Open Vacancies
Position: Youth Engagement Lead
Location: Across the London Borough of Lambeth, with access to office space in Blue Star House, SW9 and time spent at the Steel Warriors Ruskin Park outdoor gym.
Hours: 7.5 hours per week initially (0.2FTE) on a flexible work pattern to be agreed. There may be some requirement to work in the evenings and/or at weekends with advance notice.
There is potential to increase the hours for this role as funding allows.
Salary: £35,000 per annum pro rata to 0.2 FTE, so actual salary of £7,000 per annum.
About Us
Steel Warriors is a sport for development charity that melts down knives taken off the streets and recycles the steel into outdoor street gyms. We use the sport of calisthenics to transform the lives of young people affected by crime, violence and social exclusion, giving them the skills and confidence they need to create positive futures. Our vision is to build a UK-wide network of gyms, a street workout movement, that not only empowers young people to realise their passions and pursue their goals, but also fosters stronger, closer and more loving communities.
Purpose of the Role
The Youth Engagement Lead will be responsible for conducting outreach activities in the Lambeth area to increase youth participation in Steel Warriors programmes. The role will involve building meaningful relationships with young people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, to engage them in team activities that promote personal development, resilience and wellbeing. The Youth Engagement Lead will also ensure that all engagement and activities are carried out in line with best practices in safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches to support young people’s diverse needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Outreach and Engagement
Develop and deliver outreach programmes to connect with young people in Lambeth, particularly in local estates, schools, youth clubs and community centres.
Create and implement strategies to recruit young people into Steel Warriors services, ensuring the outreach activities are accessible and relevant to the local youth community.
Build positive and trusting relationships with young people, promoting the values of teamwork, respect and resilience through Steel Warriors’ initiatives.
Safeguarding and Safety
Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people involved in outreach activities by following Steel Warriors’ safeguarding policies and procedures.
Conduct risk assessments for all outreach activities, ensuring they are delivered safely, and that young people’s needs are met with care and sensitivity.
Undertake deputy Designated Safeguarding responsibility as part of duty rota.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Apply trauma-informed principles in all engagement with young people, understanding the potential impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and creating an environment where young people feel safe, heard and supported.
Work collaboratively with relevant partners, including schools, social services and mental health professionals, to provide holistic support for young people who may need additional help.
Programme Development and Delivery
Work closely with the Head of Youth Interventions to develop and adapt youth programmes and activities that align with the Steel Warriors ethos.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach activities and engagement strategies, adjusting approaches as necessary to ensure young people’s needs are met.
Ensure young people’s voices are central in the planning and development of Steel Warriors activities, seeking their feedback and ensuring the programs are youth-led where possible.
Collaboration and Reporting
Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of youth engagement programs in the Lambeth area.
Maintain accurate records of engagement activities and report regularly on progress, challenges using our Upshot platform.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
Experience working with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or at risk of social exclusion.
Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and a commitment to upholding young people’s safety and welfare.
Understanding of trauma-informed practice and the ability to apply these principles to working with young people.
Experience in outreach work and community engagement, with the ability to connect with young people and build positive relationships.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage and motivate young people, as well as communicate effectively with colleagues, partners, and external stakeholders.
Ability to work flexibly and independently, with strong organizational skills to manage multiple activities and projects.
Desirable skills and qualifications
Youth work qualification
Experience in delivering sports-based programs or team-building activities for young people.
Knowledge of local community networks and services in Lambeth.
Experience working with schools, local authorities or voluntary sector organisations in youth engagement.
Experience in using monitoring and evaluation systems such as Upshot.
Key Competencies
Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and supporting young people’s emotional and developmental needs.
Resilience: Ability to work with challenging behaviours and navigate difficult situations while maintaining a positive, supportive approach.
Collaboration: Building strong working relationships with young people, staff, volunteers, and external partners to achieve shared goals.
Problem-Solving: Identifying barriers to engagement and implementing creative solutions to overcome them.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Enhanced DBS check will be required. We encourage applicants with criminal records to apply.
Application process and timeline
Please email your CV and cover letter, explaining why you want the role and how you meet the person specification to team@steelwarriors.org.uk.
The closing date is 9am on Tuesday 6th May 2025.
Interviews will be held in Brixton during the week beginning Monday 12th May 2025.