Key Worker

Youth Options is one of the leading children’s charities working with young people and children across Hampshire and Southampton. We believe that all children and young people can achieve a better future if given the chance. You can help us achieve that vision

Youth Options has developed a reputation for delivering high quality targeted youth work to support young people to minimise the impact of negative life experiences

Youth Options has developed a reputation for delivering high quality targeted youth work to support young people to minimise the impact of negative life experiences

The aim of our targeted provision is to engage, develop and empower children and young people who have experienced negative life experiences which may impact their future outcomes; this may include looked after children, young people who have been excluded or risk exclusion from education, those engaging in risky behaviours or those suffering with poor mental health.

An important element of our targeted support is Key Work; support is usually one-to-one or occasionally small groups in order to work towards specific targets that meet young people’s personal development needs. Young people are supported to develop their social and emotional capabilities, resilience and mental well-being and to re-engage with their education.

As a Key Work you will plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality Key Work programmes. You will have experience of working with children and young people in a variety of settings and a proven ability to offer high-quality, youth-led activities.

Regular evening and occasional weekend working will be required.

Responsibilities:

To support the development and implementation of programmes and activities to meet the needs of young people.

Working with young people in a variety of settings including but not extensively; Their home, schools, Pupil referral Units, planned activities and out in the community
To support young people to develop and work towards individual action plans
Ensure outcomes and outputs are met

To engage young people in a process of personal and social development in a variety of ways which may include individual key work and educational support
To accompany young people on activities, training sessions, school sites, appointments and interviews as necessary
To maintain contact records, registers of attendance and activities experienced by all participants
To keep accurate records of all sessions, individual meetings and actions taken in relation to children and young people
To liaise with parents/carers/social workers dealing with issues as and when they arise
Qualifications:
Minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant subject (Youth and Community, IAG etc)
A range of youth focused qualifications (Information, advice, guidance, SRE, Drugs and
Alcohol, Challenging Behaviour etc)
Experience:
Working with children and young people (Minimum 2 years)
Working with at risk or vulnerable children and young people (Minimum 1 year)
Working with outside agencies and organisations in a positive and professional manner
Planning effective programmes of work for children and young people

91% of staff say we are living our charity’s values and behaviours.
Generous annual leave (minimum of 32 days holiday a year, increasing with
length of service)
Additional time off at Christmas
Fair rates of pay (starting salaries aligned to Living Wage Foundation)
Company pension scheme
Health care scheme
Options for flexible working
Annual staff away day
Annual whole staff team building day
Comprehensive and ongoing training
Investors in People accreditation
Christmas Party and other socials

Timetable
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and successful applicants invited to interview; we reserve the right to withdraw the advert early if we appoint prior to the
closing date
1. Final deadline for receipt of applications: Thursday 23rd May, 5pm
2. Applicants who have not already done so will be asked to complete an application form prior to interview in order to comply with safer recruitment guidelines
3.1st stage interview will take place on: TBC on an individual basis with successfully shortlisted candidates

Youth Options works with children and young people across Southampton and west Hampshire. We believe that all children and young people can achieve a better future if given the chance.

You can help us achieve that vision.