A safe place to live. Someone to believe in. A chance to move forward.

Not every young person starts adulthood with the same opportunities.

Some have experienced trauma.

Some have faced homelessness.

Some are struggling with emotional wellbeing, substance misuse or difficult life circumstances.

What many need most is somebody who will walk alongside them.

Listen

Encourage

Challenge

Support

And help them recognise their own potential

What The Role Is Really About

As a Youth Engagement Worker at the YMCA Fairthorne Group Basingstoke, you'll develop and deliver engaging programmes, activities and support that help young people build confidence, develop skills and move closer towards independent and fulfilling lives.

Because meaningful change often starts with a trusted relationship.

The YMCA Fairthorne Group Basingstoke provides a safe place to live, intensive personal support and a hub for group activities for 80+ young people aged 18-30 situated near the city centre.

Many of the young people we support have experienced significant challenges and may have complex needs.

This Role Is About Creating Opportunities.

Opportunities to connect
To learn
To belong
To build resilience
To improve wellbeing
And to take positive steps towards education, employment, training and independent living
You'll work both one-to-one and in group settings, helping young people identify goals and supporting them to achieve them

What You'll Do

You'll:

develop, promote and deliver engaging daily activities and programmes for young people support, mentor, coach and walk alongside young people as they work towards personal goals
undertake risk assessments and support planning
build positive and trusted relationships with residents
support activities that involve the wider community, including our adjacent youth centre
engage external partners and specialist agencies to deliver support and activities
advocate on behalf of young people and help them access appropriate services and opportunities
actively support young people into employment, education, training and volunteering opportunities
assist with the selection and induction of individuals applying for accommodation
maintain clear and accurate records and programme information
contribute to safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing processes
identify and respond appropriately to emerging risks and concerns

This Role Is About More Than Activities

Activities create opportunities. But the real impact comes from the relationships behind them. Sometimes success looks like a young person attending a session for the first time. Building enough confidence to speak in a group. Applying for a job. Starting a training course. Making a positive choice. Or asking for help when they need it. Progress isn't always measured in big milestones. Often it's found in the small steps that build towards lasting change.

The person we're looking for

We're looking for somebody who genuinely believes in the potential of young people and is committed to helping them thrive.

You'll have/will be:

experience delivering programmes within a youth, adult or community-based setting
experience supporting young people or adults with complex needs
knowledge of trauma-informed approaches
an understanding of the challenges facing young people today
experience supporting individuals experiencing poor emotional wellbeing, trauma or substance misuse, or a
willingness to develop these skills
the ability to respond positively and effectively to challenging or high-risk behaviours
good IT skills and confidence using digital systems
a sound understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures
a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Most importantly, you'll be:
approachable and supportive resilient and patient
confident building relationships and establishing trust
an effective communicator
solution-focused and proactive
able to motivate and encourage others
passionate about creating opportunities for young people

Benefits That Make a Difference

100% off childcare

Free childcare for YMCA Fairthorne Group employees at our nurseries.

Extra support during the school holidays

One free week of YMCA Fairthorne Group Day Camps for each of your children every year, plus 50% off a second week.

More time away from work

25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with service up to 30 days, with the option to buy up to 10 additional days.

Celebration Leave

An additional day to celebrate something that matters to you.

Health and wellbeing

Access to our Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.

Family support

Enhanced family leave provisions.

Everyday Benefits

Blue Light Card eligibility, gym discounts and Cycle to Work scheme.

Career development

Professional learning, Youth Work development and opportunities to grow your Youth Services career across YMCA Fairthorne Group.

Part of something bigger

The Basingstoke housing setting is part of the YMCA Fairthorne Group, supporting children, young people and families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to build a positive future.

Through accommodation, youth work, wellbeing support and community programmes, we help young people develop confidence, independence and resilience.

The work you do will directly contribute to helping young people:

Belong. Contribute. Thrive.

Could this be you?

If you're an experienced Youth Worker, Engagement Worker, Support Worker, Community Development Worker or Housing Support Professional, and you're passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help create opportunities that change lives.

Safeguarding

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Annual salary - £24,784.50

YMCA Fairthorne Group

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