Burnfoot Community Futures (BCF) is a community development trust based in Burnfoot, Hawick – the largest social housing area in the Scottish Borders.

We are seeking to employ a Youth Development Officer to lead and oversee delivery of the CashBack Burnfoot Youth Project, working alongside community partners and building on ongoing work to address antisocial behaviour and improve outcomes for young people in Burnfoot.

The Youth Development Officer will report to the Hub Manager and work closely with staff, sessional workers and partner organisations to ensure high-quality delivery of the project.

The Role

The purpose of this role is to coordinate, develop and oversee the delivery of the CashBack Burnfoot Youth Project, ensuring it delivers meaningful, engaging and supportive opportunities for young people aged 10–25.

The postholder will work in partnership with organisations including:

• Escape Youth Services
• G10 Sports
• Hawick Boxing Club
• A Positive Start CIC

The role will ensure the project contributes to improving young people’s wellbeing, confidence, skills and life chances, while supporting wider community safety and engagement.

The postholder will be based at Burnfoot Community Hub.

Project Overview

The CashBack Burnfoot Youth Project delivers a structured, year-round programme including:

• Multi-sport sessions (36 weeks)
• Rugby sessions (36 weeks)
• Boxing sessions (24 weeks)
• Youth club sessions (46 weeks)
• Youth café sessions (46 weeks)
• Junior Global Ambassadors programme (35 weeks)
• Street-based youth work
• One-to-one targeted support for young people

Responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of all project activities
• Work alongside, sessional staff and partners to deliver a varied programme
• Ensure sessions are safe, inclusive and engaging for young people
• Build and maintain strong relationships with delivery partners
• Coordinate input from partner organisations to ensure quality and consistency
• Work collaboratively with local services, schools and community groups
• Promote positive participation and reduce antisocial behaviour
• Continuously improve the programme based on:
  • Young people’s feedback
  • Community need
  • Partner input
• Support development of new activities aligned with project aims
• Ensure accurate data collection including:
  • Attendance
  • Outcomes
  • Case studies
• Coordinate reporting to funders in line with CashBack for Communities requirements
• Demonstrate impact against agreed outcomes
• Support and guide sessional staff and volunteers
• Ensure safeguarding and health & safety standards are met
• Contribute to wider community development work where appropriate
• Support sustainability of the project and future funding opportunities
• Be a self-starter able to take initiative
• Work both strategically and operationally
• Be flexible and adaptable in a small organisation setting
• Undertake administrative duties as required
• Deliver against funding outcomes and targets
• To prepare and attend regular support and supervision sessions and participate in staff and personal development training
• To undertake any additional and appropriate duties as required but not out with the post

We would expect applicants to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject OR equivalent experience
• Experience of youth work / community development l
• Experience of coordinating or delivering projects l
• Experience of working with young people (10–25)
• Experience of partnership working Essential
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Ability to engage and motivate young people
• Satisfactory PVG registration disclosure check

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence
• Experience of working with vulnerable or at-risk groups
• Experience of managing staff or volunteers