Salary: £12.43 per hour
Reporting to: Delivery Management Team (individual TBC)

Hours:· Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3.45pm – 8.15pm
· Wednesdays & Fridays: 3.45pm – 9.15pm 
(20 In Total Per Week)
Location: The Way Youth Zone, Wolverhampton

The Way Youth Zone is a vibrant, purpose-built facility offering over 20 activities every night to young people aged 8–18. Since opening in 2016, we’ve been a hub of creativity, support, and opportunity for Wolverhampton’s youth. Our mission is to empower young people from all backgrounds to thrive through engaging activities, positive relationships, and life-changing support.

We’re looking for a passionate and energetic Youth Worker to lead our cooking sessions, inspiring young people to explore food, nutrition, and culinary skills in a fun and engaging way. This is a hands-on delivery role focused solely on planning and running cooking activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and healthy living.

You’ll be a role model in the kitchen—encouraging young people to try new things, work together, and build confidence through food. Whether it’s baking, meal prep, or cultural cuisine nights, your sessions will be a highlight of their week.

· Plan and deliver engaging cooking sessions tailored to young people aged 8–18.

· Create a safe, inclusive, and exciting kitchen environment where young people feel empowered to participate.

· Teach basic cooking skills, food hygiene, and nutritional awareness in a fun and accessible way.

· Encourage young people to explore different cuisines and ingredients, promoting cultural awareness and healthy eating.

· Involve young people in planning menus and activities, incorporating their ideas and preferences.

· Ensure all cooking activities comply with health and safety and food hygiene regulations.

· Promote positive behaviour and teamwork during sessions.

· Adapt sessions to meet the needs of young people with additional needs or dietary restrictions.

· Maintain kitchen cleanliness and manage equipment and ingredients responsibly.

· Support promotional activities and contribute to increasing Youth Zone membership.

· Safeguard the welfare of young people at all times, following The Way Youth Zone’s safeguarding policies.

· Be a positive role model and bring high energy to every session.

· Work collaboratively with the wider youth work team.

· Represent The Way Youth Zone positively in all interactions.

· Commit to continuous improvement and reflective practice.

· Uphold all policies related to safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity.

Selection Criteria: Essential 

Experience working with young people aged 8–18 

Experience delivering cooking or food-based activities 
Food hygiene certification or willingness to obtain

Ability to lead cooking sessions independently and in groups

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in kitchen settings 
Willingness to work evenings
Enhanced DBS clearance

Selection Criteria: Desirable

Experience working with diverse groups and additional needs
Experience of youth work in informal settings
Level 2 Youth Work Qualification