Safe Zone Youth Worker

Job Description

Can you enable young people growing up in challenging and dynamic environments feel inspired, supported, happy and safeWere looking for a Youth Worker with excellent youth work and communication skills able to work as part of our "Safe Zone", working with young people with moderate to high level mental health needs. Manchester Youth Zone is working in Partnership with The Childrens Society, 42nd Street & the NHS to deliver the Safe Zones project. This provision is aimed to deliver rapid response support to young people in crisis. You will work alongside therapeutic practitioners and volunteers to deliver various types of support to the young people in need of support. The role will be based within Manchester Youth Zone with a strong focus on multi-agency work. The successful applicant should be prepared to work across different "Safe Zone" sites around Greater Manchester. Practice support and guidance is provided by The Childrens Society on a day-to-day basis. Applicants should have experience in supporting young people displaying concerns regarding their Mental Health. Clients accessing "Safe Zones" over the last 12 months have displayed; Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation as well as Anxiety and Depression. Applicants should have experience working with young people with complex needs and have a knowledge of trauma informed practice (ACEs).Manchester Youth Zone an iconic state-of-the-art Youth Zone based in the heart of Harpurhey. We first opened to young people in 2012 as an independent charity and attract young people from across the borough with our fantastic facilities. The Youth Zone provides positive activities and practical support, especially for those who are disadvantaged. The aim is to enable young people to make constructive use of their leisure time and to raise their aspirations and help them to develop a bright future. Being located in Harpurhey enables MYZ to reach those young people who need "Somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to". There are currently around 2,300 members with around 1,000 visits by young people each week to the Youth ZoneAll of our sessions are inclusive to maintain a mainstream provision. The centre is open seven days a week, at weekends, on bank holidays and during school holidays. MYZ also develops and delivers other projects to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in the locality, with an excellent reputation in a number of areas including safeguarding, working with young people who are "at risk" of criminal exploitation, mentoring and employment skills. We have invested strongly in partnership working, becoming a community asset responding to the needs of young people and the local community of North Manchester.MYZ is a world class two-story building which has a dedicated climbing wall, gym / fitness suite, boxing studio, dance and performing arts studio and music spaces. Also included are a café which is open to the community during the day, games and social areas and an outdoor 3G pitch.If youre passionate about providing an exceptional service to young people, wed love to hear from you!STUFF WELL TRUSTYOU WITH - YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

To work directly with children and young people who access the "Safe Zone" and deliver a range of support in collaboration with therapeutic practitioners and volunteers.

To establish positive and engaging relationships with young people from a range of backgrounds in an appropriate and professional manner.

Effectively communicate at all levels by speaking, listening and in writing.

To work effectively alongside colleagues including staff, volunteers and young leaders.

To undertake regular training and development relevant to the role.

To enhance the offer and add value to sessions through planning, evaluating and monitoring.

To be able to use your own initiative to flexibly meet the needs of children and young people.

To promote cultural cohesion and inclusion, and proactively challenge any prejudice and discrimination.

To understand and adhere to MYZ policies and procedures at all times with particular emphasis on equal opportunities, health and safety and safeguarding.

To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times, managing any safeguarding issues should they arise.

To be an active member of the team and operate in line with the Charitys expectations, values and principles.

STUFF YOU TELL PEOPLE ABOUT - YOUR SKILLS & ATTRIBUTESSo what does it take to succeed in this role Were looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people. The right candidate will be highly organised with a strong Youth Work principles and experience supporting the development of Social Action.QUALIFICATIONS

A Level 2 or above Youth Work Qualification or equivalent - info here

EXPERIENCE OF

Working with young people aged 8-19 (up to 25) from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Working with children and young people who are disaffected, underachieving and/or have social/emotional barriers to participation, and who have additional needs.

Working with Young People with moderate to high level Mental Health needs.

Working effectively as part of a team & multi-agency working.

Implementation of policy and procedure.

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

Demonstration of how to engage with young people effectively and understanding the issues affecting their lives.

Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate high quality programmes of activity within an equal opportunities framework.

Ability to communicate effectively with young people, parents/carers and colleagues by talking, listening and writing factual and accurate reports.

Knowledge of health and safety, diversity awareness and safeguarding best practice and how these relate to relate to children and young people within the Youth Zone.

Ability to coach, encourage, motivate and support children and young people to reach their full potential.

Ability to effectively manage children and young people exhibiting challenging or anti-social behaviour.

THE OTHER STUFF

Organised and efficient

Excellent attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Commitment to personal and professional development - we love ambition!

BENEFITS</st