Being a team leader at UASC

We caught up with Jay Pantry, our dedicated team leader to ask a few questions about his role at Youth Hubz.
1
What is your background? And how did you become Team Leader at Youth Hubz?
I bring a diverse background to my role, having worked across various sectors, including the National Health Service, security, retail, hospitality, and the airport fire service. These experiences have equipped me with a wide range of transferable skills. My journey with Youth Hubz began in 2022, where I joined as bank staff, supporting young people in supported accommodation. After a year, I transitioned from the airport fire service to become a full-time KeyWorker, drawn by the high level of job satisfaction this role provided. Following a successful probationary period, I applied for and secured the position of Team Leader for the UASC in July 2023, where I continue to make a meaningful impact.
2
What is most rewarding aspect of being Team Leader of UASC?
Being able to make a difference to young people and working with the UASC I have personally found satisfaction in the development made by the young people and staff who are as passionate and dedicated about making positive progress.
3
What does a typical day look like as Team Leader?
I ensure I have an understanding of each young person individual needs / routines. My role is to ensure each young person is been supported and are making progress by leading and supporting the team around them. I attend meetings with young people and on behalf of them. My sole focus is on the overall progress and experience of young people. I am also the companies Team Teach train the trainer and Wellwave practitioner. I am able to deliver group sessions to staff and often am involved in new starter inductions to ensure all staff are Team Teach trained.
4
What do you think makes Youth Hubz stand out compared to other supported accommodation in the area?
This is difficult question as I haven’t worked for other companies but the young people I support often speak so highly of Youth Hubz and state that the staff care and they often do not want to move on because they love the quality of the accommodation provide. Additionally, family members and professionals have made statements to thank the company for the outstanding support we provide, with one parent thanking us for stepping in as a UK parent.
5
Would you recommend joining Youth Hubz?
Yes I would.
6
What would your advice be to someone who is joining the Youth Hubz Team and awaiting induction.
It can feel like a long time between interview and induction however once your inducted you will have a constant array of support which is never ending. This job has been such an incredible experience and unlike any job I have had before, you will find it is a rewarding job but also challenging.

April

Floating Support keyworkers
After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

Babita Mehta

24/7 Operational Manager
Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.