Location: Adventures (formerly Highfield Adventure Playground), Sheffield
Hours: 16 hours per week
Pay rate: £25,480 (pro rata £11,648)
Working Pattern
- Thursday: 3:30pm – 7:30pm
- Friday: 2:30pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 11:30am – 5:30pm
Some flexibility may be required for trips, events, staff annual leave and holiday activities.
About the Role
Adventures managed by Sharrow Community Forum is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed Youth Support Worker to join our team at Adventures, a unique outdoor adventure playground and youth provision in the heart of Sharrow, Sheffield
This exciting role involves working primarily with young people aged 10–16 years, supporting the delivery of engaging youth work programmes within a playful, creative and informal learning environment. The successful candidate will help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where young people can learn new skills, build confidence, develop positive relationships and have fun!
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, values the importance of play and youth work, and is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Work Delivery
- Support the planning and delivery of weekly youth/play sessions and activities.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with young people aged 10–16 years.
- Encourage participation, engagement and youth voice within all activities.
- Promote personal development, confidence and wellbeing amongst young people.
- Support young people to access opportunities for learning, volunteering and leadership.
Programme Support
Assist with the delivery of:
- Sharrow Young Leaders – supporting young people to develop leadership, volunteering and community engagement skills.
- Sharrow Youth Club – open-access youth provision offering recreational, social and developmental activities.
- Sharrow Youth Dance – supporting creative arts activities.
- Saturday Self-Care and Play Sessions – promoting wellbeing, creativity, play and positive social interaction.
Outdoor and Creative Activities
- Encourage participation in outdoor play, adventure and recreational activities.
- Facilitate creative workshops, games, arts and crafts and informal learning opportunities.
- Support young people in developing practical, social and life skills through play and experiential learning.
- Help maintain a stimulating, safe and engaging environment across the site.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people attending sessions.
- Follow safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour management and organisational policies.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion at all times.
- Recognise and respond appropriately to concerns regarding young people’s welfare.
Team Working
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations.
- Attend team meetings, training and planning sessions.
- Contribute ideas to programme development and future activities.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
- Experience working with children and young people in either a youth work, play work, educational, community or recreational setting.
- Experience building positive relationships with children and young people.
- Experience supporting group activities and managing behaviour positively.
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to engage and motivate young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
- Ability to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about supporting children and young people.
- Creative, energetic and enthusiastic.
- Reliable, approachable and positive.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons.
- Committed to equality, inclusion and youth participation.
- Child-led/ Young Person Centred Approach
Desirable Criteria
- Level 2 Youth Work Qualification.
- Level 2 Playwork Qualification.
- Experience delivering outdoor learning or adventure activities.
- First Aid qualification.
- Food Hygiene qualification.
- Knowledge of detached, community-based or informal education approaches.
- Experience supporting youth leadership, volunteering or creative arts programmes.
Please note: Applicants without a Level 2 Youth Work or Playwork qualification are encouraged to apply. Training and development opportunities will be provided for the right candidate.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of local young people.
- Supportive and friendly team environment.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Experience working within a fun environment
- Opportunities to develop youth work, playwork and community engagement skills.
