Location: Gateshead Hours: Mondays, 4pm–6pm (term-time only)
Contract: Freelance Rate: £15–£22 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Start: Week beginning 14 September 2026
About GemArts and Homework Club
GemArts is an award-winning arts organisation based in the North East of England. A recognised leader in the South Asian and diversity arts sector, GemArts creates and programmes high-quality concerts, events, festivals, workshops and commissions with regional, national and international artists across all art forms.
GemArts supports young people in varied community spaces to engage with high-quality creative and cultural activities. Our Homework Club blends academic, social and creative support for young people aged 12–18 who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary and asylum. Participants bring diverse languages, cultures and skills, and co-design the project with staff.
Homework Club is an essential space where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. We are seeking a Youth Worker who can provide flexible, compassionate support and advocate for all participants.
GemArts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Role Overview
The Youth Worker will support weekly, in-person workshops during term time. This role does not require planning or delivering sessions, but does include paid preparation and admin time to ensure safe, informed and consistent support.
You will work alongside our academic tutor and artist leaders to ensure young people feel safe, supported and able to participate fully.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and respond to challenging behaviour using trauma-informed, culturally competent and safeguarding-aligned approaches.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people, encouraging participation and confidence.
- Support our academic tutor and artist leaders to engage young people who may be struggling socially, emotionally or academically.
- Promote a welcoming, inclusive environment where sanctuary-seeking young people feel safe and respected.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and all relevant policies are followed at all times.
- Notice and escalate concerns appropriately, following GemArts’ safeguarding procedures.
- Contribute to a calm, structured workshop environment that supports learning and wellbeing.
- Advocate for young people’s needs and help remove barriers to participation.
- Complete brief admin tasks such as reading weekly plans, reviewing safeguarding updates, and providing short handovers.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of youth work, community work, or support work with young people.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour confidently and safely.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Commitment to supporting sanctuary-seeking young people to access services and opportunities.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and willingness to apply it consistently.
- Reliability, professionalism and the ability to work collaboratively with a small team.
- Satisfactory DBS check
Desirable
- Languages other than English.
- Experience supporting young people with additional needs or mental health challenges.
Payment
This is a freelance position. The successful candidate will invoice GemArts for payment and will be responsible for their own tax and National Insurance.
The role includes:
- 2 hours of delivery per week (Mondays, 4–6pm)
- 0.5 hour of paid preparation/admin time per week
The freelance youth work rate is £15–£22 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
GemArts Youth Worker expression of interest – Fill in form
Timeline
- Expression of interest deadline: 27 August 2026, 5pm
- Informal interviews: 7–8 September 2026
- Term one begins: Week commencing 14 September 2026