Trainee Youth Support Worker

JobStart Scheme; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Downpatrick is seeking a Trainee Youth Support Worker to enhance the personal and social development of young people aged 11-18. Responsibilities include planning activities, mentoring, and outreach in schools. The ideal candidate will have experience in youth work, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for supporting young people. This temporary part-time role offers flexible hours and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment of young people from local areas.
• Participate in planning and organizing programmes and events.
• Support street-based outreach and mentoring.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of youth development

Communication

Ability to work independently and in a team

Experience in youth work

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, meets with young people on a one-to-one basis, advocates for young people in the local area and engages young people in the shaping, planning and delivery of projects.

Responsibilities

• To support the recruitment 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 on-going informal education and mentoring work of the project.
• To support Project Leaders in developing a team of young volunteer 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, fund raising, 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

The Employer is: YOUTH INITIATIVESJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information.Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours 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.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Vacancy ID 1741895 Job Sector Carers and Support Workers,Childcare and Social Work Area Co Down Location Downpatrick Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 27/10/2025 Closing date 05/12/2025 Worktime To be confirmed with employer.

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 06 Nov 2025

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 07 Nov 2025