Youth Programme Manager And Therapeutic Lead

The Baytree Centre, dedicated to empowering women and girls in Brixton, seeks an Into School Programme Manager to facilitate the transition of newly-arrived girls into the UK education system.

Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, we aim to build confidence and self-esteem, promote aspirations, broaden horizons, and help our beneficiaries to improve life chances for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our programmes include academic activities and education support; one-to-one coaching and mentoring; skills development; and positive and well-being activities.

The role of the Into School Programme Manager is to ensure the programme facilitates & supports the transition of newly-arrived girls aged 11-19 into the UK education system. The project offers support to girls in our local community and beyond, who have recently arrived in the UK and have no school place.

The three key outcomes of the programme are:

1. Education: to provide an all-round curriculum which fosters the girls’ English language development (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in addition to other academic skills necessary in mainstream schools and colleges
2. School Applications Mentoring: Provide crucial Support to families throughout the school/college applications process This includes guiding families through the application procedures, liaising with schools and local authorities, and ensuring timely follow-up on applications.
3. Integration: Trips and workshops to help the participants' integration into their new environment and community. These activities provide valuable opportunities for the girls to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, engage with their community, and build connections with peers and mentors

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Regular Communication: Maintain consistent and open communication with ESOL and volunteer tutors, including regular meetings and weekly updates. Discuss program progress, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.
• Onboarding of Participants: Conduct interviews and registration processes for new participants entering the programme.
• School Applications Mentoring: Assist families with school applications, liaise with schools and local authorities, follow up on applications, provide information on appeal procedures, and offer guidance on accessing legal help if necessary.
• Alignment of Curriculum: Collaborate to align the ESOL curriculum with programme objectives, ensuring relevance to participants' needs and supporting their overall integration.
• Integrated Activities: Establish partnerships to incorporate activities combining language learning with practical skill development and cultural immersion, such as arts, physical sessions, discussions, field trips, and community projects.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Regularly gather feedback from ESOL tutors to evaluate programme effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
• Professional Development: Support ESOL tutor's professional growth by offering training opportunities, workshops, and peer learning experiences in coordination with the Women’s Service Educational team.
• Network Development: Build and maintain a robust network of like-minded organisations to facilitate referrals, share best practices, and exchange information.
• Progression Pathways: Assist mentors, parents, and girls in the school application process by following up on applications and communicating with relevant stakeholders on their behalf

PERSON SPECIFICATION: 

• Degree-level education
• Experience of working with young people from varied backgrounds
• Understanding of needs of newly arrived girls and young women
• Knowledge of British education system and application processes
• Familiarity with safeguarding and health/safety regulations in youth services
• Skilled in building and nurturing relationships
• Strong organizational and communication abilities
• Awareness of other youth service agencies
• Positive, proactive, and friendly demeanor
• Understanding of community service challenges
• Local knowledge and empathy for local youth
• Flexible, inclusive, and non-judgmental approach
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to supervise, work independently, and collaborate effectively
• Excellent organization and time management
• Experience in community settings
• Proficiency in a relevant language (Spanish, Portuguese, Somali, Arabic, etc.)