We’re pleased to share a great opportunity to join our team working on the Teenvine Plus Next Steps project in Coventry.
We are looking for a full-time youth project worker to transform the lives of 35 young people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them build brighter futures using creativity, advocacy and relationship building.
You will support young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges to articulate their needs, rebuild social connections and re-enter education. Some will be avoiding school and struggling to access the support they need, others may be on reduced timetables and/or have unmet mental health needs.
Without help, their horizons are often bleak—but you can be a part of changing that, making a genuine difference to theirs and their families’ lives.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll meet young people where they feel most comfortable at times that suit them, using WhatsApp, Zoom, or face-to-face meetings. Together, you will:
- Create multimedia person-centred ‘back to learning and community’ plans using video, voice recording, photographs, artwork or graphics
- Build their confidence through weekly one-to-one sessions, with gradual group engagement on their terms
- Advocate for their views and support them to develop self-advocacy skills
- Connect them with meaningful opportunities across the city
- Work collaboratively with parents, schools and other professionals
- Complete risk assessments, travel plans and project monitoring.
A fun and creative touch is essential. You’ll co-design all activities with young people, focusing on what matters to them.
More about the role
- Location: Coventry
- Salary: £29,916 rising to £30,513 per year
- 37 hours per week
- Fixed term contract until July 2027
- Closing date: 9am Monday 8 December
- Interview date: Tuesday 16 December
- Expected start: Mid January 2026.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience in youth work, particularly one-to-one or small group personal and social development
- Has worked with teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities
- Is creative and confident with multiple media platforms and social media
- Can help young people think broadly and creatively about their choices
- Works collaboratively with families, colleagues and external professionals
- Has a deep listening ability – picking up on young people’s signals, cues and feelings
- Is nurturing, non-judgmental and sees past first impressions
- Has tenacity and resilience with the ability to walk in young people’s shoes
- Believes disabled young people should lead fulfilling lives as equal citizens.
You’ll need to be brilliant with young people, adaptable and bring a flair for doing things differently. You’ll have responsibility and autonomy, with the support of a strong team behind you.
Desirable: Qualifications in youth work, psychology or child and youth care; knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
Why work for Grapevine?
Grapevine is an award-winning charity bringing people who are marginalised into the centre of their communities. We’re nationally acclaimed for our person-centred, strengths-based approach built on curiosity and innovation.
We offer:
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- 8 per cent non-contributory pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Supportive culture focused on uncovering your potential
- Continuous learning through reflective practice and peer learning
- Freedom with support—shape your projects but never feel alone.
We’re committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds. We actively work to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.
Real impact – your work directly changes lives
Since 2020, Teenvine Plus Next Steps has achieved outstanding outcomes including:
- 74 per cent of young people felt more confident about school and the future
- 100 per cent were able to do things that matter to them in a way they like
- 62 per cent showed improved scores across every baseline area
- 34 per cent increased school attendance within four months.
Now it’s your turn to be part of this success story.
How to apply
If you’re excited by purpose-led work, comfortable with honest reflection and believe that relationships change everything, we’d love to hear from you!
Click this link to read the job pack. Complete our online application form here, which includes:
- Your personal details and employment history
- An “about you” statement evidencing why you’re right for this role
- Information about your education and training.
You can send audio or video files to jobs@grapevinecovandwarks.org. The closing date is Monday 8 December at 9am.
Grapevine is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from people from global majority communities to help us better reflect the young people we serve. We can only accept applications from people who already have the right to work in the UK.
Need help or want to discuss reasonable adjustments? Contact us by email at jobs@grapevinecovandwarks.org or call us on 024 7663 1040.
We will send you interview questions in advance to help you prepare if you are selected for an interview.
Read more about our Strengthening People work here and follow this link to read our story of three decades of deep social change in Coventry and Warwickshire.