Youth Support Worker - Coleraine Area Youth Office

Education Authority; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority is seeking a Youth Support Worker-in-Charge to deliver programmes for young people across the Derry/Londonderry area. The role requires a Youth Work qualification or equivalent and at least six months of youth work experience, with evening and occasional weekend hours.

You will support young people’s development and active citizenship while adhering to safeguarding policies. This permanent, full-time post involves managing staff/volunteers, coordinating activities, and

Qualifications

• Two essential qualifications: EA Youth Service Youth Work qualification or equivalent; OCN Level 2 Introduction to Youth Work or higher.
• At least six months experience in a youth work setting (paid or unpaid).
• Willingness to undertake job-related training as required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver programmes of activities to develop young people's social education.
• Ensure youth participation and empower young people to take active roles.
• Communicate effectively and build rapport with young people.
• Develop relationships with the wider community and external agencies.
• Support young people to understand risk and address issues in their lives.
• Adhere to child protection policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Carry out administrative duties under the line manager.

Skills

Six months youth work experience

Education

EA Youth Service Youth Work qualification

OCN level 2 Introduction to Youth Work

Job description

Job Reference: 26008343)Primary Location : Derry/Londonderry-Coleraine-Coleraine Area Youth OfficeContract Type : PermanentDuration of Contract/Contract End Date : N/AStatus : Full-TimeHours per Week : 36 hours per weekWorking Pattern : Monday - Friday: However this post requires evening and occasional weekend work .Grade/Scale : Youth Support Worker-in-Charge (Specialist) | Support Worker Range Pts 10 - 13 |£28,516 - £31,885 per annumAdditional Allowance(s) : Not ApplicableAnticipated Interview Date(s) : 30 November 2026Additional Information: This post will be based out of the Area youth office but will deliver programmes across the area including Ballymoney and Causeway.JOB DESCRIPTIONREPORTS TO: Youth Support Worker-in-ChargeRESPONSIBLE FOR: The delivery of key aspects of the unit programme, the management of appropriate staff/volunteers and the implementation of the Education Authority 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 key duties, under the direction of a Worker-in-Charge.MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:To work directly with young people to develop their social education by providing programmes of activities, related to the ‘Model for Effective Practice’.Ensuring 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.Enable young people to work effectively in groups.Challenge oppressive behaviour in young people.Provide information and support to young people.Encourage young people to broaden their horizons and be active citizens.Support young people in evaluating youth work activities and the impact of youth work on their development.Support young people in their understanding of risk and challenge and in taking action to address key issues in their lives.Implement the unit’s Child Protection Policy and work with young people to safeguard their welfare and the welfare of others.Carry out administrative duties within the unit, under the direction of the Line Manager.Other dutiesTo carry out such duties, as may be assigned by the Line Manager, within the level of the post.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 SPECIFICATIONNOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS1. 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 CriteriaThe 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 AssessmentQualificationsEA Youth Service Youth Support Worker qualificationOROCN level 2 Introduction to Youth Work (or equivalent or higher)Shortlisting by Application FormExperience A minimum of six months experience (paid or unpaid) of working in a youth work setting.Shortlisting by Application FormOther Willingness to undertake job related training as and when required.Shortlisting by Application FormSection 2 - Essential CriteriaThe 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 AssessmentKnowledgeDemonstrable knowledge of the following:NI Youth Work CurriculumDepartment of Education Child Protection regulationsIssues affecting young people particularly in relation to their health and wellbeingInterviewSkills/AbilitiesIn line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with young peopleInterviewValues OrientationEvidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.InterviewOur ValuesThrough 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 BACKGROUNDThe 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.