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Jack Drum Arts is seeking a Lead Youth Worker to develop and deliver Action Station, an open-access youth programme in Co Durham. Lead creative, social, and skills-based sessions, support young people aged 11–18 and shape a youth-led programme. Roleis for 20 hrs per week, £14,73 per hour.
Jack Drum Arts, a multi award winning community arts organisation based in County Durham, is recruiting a Lead Youth Worker to deliver Action Station, a new open-access creative youth programme in Crook funded through the Million Hours Fund - a £19 million initiative jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund. Action Station will create a safe, welcoming, and engaging space for young people aged 11-18 (up to 25 for young people with SEND), providing creative, social, and skills-based opportunities while promoting youth voice and participation. The programme aims to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour, build trusted relationships between young people and adults, and develop positive, accessible pathways for engagement. Weekly, term-time sessions will take place across multiple spaces: a creative arts room (graffiti, zine-making, DJ skills etc), a games and role-play space, and a relaxed, quiet social space. Free food and refreshments will be provided, with transport support where needed. This senior youth work position combines programme leadership, co-ordination, and direct youth work delivery. The Lead Youth Worker will help to establish Action Station as a high-quality, youth-led provision reflecting local need and Jack Drum Arts' creative ethos. The role includes co-ordinating volunteers and junior youth staff and collaborating with freelance artists, ensuring safeguarding standards are met, monitoring attendance and progression, and collaborating with local schools and partner organisations to ensure accessibility and impact.
Substantial experience working with young people aged 11-18, including those with SEND. Experience coordinating or leading youth programmes and managing sessions with junior staff or volunteers. Ability to build positive, consistent relationships with young people and support wellbeing and confidence. Understanding of inclusive practice and supporting young people with additional needs. Strong interpersonal, organisational, and digital skills (Microsoft Office, online reporting). Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management in community youth settings. Excellent written and verbal communication; confident monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Willingness to undertake training and available to work on both Monday and Wednesday evenings during term-time. Desirable: Youth work qualification (Level 3+), experience in arts-based youth work, and working in rural or disadvantaged areas.
Lead and deliver weekly Action Station sessions across creative, social, and skills-based spaces. Develop a youth-led programme that reflects local need and Jack Drum Arts' creative ethos. Build trusted relationships with young people, promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing, and engagement. Coordinate freelance artists, volunteers, and junior youth staff to deliver high-quality sessions. Collaborate with schools, community partners, and families to increase participation and accessibility. Ensure all sessions meet safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusivity standards. Monitor attendance, collect feedback, and evaluate programme impact for reporting to funders. Contribute to the wider youth programme and organisational objectives, supporting creativity and youth voice.
To apply for the Lead Youth Worker role at Jack Drum Arts, please download and complete the application form provided in the link.
Once completed, submit your application via email to [email protected]
Please ensure your submission includes all requested documents and information as outlined in the application pack. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the week beginning 23rd March.
If you have any questions about the role or would like an informal chat, you can contact our office on 01388 765002 or email [email protected]
to speak with one of our directors, Helen Ward or Jack Burton.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.