy Youth Worker in Charge, you will play a key role in supporting the operations and management of our youth club. Working closely with the Youth Worker in Charge, you will assist in overseeing the day-to-day activities and ensure the delivery of high-quality services to young individuals. Your strong organizational skills, leadership abilities and passion for youth development, as well as your role in the safeguarding team, will contribute to creating a nurturing and safe environment where young people can thrive.
About Us
The Harrow Club is a community-based youth organisation offering innovative, accessible and high-quality opportunities, enabling young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to maximise their life chances. This year we are 140 years’ old and we are committed to building on decades of service in the local community to address some of the most pressing issues affecting young people today.
Harrow Club is a place for firsts. A first trip to the beach, a night-time walk in the woods, an overnight stay without parents and, for some, the first place where a child really feels at home and that they have a home. Firsts are especially important, they are part of a child’s development but also, they build an outlook on life and shape pathways that will go on to determine futures as well as offer a chance to form new interests and friendships.
We are also a place of second chances. We support children who struggle to stay in the classroom and to continue in their education. We work with young people who are excluded from regular youth clubs/sports clubs, so that they can have the chance to change. We allow young people to make mistakes, learn and move forward.
There is no better testament to what Harrow Club can achieve than some of our current youth workers who have turned their lives around and are now working to keep young people away from criminality and harm. They can show, with immediacy and authenticity, that there can be Another Way to live life.
We are also a ‘third place’, a safe and nurturing space, for all children and young people; for some their home or school is neither safe or happy and we can make a vital difference in providing a ‘positive escape’ and vital help and support.
We operate from five locations, providing an incredible range of projects covering sports, arts and performing arts, media, music, digital and our specialist gang’s project, motor vehicle workshops and educational programmes aimed at reducing school exclusions. We engage around two hundred young people each week, aged 8-24, and around 500 unique individuals each year. For many, the effect is life changing.
There is additional information about the charity, visit our website, also see the Charity Commission or Companies House for details of our last year activities and accounts.
Title:
Deputy Youth Worker (37.5 hrs. per week)
Reporting to:
Lead Youth Worker
Direct Reports (in a support role):
Part Time Youth Workers
Volunteers
Liaison with:
Members of the Leadership Team
Other Youth Workers
External Partners
Admin team
Head of Training
Location:
Harrow Club, 187 Freston Road, London, W10 6TH + Other Delivery Locations in West London
Renumeration and Benefits
•Salary: £26,000-£31,000 dependent on experience and qualifications
•25 Days Annual Leave
•Pension Contribution of 3%
•An annual training package worth up to 10% of salary
•Employee Support Package
Employment is subject to satisfactory references, undertaking an Enhanced DBS check and mandatory training. Continuation of employment is subject to passing the probationary period set.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supervision and Team Support:
- Support the Youth Worker in Charge in providing guidance, mentorship and support to the youth workers and volunteers.
- Assist with the recruitment, training and onboarding of staff and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Collaborate with the team to schedule and assign tasks, ensuring efficient operations and programme delivery.
2. Youth Engagement and Support:
- Build positive relationships with young individuals, creating a safe and inclusive environment where they feel respected, valued, and supported.
- Assist in providing guidance, mentorship and advocacy to young people, helping them navigate challenges and develop essential life skills.
- Contribute to creating opportunities for youth participation, empowerment and leadership within the club.
3. Safeguarding and Child Protection:
- Be a key part of the safeguarding team, as a Deputy Safeguarding Officer, at the youth club, ensuring the safety and well-being of all young individuals.
- Assist in developing and implementing safeguarding policies, procedures and practices in accordance with local regulations and best practices.
- Stay updated on current safeguarding issues and trends and provide training and guidance to staff and volunteers on safeguarding protocols.
4. Administrative Support:
- Assist in maintaining accurate records of attendance, programme participation and individual progress.
- Support in the preparation of reports, statistics and evaluations to assess program impact and inform decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations governing youth clubs and child protection.
5. Community Engagement:
- Collaborate with the Youth Worker in Charge to establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, schools and community stakeholders.
- Assist in organizing community events, workshops and initiatives that promote youth participation and strengthen community connections.
- Represent the youth club at meetings and events as needed to support community engagement efforts.
Qualifications and Skills
-Level 2 or higher in a related field (e.g., social work, youth development, education) or equivalent practical experience.
-Experience working with young people in a youth club, community centre or similar setting.
-Solid understanding of youth development principles and best practices.
-Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with young individuals and build positive relationships.
-Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team.
-Knowledge of relevant legislation and child protection guidelines.
-Proficient in administrative tasks, including record-keeping and report writing.
-Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional irregular hours.
Note: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and deliverables associated with the Deputy Youth Worker in Charge role. However, additional duties may arise to meet the evolving needs of the youth club and its participants.
How to Apply
Please send a Full CV and covering letter of between 1 and 2 pages highlighting why you are interested in the role and why you feel you would excel in the position.
Deadline for applications will be 11.30pm on Wednesday 25th April.
First Round interviews to be held w/c 29th April via Microsoft Teams.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.