Senior Youth Worker, Bellingham

Job Description

***If You are a Contingent (Agency) Worker, please click here to apply for this job.***

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

What is the role?

Are you a passionate, creative leader who believes in the power of young people to shape their own futures?

We’re looking for a Senior Youth Worker to take the lead in delivering dynamic, community-based youth services for young people aged 8–21 up to 25 including those with special educational and learning needs.

Do you have experience in leading youth-focused work streams?

Are you an energetic and enthusiastic youth worker with the ability to engage young people?

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young people and reducing inequalities?

As a Senior Youth Worker, you’ll lead and manage youth services for young people aged 8-21 years (up to 25 with SEND).

You’ll supervise a team and run one or two Youth Centres, delivering creative, educational, and developmental programmes that inspire and empower.

Working collaboratively with families, schools, and partners, you’ll promote positive outcomes and holistic, child-centred support.

A dynamic, hands-on role where your leadership helps young people learn, grow, and thrive in their communities.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an inspiring and compassionate leader who’s passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives.

You’ll bring experience in youth work, mentoring, or community development, with a strong track record of delivering engaging programmes.

Your ability to motivate teams, build trust, and create safe, inclusive spaces will be key to this role.

You’ll think creatively, act decisively, and communicate effectively with young people, families, and partners alike.

Flexibility and resilience are essential — you’ll thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment that adapts to young people’s needs.

Above all, you’ll believe in every young person’s potential and be committed to helping them grow, lead, and succeed.

Location

The job is primarily based at Bellingham Gateway Youth and Community Centre and/or TNG Community Centre, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. JNC recognised Youth Work qualification, Social Work, probation or equivalent)
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Aminata Swaray, 07860 686 488

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£42,912 - £44,235 pro rata, per annum (SO2)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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