NCS Programme Lead

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'.

We achieve this in two ways. First, we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a flagship policy at the heart of the coalition government’s vision for building a Big Society.  The programme brings together 16-17 year olds from different backgrounds in a summer programme which includes adventure, discovery and meaningful social action.  NCS aims to support participants’ personal and social development and help them develop the confidence, skills and attitudes they need to take on active roles in their communities and develop themselves for their own future.

As an NCS Programme Coordinator, you will organise and lead NCS delivery in the region. Your primary responsibilities will be overseeing and supporting young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and enabling them to engage, participate and develop within the Catch22 NCS programme. This is a pivotal role within our NCS regional programming team, giving you the opportunity and scope to be creative in meeting these goals. The areas you cover will be Bristol and Bath.

Main Duties & Accountabilities:

·        Work with the Regional Manager and other Catch22 colleagues in developing, organising, planning and delivering all phases of NCS, including pre-programme engagement, two residentials, social action planning & delivery, graduation events and post-NCS activity.

·        To provide accurate information to the recruitment teams about the programme and to support when required at various recruitment events

·        Engage and build positive relationships with young people and their parent/carers to provide effective support on a one-to-one or group basis to achieve NCS outcome targets.

·        Implement Catch22 NCS Keep warm strategy to retain young people and parents engagement prior to departure and during programme for later waves so that young people and parents experience a good customer journey.

·        Assist the contract manager in implementing the Catch22 national staff recruitment strategy and ensuring that local avenues for staff recruitment are also explored.

·        Ensure programme content is relevant to the local community and builds on existing relationships with partner individuals and organisations in order to provide young people with a quality NCS experience, ensuring they learn community and citizenship values within their local environment and that programme meets the NCST Programme Quality Framework.

·        To deliver within the regional budget by tracking spend and ensuring that finance procedures and processes are adhered to within the set timeline.

·        Manage participant data to ensure that all records are up to date

·        Raise awareness of NCS locally, ensuring the best use of local media and working with central teams to ensure a consistent message is broadcast and participate in publicity events promoting the project at local level and increasing the profile of Catch22 and NCS.

·        Develop opportunities for NCS graduates to continue involvement in a social action project after graduation and ensure that graduates are made aware of and encouraged to take up nationally brokered opportunities offered through Catch22 and the NCS programme.

·        Deliver staff training to NCS sessional staff and ensuring that they meet the NCST staff competency framework.

·        Develop and maintain productive working relationships with other colleagues delivering NCS to facilitate smooth running of the programme

·        Ensure in-kind funding opportunities are maximised and on or above target

·        Ensure all necessary and appropriate safeguarding, data handling, health & safety and other legal requirements are in place to protect NCS participants and staff

·        Attend regular supervision sessions and all compulsory training events, both for Catch22 and NCS, to enable all duties to be carried out effectively.

For Full job description please click here.

Essential:

• Educated to A Level or equivalent.
• Demonstrate ability to incorporate and demonstrate an equal opportunities perspective in all areas of work, including race, disability, sexual orientation and gender.
• Substantial experience of working directly with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Experience of leading the planning, delivery and evaluation of activities for and with young people.
• Experience of working in partnership with a variety of agencies to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Experience of working with young people from a variety of ethnic groups cultural and social backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills, effective at all levels, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use IT effectively.
• Ability to work on your own initiative to an agreed action plan.
• Ability to organise your own work routines effectively with a minimum of supervision and support.
• Ability to create and develop relationships with partner organisations, including educational establishments, youth organisations and those working with targeted groups.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues with tact and diplomacy.
• A high level of communication, interpersonal and commitment to the organisation and  to their own personal and professional development.
• Be able to drive and have use of a personal vehicle.

Desired:

• Knowledge of the NCS Programme.
• Professional qualification in a relevant discipline e.g. Youth and Community Work, Social Work, Education, Counselling, Health, or SportsKnowledge of relevant youth policies, legislation and the wider youth agenda.
• Knowledge of developing and managing projects in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
• Experience of working in a residential setting with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Experience and understanding of Health and Safety, Safeguarding and data handling practices.
• Experience and understanding of the issues affecting young people at risk of social exclusion/offending.
• Experience of programme management.
• Experience of developing new contracts and development opportunities with commissioners and partners.
• Experience of project development and management in an inter-agency setting.
• Knowledge of experiential learning and guided reflection techniques.
• Experience of working locally within a large national programme.

What looks good for this role?

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with community partners
• Recruit, assess and retain good sessional staff
• Remaining in budget and generating ideas for efficiency
• Delivering an engaging and creative NCS programme
• Develop a successful extension programme including a proactive Youth Board
• Ensuring that you meet all contract requirements within the required timeframe
• Strong project management skills
• Ensuring brilliant basics are met and creating opportunities for magic moments on NCS
• Passionate about supporting young people to meet their potential
• Clear understanding of Catch22 and its vision, mission and ethos

You will report directly to the Catch22 Regional Manager and will be delegated work from them. It will be crucial for you to support the work of the engagement officers and ensure that the team are marketing a true reflection of your programme. Successful NCS delivery also relies on making good relationships with key organisations and individuals in the local area and you will be responsible for ensuring these partnerships work for them and for the programme.

See the benefits of working for Catch22 here.

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.