This is a very exciting new role at Hastings Commons, which will manage the delivery of a large growth funded programme to March 2025, including identifying and embedding its legacy beyond that date, on behalf of Hastings Commons and the delivery partnership.
Role: Youth Programme Manager
Reporting to: Jess Steele, CEO Hasting Commons
Reports: 2 youth workers. Plus management and mentoring for cohorts of 5 x 18 year old Kickstarters working on the programme
Professional/peer supervision: Rachel Hesterbanks, Xtrax Service Manager
Location: Eagle House, Hastings
Salary: £36,500
Type: Full-time, 2 year fixed term contract with renewal dependent on funding
Hastings Commons - www.hastingscommons.com
Hastings Commons is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. We strive to support all young people in the Hastings area. To do that well, we need a workforce that’s more representative of the communities we serve, so we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are from ethnically diverse communities.
The Opportunity...
This is a very exciting new role at Hastings Commons, which will manage the delivery of a large growth funded programme to March 2025, including identifying and embedding its legacy beyond that date, on behalf of Hastings Commons and the delivery partnership. This role covers a lot of ground and we are looking for someone highly experienced in working with programmes for young people aged 11-18. You will be responsible for various aspects of programme management including building partnership with local charities and organisations, coordinating various ‘experience’ programmes for young people within Hastings Commons and developing a ‘Youth Commons’.
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 bring to this very unique, fulfilling & impactful project.
Our Youth Programme involves…
- Developing a universal youth provision in the existing Common Room at Eagle House, alongside other spaces, facilities and activities for 11-18 year olds within Eagle House and across the wider Hastings Commons portfolio.
- Encourage some users of the Youth Hub to become interested in setting up a Youth Commons which would have a deeply influential role in the design, redevelopment and management of new spaces, particularly the Observer Building Roof and Vaults.
This will involve working closely with:
- Xtrax Service Manager and team, along with other youth providers who take space in the Youthwork Hub on the First Floor of Eagle House and/or participate in the development and delivery of the Common Room Youth Hub and Snug.
- The Hastings Commons Senior Leadership Team, Development Team, Communications Manager and other staff, as well as with the professional team for Eagle House and the Observer Building, led by architects IF_DO.
What you will do…
● Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Hastings Commons and lead on expanding the current safeguarding policies to ensure we have the current policies and procedures in place
● Ensure appropriate staff supervision around reviewing safeguarding, case management and ensure the team are supported in dealing with referral processes.
● Ensure the Youth Hub is open for at least 3 hours a day six days a week (in the Common Room or the Snug or both). Working constructively and respectfully with other users of the Common Room.
● Build partnerships with local youth charities and other providers including ESCC Youth Team. Represent the programme and 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, Development and Programming meetings, and in task-specific working groups.
● Coordinate a wide range of ‘experiences’ (work experience, T-level placements, mentoring etc) for young people within the Hastings Commons and through tenants and partners.
● Support the development of a Youth Commons and assist them to have deeper influence and responsibility over the management of new spaces, especially on the OB Rooftop.
● Help to regrow the youth workforce by supporting people into the field and towards higher levels of qualification.
● Champion our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
● Play a full role in the Hastings Commons team, including pitching in to support colleagues when required.
● 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.
What you’ll bring to the table…
Essential
● Youth work experience and qualification
● Proven experience of developing and managing a project or programme
● Ability to motivate, support and manage staff, volunteers and partners
● Experience with dealing with complex cases
● An in depth understanding of the Children’s Act, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Mental Health Act
● A passion for social enterprise and community-led projects
● An understanding of the importance of the Hastings Commons and its mission to bring difficult buildings into use for the common good – now and for the long term.
Desirable
● Experience of working with Local Authorities
● Knowledge of youth work training
● Experience of supporting young people to influence building developments
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
To apply:
Please send a cover note and a CV to [email protected].
In your cover note, could you write up to 250 words describing your approach to how you would develop a ‘Youth Commons’.
First Round interviews will be on 20th & 21st March, ‘meet the team’ on 27th March. We would like the role to begin between the start & middle of April.
Application Deadline: Monday 13th March, 5pm
Who we are…
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.
