Project Manager/Course Tutor - 'For My Future', Youth Justice Programme, Bristol (*Female Applicants Only)

At Step Together Volunteering we believe in the power of voluntary work as a catalyst for change – in individuals, organisations and society as a whole. We specialise in using volunteering, coaching and personalised support to enable people facing significant challenges to take greater control of their lives, build confidence and skills and move towards a more positive future. Our team works with people experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion, including young people involved in or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. We provide tailored support that recognises individual strengths, circumstances and aspirations and helps people take practical steps towards positive change. This Bristol-based role sits within our Young People team and specifically working with colleagues responsible for supporting young people aged 16-25 at risk of offending / reoffending. It also involves working closely with wider colleagues, referral partners and other organisations supporting young people across the city. About For My Future ("FMF") For My Future (FMF) is Step Together Volunteering’s structured six-week personal development programme. Originally developed for adults in the justice system, it combines personal development with practical skills including confidence and resilience, CVs, applications, interviews and managing disclosure. It also addresses poor mental health and wellbeing, decision making, behaviours and the challenges and stigma that people can face having experienced the Criminal Justice system. We help people to take positive steps forward and access the all-round support they need to improve their situation. Following the introduction of FMF within our Bristol Youth Justice Programme, including delivery through Avon & Somerset’s Chance to Change deferred prosecution programme, we are developing the programme further to support young men and women aged 16–25 across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Courses are delivered to small, gender-specific cohorts, enabling content and delivery to be adapted to the particular needs and experiences of participants. Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a passionate and close-knit team dedicated to creating positive change for young people. We believe that great support starts within our own organisation, which is why we champion a culture of openness, collaboration and kindness. We support one another, learn together, and share a collective commitment to making a lasting impact in the communities we work with. * Female Applicants Only: Step Together Volunteering is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. This role supports both male and female participants through separate gender-specific cohorts. As a significant proportion of the role involves delivering trauma-informed support to women and girls aged 16-25, many of whom who have experienced abuse, violence and other gender-specific issues, this position is open to women only under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, as being female is considered a Genuine Occupational Requirement for this role.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Senior Project Manager, the successful candidate will have overall responsibility for coordinating and delivering the For My Future programme for young people aged 16–25 who are involved in, or at risk of involvement with, the criminal justice system. Often, the people we support are facing multiple disadvantage and have many additional needs; from those who have learning difficulties and neurodiversity, to those who have experienced the care system, those who have been victims or perpetrators of crime, abuse or neglect, those with trauma and experience of self-harm, drug/alcohol, suicide, homelessness, and those discriminated against due to their colour, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. The role combines programme management, group training, individual coaching, client assessment and support, programme administration and stakeholder relationship management. You will be responsible for ensuring that courses are well planned, appropriately tailored and delivered to a high standard, and that each young person has a positive experience and is supported to identify and take meaningful next steps. Course planning and delivery You will: • Plan and deliver the For My Future programme to small groups of young people aged 16–25; the majority of which will take place online but with some one-to-one, face to face delivery in person where it is more appropriate. • Deliver separate gender-specific courses, tailoring content and delivery appropriately to the needs and experiences of different cohorts. • Plan course timetables and work with referral partners to identify participants and ensure young people are able to attend throughout the programme. • Deliver engaging and supportive training across each six-week programme. • Research and develop relevant materials, activities, resources and information to support young people’s development, wellbeing and progression. • Continually review and adapt course content to reflect participant needs, feedback and learning from delivery. • Tailor sessions for participants with different communication and learning needs, including those experiencing anxiety, low confidence, autism, ADHD or disability. • Create a positive, respectful learning environment in which young people feel able to participate. • Manage challenging behaviour appropriately while maintaining clear professional boundaries. • Recognise when group-based support may not be appropriate and work with colleagues to identify alternative support where necessary. Client assessment, coaching and support You will: • Support young people with varying levels of contact with the criminal justice system, including those at risk of offending, those receiving out-of-court disposals and those with previous convictions or custodial experience. • Undertake individual needs and risk assessments before participants join a course. • Build positive, trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. • Provide individual support alongside the group programme where appropriate. • Help young people identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and encourage them to build confidence, resilience, self-belief and motivation. • Identify additional support needs and connect participants with appropriate Step Together Volunteering services and external organisations. • Encourage progression into volunteering and other positive activities where appropriate. • Recognise and celebrate individual achievement and progress. Course and client administration You will: • Manage referrals and participant onboarding. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records on the Charity’s case management system. • Record attendance, case notes, outcomes, feedback, achievements and changes in circumstances. • Ensure appropriate consent and other documentation is completed. • Maintain accurate risk assessments and ensure safeguarding information is appropriately recorded and escalated. • Gather participant feedback, testimonials and case studies to help demonstrate the impact of the programme. • Produce course certificates and help recognise participant achievements. • Contribute information required for internal monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting. Stakeholder and partnership management You will: • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key referral organisations, including police, youth justice, probation and community organisations. • Work proactively with referral partners to maintain an appropriate flow of referrals into the programme. • Build relationships with voluntary and community organisations able to provide additional opportunities and support for participants. • Represent Step Together Volunteering at relevant meetings, events, workshops and networks. • Deliver presentations and short talks about For My Future and Step Together Volunteering’s wider work where required. • Work with colleagues to identify opportunities to strengthen and develop our Youth Justice work in Bristol. • Contribute appropriate participant stories and feedback to communications activity, subject to consent. Wider responsibilities You will: • Work collaboratively with the wider Young People team and colleagues across Step Together Volunteering. • Provide occasional individual client support where needed to help maintain continuity of service. • Participate in team meetings, supervision, reflective practice and organisational training. • Follow Step Together Volunteering’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times. • Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries. • Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the programme. • Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the role. PERSON SPECIFICATION: Essential: You will have: • Practical experience of working with, supporting or mentoring vulnerable, disadvantaged or socially excluded young people. • The ability to build trust and positive working relationships with young people aged 16–25. • An understanding of the challenges faced by young people involved in or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. • Experience of community support, youth work, mentoring, coaching, training or a similar role, either paid or voluntary. • A good understanding of safeguarding and risk when working with vulnerable young people and adults. • Strong communication and listening skills and the ability to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. • Confidence in planning and delivering engaging group sessions, training or workshops. • The ability to adapt your approach to different communication, learning and support needs. • Strong organisational, planning and time-management skills. • The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take responsibility for delivering a programme. • Patience, persistence, resilience and sound professional judgement. • Confidence using IT, including Microsoft Office and electronic case-management systems. • A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. • A full driving licence and access to a car. Desirable: It would be useful if you also have: • Experience of working with young people affected by offending, exploitation, abusive relationships, substance misuse or other forms of disadvantage. • Knowledge of early intervention, youth justice, probation, social care or NEET support pathways. • Experience of working alongside police, probation, Youth Justice Services or other statutory agencies. • Experience of working within the charity, voluntary or community sector. • An understanding of how gender and other aspects of identity and experience can affect young people’s needs and engagement with services. • Experience of monitoring outcomes and demonstrating the impact of support. • Experience of using Charitylog, Pathway Star or similar systems and outcome-measurement tools. • First Aid training or relevant health and safety knowledge.