Youth Worker

Already experienced in Special Education needs, delivering and facilitating youth projects and looking for a chance to make a big difference to the lives of learning disabled and autistic young people?

Ready to be part of a growing team at a community youth organisation based in Westminster?

We are Caxton Youth Organisation. We are a specialist youth club, creating community, breaking barriers and empowering learning disabled and autistic young people. Over the next three years and beyond, we will aim to reach more disabled young people and become more youth-led - and you could help make that happen.

There are many reasons why the work Caxton Youth Organisation does is important. At Caxton, we want to shape a more inclusive society free from disabling barriers where all young people can lead happy, healthy and more independent lives.

Our team of qualified youth workers and practitioners create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space in the community where disabled and autistic young people can make friends, learn new skills, build confidence, and be themselves.

We're a small charity but our work and impact is long-lasting and holistic. For everyone who works at Caxton, it's more than just a job. All the team want to make a lasting difference to the young people we work with. If this sounds like something you want to be part of then I hope you will consider joining our organisation.

Purpose of the role:

• To provide innovative, exciting and accessible youth work and youth projects to disabled young people aged 11-25 years old.
• To lead on the “Creating Communities and Opportunities” programme.
• To work alongside Caxton Youth Organisation colleagues to support children and young people from the Westminster community to run our youth programmes.
• To support the delivery of our holiday programmes; and residentials providing overnight disturbance cover where needed

Required skills, knowledge and qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years experience in the youth work sector.
• A minimum in Level 3 Youth Work.
• A highly motivated and creative youth worker.
• Strong empathy and a person centred approach.
• Experience in shaping and delivering youth work programmes.
• Experience in partnership work and collaborating with external agencies.
• Excellent written and communication skills at all levels.
• A strong understanding of the principles of youth work as a distinctive practice of informal education and voluntary participation.
• A good understanding of inclusive practice including different communication methods e.g. Makaton. Advanced use of Microsoft packages.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Is able to work as part of a team and to use own initiative. Is willing to travel and to work unsociable hours, including evenings and occasional weekends

Desirable

• Experience of supporting learning disabled and autistic young people.
• An interest in arts and culture.
• Experience of using Makaton or other inclusive communication methods.
• To have a driving licence and ability to drive a minibus (including a D1 licence and MIDAS qualification).
• First aid training and/or mental health first aid training.

Essential Safer Recruitment Criteria

1. A cleared Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level. This check is necessary as the work involves dealing with or having access to children and vulnerable adults whilst undertaking normal duties.

2. The candidate must be able to provide at least two relevant references prior to taking up the post

Caxton Youth Organisation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups’.

*For genuine occupational requirement reasons we are seeking female applicants only for this post (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1).

Please note that interviews will take place on Friday 10th January 2025.