Volunteer Children's Support Worker

Creativity and innovation A high level of listening skills, creativity and innovation is required in order to best respond to the varied needs of groups and individuals. On-going reflection and evaluation with colleagues is a necessity, as well as the ability to respond flexibly and change approach according to the needs of the young people.   Contacts and relationships Internal: Children Sessional Workers will work within a small team which may also include volunteers. At meetings and conferences contact with other workers will be made.   External: Sessional work takes place in a wide range of community or school settings and contact will be made as needed with other services, elected members and members of the public. Support and direction will be provided by the Sessional Worker and the wider Centre as required.     Decisions – discretion & consequences Sessional Workers contribute to team plans and decisions made on work undertaken with young people. The decisions made will influence the service plans as well as directly affect the opportunities available to local young people.     Work Environment Work demands The post holder will need to work to appropriate deadlines, be flexible and available to work evenings and occasional weekends.  Youth work by its nature is often unplanned as it responds to the life events and changing needs of groups and individuals.  The post holder will need to manage a number of conflicting interests and frequently need to develop skills in multi-tasking and prioritising. Physical demands There are no prescribed levels of physical fitness required for the post and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As part of the key task of building relationships Sessional Workers may need to share appropriate experiences with young people where they are able to do so e.g. joining in a game of rounder’s, or taking part in an organised bike ride.   Working conditions Sessional work takes place where young people are – both physically as well as emotionally. This means that though Sessional Workers will be based in the Youth Centre but may be required to make contact or work with young people: On the streets, In parks or open spaces In recreation centres On school premises And in other locations where young people meet.   Safety at work All workers are required to work safely in accordance with TYCP’s policies and procedures in order to minimise risks of harm, abuse or allegation towards young people or workers.