Introduction
XLP is a Christian charity at the forefront of urban youth work in the UK. Based in inner-London, we aim to bring community transformation to one of the world’s most diverse cities by getting involved in the lives of young people in their schools and communities, helping them overcome the challenges they face daily. In each of the 7 boroughs XLP works in we employ a Senior Youth Worker who takes responsibility for the schools and community work, leadership of students and volunteers, and vision and strategy in that borough.
Schools
XLP’s work with schools includes leading a team and participating personally in:
- School assemblies: creative and innovative moral and ethical communications.
- Lunch-time clubs: these clubs provide a known safe place that is entertaining, informative, and does not tolerate bullying or other anti-social behaviour.
- P.H.S.E./Citizenship and R.E. lessons on a huge variety of topics.
- 1-2-1 Class Support, reading and behavioural support and homework clubs.
- Building relationships with new schools, deepening existing relationships and pioneering new projects.
After-schools
XLP’s work outside of school hours includes leading a team and participating personally in:
- After-schools clubs: organising and participating in activities with the young people who attend providing teaching, advice, entertainment and a sympathetic ear. Often these young people have educational and behavioural challenges which the team are helping address.
- Detached youth work and estate specific work using the XL-R8 bus. This will include planning a varied diary of activities in agreement with XL-R8 Project Manager.
Arts Showcase
XLP hosts an arts programme in the form of a “talent competition” that is both within schools, and between schools. The Senior Youth Worker works with the Arts Showcase Co-ordinator to arrange auditions and rehearsals, organise events and liaise with young people, teachers and parents.
Team Leadership
The Senior Youth Worker is expected to lead a team of gap year students. This will include timetabling, planning, pastoral work, liaising with their host churches, training and making sure they get the most out of their year at XLP. You will be required to provide pastoral and spiritual oversight for this team including leading prayer teams, bible studies and other Christian training relating to the gap year students.
Stakeholder Management
A key aspect of the Senior Youth Worker role is that of relationship management. Relationships that require developing and maintaining include:
- Counsellors, Head Teachers,Deputy Heads and teaching staff.
- Youth organisations, interest groups and the local Police.
- Parents, children and young people.
- Placement church leaders and staff for students and sources of other volunteer workers.
- Conducting services and preaching at church services and Christian conference events.
Line Management
The Senior Youth Worker has responsibility for the line management and administrative tasks associated with the student teams and volunteer workforce including: timetabling, appraisals, debriefing and pastoral oversight. In addition, the Senior Youth Workers collaborate to co-ordinate work across the boroughs with their peers.
Training
The Senior Youth Worker is involved in on-the-job training of students and may also be required to give theology and applied theology seminars as part of the training programme. They are also required to be involved in XLP’s Monday morning staff training activities.
Development
The Senior Youth Worker is also responsible for new initiatives, and having an overall vision for the work in that borough.
Person Specification
To qualify you will need to be able to demonstrate a successful track record of at least 3 years experience of youth work relevant to an urban context and a high degree of competency in mentoring and/or counselling. You will need to have strong project management, communications and influencing skills, be familiar with relevant process and protocols, and be able to easily relate to young people and the challenges and issues they face.
You will have outstanding youth work abilities, be a strong communicator and have experience of breaking new ground. The role also requires that you have good leadership and networking abilities; you will be skilled in mobilising volunteers and know how to get the best out of those working with you. You’ll enjoy taking initiative, love working as part of a team and be confident in directing a group of gap year students. You will need to be highly motivated and able to grow and develop a team. A suitable youth work or counselling related qualification is highly desirable.
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XLP is Christian charity that has an emphasis on being faith-based, but not faith-biased: XLP works equally with young people of all faiths and none. It is a genuine occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a Christian.
Salary: 19k-25k per annum (dependant on qualifications and experience).
Closing date: 1st June 2011
If you would like an application form please contact Becky on becky.pitts@xlp.org.uk
