Outreach and Engagement Worker

Our young people and young adults service, The Base Kirklees, is an innovative and forward-thinking project, with a proven track record of effectively engaging young people and young adults. Our ethos is centered around the principles of harm reduction, we provide non-judgmental, fact-based, information and advice surrounding drug and alcohol use and the associated risks. We aim to give young people and young adults the knowledge and skills to make more informed choices, to keep themselves and their peers aware, safe, and well when it comes to drugs/alcohol.

Following investment for expansion, we are excited to be expanding our work with those predominantly aged 16 to 25, you will lead the service’s work across the community, coordinating & facilitating detached outreach with young people and young adults in areas of concern (e.g., parks, town/city centres, estates, etc) including night-time economy work and improving engagement with the University population.

Building & maintaining relationships with key community-based partners and stakeholders is a big part of the role, you will spend time networking and developing the trust of our partners/stakeholders in the service/organisation, but most importantly, their trust in you as a practitioner.

You will also work closely with key services and projects across Kirklees including the Detached Youth Work Team, Violence Reduction Partnership and other key stakeholders. Additionally, our service’s volunteers & students on placement will support you, in return you will provide them with guidance and supervision as they develop their skills and experience.

Addressing emerging needs is paramount when working with young people and young adults in this setting. You will need to expect the unexpected, don’t worry though, you will experience a lot of fun and enjoyment in this role.

About the role:

• Building and maintaining positive working relationships with key community partners/stakeholders
• To work in a safe & risk informed way, ensuring personal safety as well as the safety of colleagues and young people/young adults is at the forefront of outreach delivery
• Facilitating evidence-based outreach activities with young people & young adults, to a high standard of delivery
• Engage in team meetings, service development days, and 1:1/group supervision in a meaningful way.
• Work closely with the service community connector to identify and deliver outreach focused community engagement events
• Commit to safeguarding young people & young adults, adhering to local policies, and facilitating onward referrals to partner agencies where required/appropriate.
• Engaging with young people and young adults in a way that is meaningful & impactful in a short space of time.

About you:

• Considerable knowledge & experience of working with young people and/or young adults
• Experience of working within a community service setting - e.g., youth work, drug & alcohol, mental health, sexual health, community safety
• Knowledge of the issues faced by young people & young adults
• Working knowledge of safeguarding children & vulnerable adults, with an understanding of professional accountability
• Working knowledge of effects, risks, and harm reduction in relation to substances relevant to age range (desirable but not essential)
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), with the ability to present complex messages effectively to a range of stakeholders

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• Refer a Friend Scheme.

Please read attached Job Description for a more detailed out line of responsibilities

If this sounds like you and you’d like to begin your journey with Change Grow Live, then we’d love to talk to you.