Apprentice Youth Support Worker

**Position;**YouthSupport Worker

**Reports too;**Youth Group Manger/CEO

**Location;**Jabberwocky, Haddington

**Job Description;**

The Support Worker plays a vital role in delivering a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children attending our youth group. Working closely with the Lead Youth Group Worker and wider team, you will help deliver engaging activities that promote children’s play, creativity, confidence, and well-being.

A key part of this role is building positive relationships with children and responding to their needs using a trauma-informed, respectful approach. You’ll help children feel safe, valued, and included, especially those who may need extra support due to past experiences or additional needs.

**Key Responsibilities;**
- Provide consistent, trauma-informed care and support
- Contribute to planning and delivering age-appropriate, inclusive, and engaging activities that support children’s emotional, social, and physical development.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents/carers, and colleagues.
- Use de-escalation and positive behaviour support strategies to manage challenging behaviours.
- Support children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), adapting activities and approaches to meet their individual needs.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, external professionals, and families to create and maintain a nurturing environment.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with the organisations policies and procedures.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training as required.
- Promote the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children, following child protection policies and procedures.
- Contribute to regular reflection, evaluation, and improvement of service delivery.

**Essential Competencies;**
- **Child-Centred Practice;**Demonstrate an understanding of child development and a commitment to promoting children’s rights and welfare
- **Trauma-informed Practice;**An understanding of the impact of trauma on children and use an approach that is sensitive, empathetic, and supportive.
- **Communication;**Communicate effectively with children, families, and professionals
- **Teamwork;**working effectively as part of a team, sharing responsibilities and contributing to a positive team environment.
- **Adaptability;**Responds flexibly to the changing needs of children and the service.
- **Safeguarding Awareness;**Understand and uphold policies and procedures to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing.

**Person Specification;**
- Experience working with children aged 5-12 in formal or informal setting.
- Experience supporting children with ASN and/or behavioural challenges.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Willingness to undergo relevant training (e.g. safeguarding, behaviour support, trauma-informed car).
- PVG Scheme membership (or willingness to join prior to employment)
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, or school holidays, if required.

**Desirable Criteria (Not essential);**
- First Aid and/or Child Protection
- Knowledge of GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child).
- Experience working with children.

**Additional Information;**

Travelling is required for this post.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: £10.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Flexitime
- Work from home

Application question(s):
Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Work authorisation:

- United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person