Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

The salary for this position is pro rata'd to the 15hrs per week

Southend on sea City Council are looking to appoint a new Positive Activities Worker to support the provision of centre-based, outreach and detached activities for children and young people aged 5 – 18 years, (and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities).

You will be required to work with children and young people using sports, crafts and other activities as tools to build good and trusting relationships with them in order to address their needs. Exploring their risk-taking behaviour, encourage positive use of their free time and support them to reach their full potential.

There will be a requirement to provide centre based, outreach and detached activities for those hard to reach and vulnerable young people. Working with targeted children and young people identified as most in need of help as and when required during evenings and weekends.

Supporting the delivery of exciting and innovative holiday programmes for young people aged 8 – 14 years, you will offer young people programmes designed to develop their awareness of personal safety and explore their risk-taking behaviour in a safe space. 

Please only apply if you are able to accommodate the hours listed below.

Please do not apply for the position if you are unable to accommodate these working hours. 

To be successful in this position you need to have experience of working with children and young people in a variety of youth work settings, including detached and outreach work.

You need to be flexible, compassionate, calm, understanding, fun, able to manage difficult situations, a good listener and open to new ideas.

You will need to have knowledge of issues affecting young people and why they engage in risk-taking behaviour, along with knowledge of programmes and interventions that can be effective for children and young people.

There is an expectation that you will undertake the NYA L2 in Youth Work qualification within the first two years in post.

This post if for 15hpw. 

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

*** Please note that salaries and holiday entitlement will be pro rata'd in line with the advertised hours for this position. 

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy of either the Job Description please click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.