Dance Youth Worker
Why work for Manchester Youth Zone
- Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro-rata)
- We are committed to training and develop our staff, that will include a full induction and access to internal and external training opportunities
- We care about your wellbeing – Access to our EAP, an extra holiday day for your birthday, and onsite gym and sports facilities
- 5% pension contribution
- You will be part of our mission to positively impact the lives of young people in North Manchester
The Manchester Youth Zone first opened to young people in 2012 as an independent charity. Located in Harpurhey enables the Manchester Youth Zone to reach those young people who need “Somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to”. At Manchester Youth Zone, we have a shared purpose to create passion and pathways for every young person we work with, we do this through providing a safe and welcoming environment, high quality youth work and promoting inclusion, resilience and aspirations.
We work with young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs offering provision during the day (including weekends) for targeted young people, each evening for universal provision and residential provision for specific programmes. The Manchester Youth Zone has an excellent reputation in a number of areas including safeguarding, working with young people who are “at risk” of criminal exploitation, mentoring and employment skills. We have invested strongly in partnership working, becoming a community asset responding to the needs of young people and the local community of North Manchester.
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and creative Dance Youth Worker in building an exciting, inclusive dance programme from the ground up. We want someone who truly knows what’s current, whether it’s the latest TikTok trends or the freshest choreography, and has the passion to turn the dance studio into a hub of energy and self-expression. At Manchester Youth Zone, you won’t just be teaching steps, you will be a mentor and advocate, listening to what our young people want and taking action to deliver it. This is a unique opportunity to use dance as a tool for youth work, fostering personal development and creating a safe, supportive environment where every young person feels empowered to find their rhythm and grow.
Key Duties
- To work directly with young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to facilitate safe, fun and structured dance activities within the Youth Zone.
- To create and deliver a high-quality dance offer, which is safe, fun, challenging and developmental. This will include planning and delivery of a regular programme of activities, and contribute towards the planning, delivery, and evaluation of specific projects.
- Encourage the participation of young people and that their ideas contribute fully to the planning, delivery and evaluation of sessions, projects, and activities.
- Encouraging attendance and participation in dance activities, particularly by young people who do not usually participate in dance activities.
- To help plan and support on special events and trips where necessary.
- Ensuring that the members maintain a high standard of behaviour and discipline during sessions by making the area a hub of activity and fun.
- To establish positive and engaging relationships with young people from a range of backgrounds and provide interventions that achieve outcomes including helping them develop positive peer relationships, engagement in new activities, personal development, improved self-esteem, positive self-identity, acquisition of new skills, and developing wider networks of support.
- To be able to think on your feet and deliver activities with minimal equipment when required to do so.
- To be able to use your own initiative to flexibly meet the needs of young people, adapting sessions and programmes where required to ensure inclusion.
- Effectively communicate at all levels both in terms of spoken conversations with young people and parents/caregivers, with staff, and senior managers
- Ensure all recordings are well written for internal use and to be used to inform reports for external funders and interested parties.
- Maintain Salesforce with up-to-date information on young people who you have worked with where necessary (training to be provided).
- To complete impact stories and MeAPPS when instructed by management.
- Use your creative skills to showcase the work that is being developed to report back to funders on a regular basis, including report writing and other methods.
- To work effectively and positively alongside colleagues including staff, volunteers and young leaders. Ensure that all volunteers and trainee staff are made to feel an integral and valued part of Manchester Youth Zone family.
- Undertake regular training and development relevant to the role.
- Actively address any bullying, harassment, or discrimination, promoting cohesion, inclusion, and positive relationships.
- To understand and adhere to MYZ policies and procedures at all times with particular emphasis on equal opportunities, positive behaviour management, health and safety and safeguarding.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times, managing any safeguarding issues should they arise (training provided).
- To be an active member of the team and operate in line with the Charity’s expectations, values and principles. Work a flexible pattern including evenings and weekends in line with the role/team requirements.
- Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably determined by your line manager and be flexible to attend residential trips.
- Promote a positive image of MYZ through professionalism and good conduct with all our stakeholders and the public.
This role schedule is for Mondays (3.45pm to 8.45pm) and Fridays (3.15pm to 9.15pm), with an additional 15 minutes of planning time per week.
All applicants are required to be over the age of 18 years old and be prepared to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Applicants must not have been a member within Manchester Youth Zone within the past 3 years.