Young People's Project Support Officer

Would you like a role that makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people living with special educational needs and disabilities across Essex?

At InterAct, we work with children, young people and adults who struggle to enjoy activities that other young people take for granted. Our overall aim is to inform, support and empower people to increase their independence, enhance choice and control, and to realise their aspirations as well as play a full part in society.

Our mission is to enable those with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs to develop their potential and enjoy socially inclusive fulfilled lives. We are passionate about our work and provide a variety of social and leisure activities to suit all interests.

We are currently seeking a Project Support Officer to take responsibility for the co-ordination and delivery of club activities within the Mid Essex area including Chelmsford, Maldon and across the Dengie peninsular. The role will involve working closely with the Young People Services Manager with the development and delivery of activities in the Mid and North areas of Essex.

This fantastic opportunity will enable you to work alongside a dedicated and enthusiastic team, delivering an important service across Essex whilst also providing you with development and training opportunities as we work with you to help further your career.

We would like to hear from you if you:

• have some experience of working with people with special educational needs and disabilities
• are enthusiastic and enjoy helping others to have fun
• are flexible and can work in a range of locations (the role involves delivering clubs and activities across Mid Essex and regular evening work as well as normal office hours)
• are willing and able to drive a mini bus ( we will provide training, however you will need to have a full driving licence and be over the age of 21)
• enjoy working and engaging with others

Working for InterAct is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain experience and have a lot of fun while making a massive difference to lives of the young people and families we support!

Responsibilities

Programme Development & Delivery

• Deliver the day-to-day operations of the Young People Services (YPS) team in the mid area, ensuring effective use of staff and resources; ensuring staff operate in accordance with InterAct s values
• Assist the Young People Services Manager (Mid & North) with the development and delivery of activities in the mid and north areas, to enhance the life chances, aspirations, social inclusion and emotional, mental health and wellbeing of young people living with special educational needs & disabilities
• To keep young people and families/carers informed of activities available, using appropriate and accessible means, enabling them to make choices and increase decision making
• To listen and respond to young people and their supporters; addressing individual barriers and needs
• Supervision of Sessional Youth Workers and Volunteers
• To assist with the training and ongoing development of YPS staff and volunteers
• To provide short term staff cover in the YPS team in the event of sickness, holidays and emergencies
• To build relations with local amenities and venues, to increase access and participation by young people
• To work efficiently within agreed budgets/costs and be accountable for organisational resources and equipment, seeking continuous improvement and value for money
• To support the YPS team to reach more young people and families in the community, including assisting with the organisation s social media platforms and contributing to the production of marketing material
• Minibus travel and driver as and when needed
• Assist with gathering quantitative and qualitative data to measure the services quality and effectiveness

Qualifications

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent

• Working knowledge and of Microsoft Office packages such as Excel, Word and Outlook
• Hold relevant full UK driving licence
• MiDAS minibus training (or willingness to undergo training)
• Experience in youth work/special educational needs & disabilities or demonstrable experience of the same
• Planning, delivery and evaluation of activities
• Supervising staff and volunteers
• Knowledge of issues facing young people, current legislation: child protection, safeguarding, health & safety
• Working with people of mixed abilities, learning difficulties and their families
• Commitment to equality and a broad knowledge of equal opportunity and diversity

Please note, applications are via our application form that can be found on the vacancy page on our website