Job Summary: 

The Youth Engagement Officer will lead delivery on several of our successful programmes for young people, including our work in alternative education provision, early intervention programmes and our developing mentoring programme in local schools. 

 

We are seeking a motivated, passionate and humble individual to strengthen our delivery in a variety of education and community settings across Cambridge. The successful candidate will be dedicated to sharing preventative self-regulation strategies with young people and those with additional needs, as well as improving understanding of mental health amongst wider cohorts. The role will include expanding our current work with vulnerable and young people at risk of permanent exclusion, as well as delivering football sessions that provide a space for participants to use sport to support their physical and mental health.

                                                                                                                            

Ensuring the protection and safeguarding of all participants and the general public, reporting any incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

 

Building and maintain good professional relationships with Lead Teachers at all educational establishments hosting our programmes

 

Delivery of targeted interventions in mainstream and SEMH schools, supporting young people at risk of permanent exclusion or developing poor mental health. 

 

Promoting programmes, regularly identifying and producing case studies and evaluation/impact data across all areas of work. This will include working alongside members of the CUF leadership and communications team.

 

Supporting delivery of our current mental health programmes, ensuring all KPIs are met. This will include monitoring and accurately evaluating as required by funding bodies and key stakeholders.

 

Working closely within the Education team to deliver and develop programmes to an excellent standard.

 

Ensuring that risks associated with programmes are effectively mitigated by following CUF policies and procedures.

 

Attending training courses relevant to the role and maintain personal CPD.

 

Working closely with senior colleagues to ensure access to relevant funding streams and report writing. This work will include reporting against KPIs set by external partners.

 

Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities considered appropriate by the Senior Leadership Team of the Foundation

 

The Role Holder will be an active advocate for youth who is passionate about enhancing the life experiences of local young people. They will be committed to supporting individuals in raising their aspirations, developing resilience and realising their full potential. 

Criteria - Education and Qualifications
Essential
Willingness to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check  
Good standard of education in English and Maths GCSE level. 
First aid certificate (or willingness to undertake) 
Current safeguarding certificate (or willingness to undertake)  Mental health first aider (or willingness to undertake)  
Current driving licence, with use of own car  
Level 1 coaching  
Playing for Inclusion module 1 (or willingness to undertake)

Desired
Tutor or teaching qualification

Youth work qualification(s)

Degree in related subject area

Certificate(s) in coaching and mentoring 

Criteria - Knowledge and Experience
Essential

An excellent understanding of Inclusion, Equality and Safeguarding best practice  
Experience working with young people in the education and/or health sectors  
Ability to mentor and guide young people to achieve their goals, such as improving school attendance or relationships at home    Experience of managing a range of behaviours in/beyond the classroom 
Competent IT skills  
Experience of working to performance targets  
Knowledge of various social media platforms and online communities.  
Ability to form effective working relationships with external partners, including but not limited to senior leaders in education  

Desired
Experience of working with young people and adults with learning difficulties and moderate to severe mental health difficulties. 
Experience of supporting individuals with mental health difficulties  
Experience of working in diverse communities, understanding and overcoming the impact of discrimination  
Knowledge of Cambridge and its surrounding areas
Experience of managing and working to departmental budgets  Experience coaching football            

Criteria - Personal Skills and Qualities
The ability to embody the Foundation’s core values: Resilience, Honesty, Inclusion, Aspiration.

Ability to relate to young people and the challenges they face

Patience and understanding towards individuals with additional needs

Excellent interpersonal skills

Professional and approachable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent team player who supports others

Ability to work on own initiative

Ability to plan, problem-solve, being innovative and resourceful

Flexibility and creativity to respond to the needs of individuals, programmes, schools and the wider work of Cambridge United Foundation 

Desired
Willingness to self-develop and pursue training opportunities

Passionate about promoting online safety and awareness

Employability Statement
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Safeguarding Statement
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. For those positions where a criminal record check (DBS) is identified as necessary, this will be carried out in line with other safer recruitment checks. The post holder will be required to undergo Safeguarding training periodically.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010. 

Application Process    

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 6th October 2023
Interview Date(s): Friday 13th October 

Start Date: 1st November 2023

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact Tim Walker  timw@cambridgeunited.com