Senior youth worker jobs in smethwick, west midlands

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

Planning & strategy delivery

· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy

· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities

· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)

· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement

· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups

· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:

o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors

o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)

o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary

· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK

· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals

· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers

· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field

· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)

· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting

· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice

· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups

· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.

· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration

· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately

· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals

· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing

· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement

· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience

· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood

· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks

· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.

· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.

· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.

· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

We are advertising for 2x Homicide Family Case Workers in the West Midlands Homicide Team.

This post covers the whole of the West Midlands (depending on demand) both roles will be working 37.5 hours a week with a permanent contract.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

Becoming a Homicide Caseworker is a unique opportunity to support families and individuals bereaved by and eyewitness to murder and manslaughter.

The National Homicide Service is a fast paced, specialist team funded directly by the Ministry of Justice to provide exceptional trauma informed practical and emotional support every day.

You Will:

• Work closely with the Major Crime Police Units, Senior Investigators and Family Liaison Officers, you will provide a pivotal role to support clients through the Criminal Justice System.
• As well as by phone and Zoom, you will meet families in their own homes or community, therefore travelling across the area you work will be essential. You will complete needs assessments, and will coordinate and deliver a tailored package of support alongside our commissioned providers and other key stakeholders.
• The role of Homicide Caseworker is varied, demanding and rewarding; no one day is the same and you will thrive on this challenge. You will need to be extremely organised and able work independently and as well as being a pro-active, supportive member of a team open to developing your personal resilience.
• Our priority is to ensure that those bereaved by and eyewitness to murder have the support they need for as long as they need.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

COMMUNITY HUB LEADER

Oasis Hub Woodview, Woodview Drive, B15 2HU

Full-time (40 hours per week, 1 FTE), Permanent Contract

Salary: £35,217 per annum

Oasis is looking for someone who can combine an entrepreneurial flair and excellent leadership skills to become the next Community Hub Leader at Woodview, Birmingham. 

The post holder will lead the development of the Hub, situated on the periphery of central Birmingham, serving the community of the Woodview estate, supporting the Oasis Academy and wider local community. The role will hold the vision of integrated community delivery, which will include a range of projects such as family support, volunteering, advice and support, community events.

This is a key role as you will be responsible for strategic oversight of the hub charity, ensuring the youth and community work supports the work of the academy, working alongside other local Oasis leaders such as the Principal, volunteers and members of the local community to develop a joined up local vision for the community.

Some of the specific duties of this role include:

· Establishment and coordination of a range of services such as family support, holiday provision, volunteering and community empowerment projects.

· Building supportive working partnerships across the community and various groups.

· Leading strategic development (e.g. comms, income generation, MEL)

· Planning, resource and coordinate the community plan, measuring impact.

· Working closely with the academy safeguarding team on Early Help and family support.

· Developing a team that can grow an Oasis Movement (e.g. engaging staff, volunteers and community workers).

This is very much a relational and project management role. As such, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate:

· Experience of leading community delivery and growing projects from start-up phase.

· Innovative use of resources and budget management to maximise funding.

· A thorough knowledge and understanding community work.

· An education to degree level or equivalent and /or relevant professional qualification.

This is a unique opportunity for a self-reliant and results-focused individual, who is looking to make a difference in this complex and high-profile field of work. In return we offer:

· Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.

· A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.

· A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.

· 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service.

· Employee wellbeing schemes such as Cycle to Work and an employee funded health cash plan.

For full details please go the Oasis UK charity website.

Closing date for completed applications is 5pm Friday 29th August. Stage 1 interviews will be held on either Friday 5th or Monday 8th September via TEAMS and the final stage will take place on Monday 15th September in person at Woodview. Please send us your CV and cover letter.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us via the Oasis UK charity website

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889