Could God be calling you to youth ministry on the beautiful Isle of Wight?

Lead Youth Worker - Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY) is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Lead Youth Worker to lead and develop our growing youth ministry.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people aged 8–18. You'll lead our youth work programme alongside our part-time Youth Worker and established volunteer team, building on strong partnerships with local churches, schools and community organisations.

Why SWAY?

An established Christian youth charity with a passion for helping young people flourish.
A well-connected ministry with strong partnerships across local churches, schools and community organisations.
A varied, hands-on role with genuine opportunities to shape and develop our youth work.
A supportive team of staff, volunteers and trustees, centred at our new, purpose-built Hub in Chale Green.
A commitment to investing in the right person through learning, development and professional growth.

Why the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight offers an exceptional quality of life, with stunning coastlines, beautiful countryside and a welcoming community - all within easy reach of the mainland. For candidates relocating to the Island, we may be able to offer:- a relocation allowance (subject to agreement), and- practical support in finding suitable accommodation during your first few months.

We're looking for someone who:

Has significant experience working with young people.
Can inspire, lead and encourage others.
Is organised, creative and self-motivated.
Has an active Christian faith and shares our vision for young people.
Enjoys working collaboratively within churches and the wider community.

Key Details:

Salary

£27,500 - £29,000 (depending on experience, with a salary review after 12 months)

Hours

Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Closing date

Applications reviewed as received - early applications encouraged

Location

The Hub, Chale Green, Isle of Wight (with travel across the Island)

Start date

1st September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter for the right candidate)

Full Job Decription

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To lead and develop our youth work and ministry for young people aged 8–18 across the South Wight area, enabling them to flourish socially, emotionally and spiritually while providing opportunities to explore the Christian faith. Working with the Manager and Trustees, the postholder will help develop the work of SWAY while leading and supporting a part-time Youth Worker and an established volunteer team. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Youth Work and Ministry ● Plan, organise and lead a range of youth activities and programmes. ● Deliver regular youth clubs, drop-ins, outreach activities and projects. ● Build positive and supportive relationships with young people aged 8–18. ● Provide mentoring and one-to-one support where appropriate. ● Encourage young people to explore the Christian faith in creative, relevant and engaging ways. ● Support young people in volunteering and leadership opportunities. ● Plan and participate in residentials, camps and special events. Schools and Community Engagement ● Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, churches and partner organisations. ● Deliver assemblies, lunchtime clubs and after-school activities where appropriate. ● Represent SWAY within the wider community and local networks. Leadership and Team Support ● Provide day-to-day support to the part-time Youth Worker and volunteer team. ● Recruit, train and support volunteers. ● Develop staff and volunteer rotas and assist in planning programmes and activities. ● Work collaboratively with the Manager and Trustees to develop the charity and its vision. ● Contribute to reports and information required by Trustees and funders. Safeguarding and Administration ● Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people. ● Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. ● Maintain appropriate records, monitoring and evaluation information. ● Promote equality, inclusion and wellbeing in all aspects of the work. ● Maintain key relationships with statutory and voluntary sector partners. Christian Ethos ● Work in accordance with the aims, values and Christian ethos of SWAY. ● Pray for and with young people, volunteers and colleagues where appropriate. ● Support opportunities for young people to explore and grow in the Christian faith. General ● Undertake relevant training and continuing professional development. ● Work flexibly, including regular evenings, weekends and occasional residential events, as required by ● the needs of the role. ● Carry out any other duties reasonably required by the Manager and Trustees, consistent with the nature and responsibilities of the post.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL Christian Faith and Ethos ● An active Christian faith and commitment to the vision, values and Christian ethos of South Wight Area Youth Partnership. ● Ability and willingness to support young people in exploring the Christian faith. ● A lifestyle and character consistent with Christian leadership. EXPERIENCE ● Significant experience of working with young people. ● Experience of planning and delivering engaging youth activities and programmes. ● Experience of supporting, encouraging or leading volunteers and/or teams. ● Experience of building positive relationships with young people and partner organisations. SKILLS AND ABILITIES ● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. ● Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. ● Good organisational and time-management skills. ● Ability to motivate and encourage others. ● Good IT skills, including word processing and social media. ● Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. OTHER REQUIREMENTS ● Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and occasional residential events. ● Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. ● Ability to travel across the South Wight area and elsewhere on the Island as required. ● Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. DESIRABLE ● Recognised youth work qualification or equivalent. ● Experience of youth work within a church or Christian context. ● Experience of mentoring young people. ● Experience of working with schools and community partners. ● D1 entitlement or experience driving minibuses. ● Musical, drama or sports-related skills. ● Willingness to undertake further professional development or qualifications.