Scran Academy is an Edinburgh youth work charity which supports young people facing barriers to learning to fulfil their potential in learning work and life.

We exist to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for all young people, no matter their background or barrier. How we do this by creating real-life experiences and positive adult relationships that help shine a light on the strengths and aspirations of young people. We use food, cooking, and positive learning pathways delivered through our education programmes and catering social enterprise to build experiences and form relationships.

We’re looking for a talented, experienced youth worker to join the frontline team that helps young people develop in ways that are meaningful to them. The role will support the planning and delivery of youth and community support across Scran Academy’s services, including our school-aged Academy education programme, and wider events and universal youth work as required.

This is a sessional role within Scran Academy with the core purpose of supporting the personal and social development of young people attending our Academy Programme.

The successful candidate will help change the lives of young people facing poverty by engaging them in a year-long programme of non-formal learning in a youth work setting. The role is incredibly rewarding but also particularly challenging, as professional boundaries and responsibilities need to be balanced skilfully within compassionate, positive relationships. Candidates with demonstrable experience of this in a role supporting vulnerable groups will be at an advantage.

The Youth Development Worker will play a strong role in planning and delivering engaging youth work sessions across programmes, and for ensuring young people are engaged across our organisation.

The post holder will act as a critical relationship builder, supporting our Academy Programme Lead as needed by linking in with families and referral partners, including schools.

This role embodies our values: We Love, We Trust, We Unite and We Lead:

We Love – the successful candidate will nurture young people. They will care deeply and see all behaviour as communication that deserves a dignified response. They will be non-judgemental and take a trauma-informed approach.

We Trust – the successful candidate will believe in the potential of young people. They will trust them to be the expert of their own life and circumstance. They will support young people to take responsible steps in learning, work and life.

We Unite – the successful candidate will courageously bring young people together. They will aim to create safe spaces where stepping outside comfort zones is supported and encouraged.

We Lead – the successful candidate will see all young people as leaders in their own lives. They will be ready to both lead and be led by young people. They will listen and provide a platform for young people to lead their learning and thrive.