FIXED-TERM CONTRACT FOR 6 MONTHS WITH POTENTIAL TO EXTEND

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for care leavers? Do you want to lead a meaningful project that makes a real difference?

ABOUT THE SIDE-BY-SIDE PROJECT

The Side-by-Side project aims to provide children in care with the same opportunities as those who have not been in care. Children and young people in care can find it hard to navigate the care system and leaving care can be a difficult and complex time in their lives. Amongst those leaving care are children and young people with different needs, with some being at risk of exploitation, some recognised as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child in the UK or some having an identified mental health issue.
Sadly, far too many care leavers are thrust into the world before they are ready, facing life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.
The Side-by-Side project provides a vital mentoring and befriending service to support and ease the transition when there are life changes as the young person works towards the next stage of their lives as a care leaver.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a proactive and experienced professional who is passionate about supporting care leavers. You will have proven experience working directly with children and young people, particularly those with experience of the care system. You will bring a strong track record in recruiting and managing staff or volunteers, as well as a solid understanding of the legal and policy frameworks surrounding looked-after children and care leavers. A clear grasp of professional boundaries and a commitment to safeguarding practices are essential to this role.
In your application, please use specific examples to demonstrate how your experience and skills meet the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification.
NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.
In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.
We reserve the right to close the advert early should the right candidate be found before the closing date.

NYAS is expanding its established Side-by-Side service into Hertfordshire, Luton, and Bedfordshire in partnership with the local authorities, thanks to newly secured funding. While Side-by-Side is already successfully operating in other areas of NYAS, this will be the first time the service is delivered in this region and we are looking for a Project Coordinator, to work 17.5 hours per week to lead its successful launch and delivery locally.
In this role, you will be responsible for establishing and embedding the Side-by-Side service in the region, recruiting, developing, and managing a team of committed volunteers, driving the project’s growth in line with NYAS’s strategic objectives and monitoring progress while introducing innovations to meet project goals and enhance service delivery.