Senior Youth Worker, YVAP

Job Description

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.

Introduction

Are you passionate about empowering young voices and driving meaningful change?
Join Lewisham’s dynamic Youth Service team as a Senior Youth Voice Action Participation Worker (YVAP).
Lead innovative programmes like the Young Mayor and Young Advisors.
Make a lasting impact through youth-led action, participation, and leadership.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Champions youth voice, social action, and civic engagement.
• Has a Level 3 qualification in youth work practice (or equivalent).
• Brings experience working with young people aged 8–25 in informal settings.
• Communicates confidently and inclusively, with a strong safeguarding ethos.

What’s the role?

Lead the development and delivery of Lewisham’s Youth Voice, Action and Participation (YVAP) programme.
Support young people to engage in civic duties, governance, and social action.
Manage and inspire a team of Youth Workers and volunteers in face-to-face delivery.
Champion youth-led initiatives including the Young Mayor and Young Advisors programmes.

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 a passionate and experienced youth worker to lead Lewisham’s Youth Voice, Action and Participation programme. You’ll manage high-profile initiatives including the Young Mayor and Young Advisors, empowering young people to influence decision-making and drive change. This is a leadership role requiring creativity, safeguarding expertise, and strong partnership working across schools, communities, and political bodies.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House , 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

• Relevant Youth and Community Work (JNC) qualification or equivalent is needed
• Weekend working is required for this job
• 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 Katy Brown - Katy.Brown@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£42,912.00- 44,235.00 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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