Hastings Commons is a community-led approach to transforming the unique area around the old Observer Building in the White Rock neighbourhood of central Hastings. It's a collection of buildings and spaces brought from dereliction into use for homes, workspace, leisure and learning, and it's also a way of acting together for the common good (‘commoning’). Rents are capped to protect affordability, good uses are prioritised over profit, mutual support and collaboration are encouraged.
The Opportunity...
You will oversee the operations of our established youth club, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for young people aged 11-18. This includes managing the youth team, developing and delivering programs, coordinating activities, and promoting youth participation. The manager also handles administrative tasks like budgeting, reporting, and maintaining records.
You will support young people to actively participate in and influence the development of Hastings Commons as well as contribute to conversations with local and national decision makers. No day will be the same, so we are looking for someone with passion and energy to continue this very unique, fulfilling & impactful project.
What you will do…
● Ensure the smooth running of the youth club
● Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Hastings Commons
● Ensure appropriate staff supervision around reviewing safeguarding, case management and ensure the team are supported in dealing with referral processes
● Continue to develop partnerships with local youth charities and other providers including ESCC Youth Team. Represent the Commons in local and wider networks
● Stand up for the interests of young people within the Hastings Commons team. Seek ways to include young people directly at all levels, including Hastings Commons board
● Coordinate a wide range of ‘experiences’ for young people within the Hastings Commons and through tenants and partners
● You will support young people to actively participate in and influence the development of Hastings Commons as well as contribute to conversations with local and national decision makers
● Help to regrow the youth workforce by supporting people into the field and towards higher levels of qualification
● Help to write funding bids to sustain the youth club
● Play a full role in the Hastings Commons team, including pitching in to support colleagues when required
What you’ll bring to the table…
Essential
● Extensive youth work experience with a Youth work qualification
● Proven experience of developing and managing a project or programme
● Ability to motivate, support and manage staff, volunteers and partners
● Experience dealing with complex cases
● An in-depth understanding of the Children Act, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Mental Health Act
● A passion for social enterprise and community-led projects
● An understanding of Hastings Commons and its mission to bring difficult buildings into use for the common good – now and for the long term.
Desirable
● Experience of writing small funding bids
What you’ll get from working at Hastings Commons…
● Make a real contribution to the community around you and have a hand in investing in the future of Hastings
● Our culture and mission is to invest in our staff to build on their existing skills through bespoke development and training opportunities
● We are a kind and compassionate employer with a mental health first approach to work
● No pension contribution deductions have to come from your salary, we contribute 100% (you can add more to the pension if you choose)
● Employee Assistance Program
● Monthly wellbeing budget
● Monthly team lunch on us and lots of social events
● 23 day holiday + bank holidays (increases by one day per year of service)
● Extra-special day off on your birthday
Role: Youth Club Manager
Reporting to: Gini Simpson, Creative Lead
Reports: Youth workers
Location: Eagle House, Hastings
Type: Full-time, permanent
e £31,668
To apply, send a CV to: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed as received and on a rolling basis.
Hastings Commons is committed to creating diverse, inclusive environments. We will not discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership (all of which are ‘protected characteristics’ under the law); nor will we discriminate unfairly on the grounds of class, financial status, or any other unjustifiable cause. We seek to recognise and overcome involuntary bias so that nobody with a protected characteristic is discriminated against directly or indirectly, or is victimised or harassed in relation to a relevant protected characteristic.
