Assistant Youth Support Worker - Charter Youth Club - 2 posts

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Youth Support Worker - Part Time

REPORTS TO: Nominated Officer

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Assisting with the unit programme and the implementation of Education Authority organisational policies.

JOB PURPOSE:

To work directly with young people to develop their social education by providing programmes of activities. This post is for staff appointed to undertake duties under the direction of a Worker in Charge or nominated Youth Support Worker.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the planning and implementation of programmes, related to the ‘Model for Effective Practice’.
• Ensure that young people play an active role in the youth group and work towards a model of youth participation.
• Communicate effectively and develop a rapport with young people.
• Assist in the development of relationships with the wider community and external agencies.
• Assist young people to express and realise their goals.
• Challenge oppressive behaviour in young people.
• Provide information and support to young people.
• Support young people in evaluating youth work activities and the impact of youth work on their development.
• Implement the unit’s Child Protection Policy and work with young people to safeguard their welfare and the welfare of others.
• Assist with administrative duties within the unit.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentExperience

Evidence of a commitment to working with children and young people.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Willingness to undertake job related training as and when required.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentKnowledge

An awareness of the issues affecting young people particularly in relation to their health and wellbeing.

Demonstrable knowledge of Child Protection.

Interview

Skills/
Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with young people

Interview

Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of AssessmentExperience

Experience of working in a youth work setting.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.