Trainee Youth Support Worker

JobStart Scheme; Belfast; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Trainee Youth Support Worker to engage and mentor young people aged 11-18, supporting their personal and social development. The role includes organizing activities, participating in project teams, and working directly with youth in various communities across Northern Ireland. Candidates should have relevant youth work experience and a passion for youth development.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in youth work (paid or volunteer).
• Genuine interest and motivation for working with young people.
• Understanding of young people's development and their physical, social, educational, and emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Support the recruitment of young people to YI projects.
• Participate in planning and running programmes and activities.
• Engage young people in the shaping and delivery of projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills (conversation, communication, listening)

Commitment to the ethos and values of Youth Initiatives

Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: YOUTH INITIATIVESYouth Initiatives Trainee Youth Support Worker will focus on the personal, social and spiritual development of young people aged 11-18 in one of the main Youth Initiatives youth community hubs - East Belfast, West Belfast, Downpatrick, Lisburn, Banbridge or Derry/Londonderry. Through weekly programmes, mentoring relationships, small groups and by connecting to other Youth Initiatives projects, participants will have an opportunity for personal, social and spiritual development. The Trainee Youth Support Worker, with the other YI staff and volunteer team, plans, prepares and organises the events and activities of projects. The Trainee Youth Support Worker will reach out to young people and connect them to age‑appropriate YI projects, meet with young people on a one‑to‑one basis, advocate for young people in the local area and engage young people in the shaping, planning and delivery of projects.

Responsibilities

• To support the recruitment of young people from the local area, housing estates, parishes and schools and connect them to YI projects.
• To participate on designated Project teams and support the planning, preparing, organising, and running of programmes, events and activities.
• To support street‑based outreach and schools outreach, working with P7’s to Year 14’s including school assemblies, school lunchtimes, school retreats and street work.
• To participate on Project Teams supporting the ongoing informal education and mentoring work of the project.
• To support Project Leaders in developing a team of young volunteers aged 15 plus in leadership skills through pastoral support and supervision.
• To connect with, mentor, and disciple young people in small groups and on a 1‑2‑1 basis.
• To support the planning, preparation and organising of weekend residentials each year.
• To participate in the staff responsibilities of Youth Initiatives. This includes staff meetings, training and development, administration, fundraising, and assistance in other Youth Initiatives projects.

Skills and Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in youth work (paid or volunteer).
• A genuine interest, motivation and enjoyment around working with young people.
• Interpersonal skills (conversation, communication, listening).
• Understanding of young people’s development and their physical, social, educational and emotional needs.
• Familiarity with the issues facing young people aged 11‑18.
• An ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake flexible working patterns/rotas and to work unsocial hours when required.
• A commitment to the ethos and values of Youth Initiatives.
• Experience of working with the personal and social development issues of young people.
• Experience of detached street‑based youth work.

Further Information

Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours may be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours may be offered depending on availability – this should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Closing date: 05/12/2025.