SWALLOW is a charity, based in Midsomer Norton, supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible person with experience of working with young people with learning disabilities to take the lead role at our weekly term time Youth Club.

The successful candidate will be committed to the development and independence of the young people in the group.

Responsibilities will include planning creative and engaging sessions, monitoring progress and development and adapting the programme as required.

There may be some flexibility around hours worked in school holidays

Job Purpose:

This project is funded by Children in Need and subject to continuation of this funding. As Youth Club Leader, you will set up and run an after school youth club at the SWALLOW office every Thursday during term time. Working with local young people including those from Fosse Way School, the youth club will help students to learn about and build links with SWALLOW & similar organisations that will be able to support them in adulthood, aiding transition.

In consultation with the young people, you will organise a scheduled programme of activities, organise staffing, recruitment and be responsible for the overall safety and behavior of the children attending the club.

Main Duties:

To plan creative and engaging sessions with and for young people with learning disabilities
To publicise the sessions to young people and their parents to encourage as many people as possible to attend the clubs, helping to produce promotional materials.
To ensure that all the correct paperwork for activities are completed, including attendance sheets and progress reports on individuals.
To ensure staff are aware of who will be attending and risks / training that is associated – and complete risk assessments as required.
To be available for first aid/medical/behavioural emergencies during club time
To monitor the progress of the children’s development whilst attending the sessions, developing systems which involve both the young people and other support staff, and to use this information to adapt the programme and also to feedback changes and differences made by the project to Children in Need.
To supervise, lead and assist young people in activities which build confidence and increase knowledge of the adult world whilst encouraging good behaviour
To take responsibility for the Health and Safety, Accident Prevention and smooth running of emergency procedures for both children and other members of staff - To record and report any Accidents/Incidents within the club
To take responsibility, with other staff members, for following the club’s procedures.
To understand and follow the club’s Child Protection Policy
To carry out administrative duties and financial record keeping in line with the club’s agreed procedures
To maintain confidentiality at all times
To complete end of year reporting for Children in Need, as the funders of the youth club.
To ensure monitoring and evaluation processes are used during the project.

Additional responsibilities:

To assist with the setting out and clearing up of equipment and encourage the young people to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to show care and consideration for others
To ensure children are consulted about the service provided and their views and ideas are valued and respected
To assist with serving of refreshments
To communicate well with the young people , staff, school and parents
To fill in for staff at clubs where required
To work with the young people in planning and implementing day to day activities
To ensure the activities are flexible and take account of all abilities
To take part in staff meetings and programme planning meetings with SWALLOW
To attend relevant training as required to fulfil job description.
To carry out any other duties appropriate to this post

On an occasional basis

Network with play workers from other clubs.

Relationships -The youth group leader may be required to:

Work in a team with other play workers.
Liaise with parents.
Liaise with school staff as required.
Meet with play workers from other clubs and play settings

Other Information

Based at SWALLOW
Enhanced Childrens DBS check will be required for this post

Skills & Qualifications:

Although a Level 2 qualification in childcare or play work is preferable, it is not essential. Training in First Aid, play work and other in-house training is also available. You must be organised and reliable, previous experience of working with children is desirable

Youth Leader Person Specification

Essential