Youth Support Volunteer

Role: Youth Support Volunteer 

Location: Drop-In Centre, Whitehill Lane, Aylesbury, HP19 8FL 

Manager: Drop-in Centre Project Manager 

What we are looking for 

We are seeking friendly, positive and supportive volunteer Youth Workers to join our young people's drop-in centre. They will support 13–25 year olds, including vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, who visit our Drop-in Centre.

The volunteer Youth Workers will need to be able to listen to young people non-judgmentally and build professional, trusting relationships with them so they can support their current needs.  

What you will be doing 

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: 

• Check-In Process: Greet young people warmly as they arrive. Provide a welcoming and safe environment for Aylesbury Vale’s young people 
• Support and deliver activities: Help staff deliver activities such as cooking and arts and crafts or if requested by young people, engage in activities such as table tennis with them.  
• Signposting: Signpost young people to other services if needed during any discussions you have with them. Seek support from Youth Workers to find out about different services if you are unsure.  
• Champion: Advocate for young people, helping them access services and outcomes to which they are entitled  
• Communication: Communicate effectively with the other staff to ensure smooth operations.  
• Confidentiality: Maintain young people’s confidentiality and adhere to the service's privacy policies. 
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Ensure the safety of young people by adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures. 

Genuinely you help the Drop-in Centre Project Manager with the smooth day-to-day running of the Drop-in Centre. 

The skills you need 

• Able to uphold Youth Concern’s values in your role 
• Good verbal communication skills 
• Ability to multitask and prioritise (where necessary) 
• Have a positive attitude with a proactive and flexible approach to your work 
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team 
• Confident to deal with tense situations if they arise 
• Comfortable working in a busy and loud environment  
• A working knowledge of safeguarding and professional boundaries (training provided) 
• Experience working with young people (desirable) 
• Good written communication skills (desirable) 
• Proven IT skills (desirable) 

How you will benefit   

• Full induction and training. 
• Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. 
• Regular supervision and support. 
• Enjoy a rewarding role that makes a tangible difference to young people in your local community. 
• Help create safer and more comfortable environments for young people. 
• Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends. 
• The chance to meet new people. 
• Be invited to Youth Concern’s Volunteer social events. 

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

What we ask of you  

• To complete an Enhanced DBS check with us, because this position will involve working directly with vulnerable young people. 
• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role 
• To always follow the safeguarding procedures and share any concerns. This includes working within safety plans when they are in place for a young person. 
• To read, have knowledge on and keep to all the charity’s policies, procedures and guidelines  
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role 
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested 

About Us  

Youth Concern is an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but we specialise in helping those facing additional challenges. In running a Drop-in Centre, counselling and homelessness prevention projects, Youth Concern’s holistic service delivers real benefits for young people with multiple needs. 

Youth Concern’s vision is that every young person has the resources they need to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Our purpose is to be there for and respond to vulnerable young people when they need us most. At each contact we work to transform lives. 

Our mission is to enable young people from diverse backgrounds and with chaotic lifestyles to broaden their opportunities, realise their aspirations and optimise their well-being. We achieve this through the delivery of bespoke, holistic support packages helping them overcome disadvantage and reduce risk whilst facilitating the transition to independent adulthood. 

Youth Concern Values 

• We put young people at the heart of all we do 
• We care deeply 
• We listen without judgement 
• We never give up 
• We empower and collaborate 

Disclaimer 

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don’t fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible in most of our roles. We may also be able to offer you a different role that we feel you are more suited to.  

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Coordinator, Jasmine Smith.