Sessional Youth Worker

The School of African Cultures (SOAC) is a community project based in Ferguslie Park in Paisley, dedicated to promoting, celebrating and sharing the richness of African cultures. Through workshops, cultural events and community activities, SOAC brings the local community together showing the value of the African ways.

The Sessional Youth Worker will support the delivery of SOAC’s Youth Advisory Group called: Youth Opinion Group (YOG), a group of young volunteers aged 12–25 from ethnic communities who help shape and support SOAC activities, especially the holiday camps.  The postholder will facilitate group sessions, help young people develop confidence and employability skills, and support them to participate meaningfully in planning and decision-making.  The post holder will also support the delivery of Holiday camps for children aged 5-11 years old

• Plan and facilitate Youth Opinion Group sessions in a safe, inclusive and engaging way.
• Support young people to explore their strengths, interests and goals through group discussion and one-to-one conversations.
• Help deliver workshops and activities linked to life skills, confidence, leadership and employability.
• Support young people to take part in planning, designing and reviewing SOAC activities, especially holiday camps.
• Encourage participation, teamwork, communication and peer support.
• Identify where young people may benefit from mentoring, training or signposting to opportunities.
• Support the development of practical skills such as time management, communication, teamwork and digital confidence.
• Prepare session materials and maintain attendance and basic feedback records.
• Work in line with SOAC safeguarding, equality and health and safety procedures.
• Contribute to a positive environment where young people feel respected, listened to and empowered.
• Contribute to reports to funders, Members of SOAC Committee Management and internal monitoring purposes

Essential

• Experience working with young people, preferably aged 12–25.
• Ability to facilitate engaging group sessions.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Understanding of youth participation and person-centred support.
• Ability to build trust with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience in youth work, mentoring, community work or employability support.
• Understanding of the barriers faced by young people from ethnic minority or disadvantaged communities.
• Relevant training in youth work, safeguarding, first aid or similar.
• Knowledge of local services, training providers or employability pathways.