Youth Support Worker

Education Authority; Crumlin; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational organization in Crumlin is seeking a Youth Support Worker to engage directly with young people, developing their social education through structured activities. The role involves delivering programs, providing support, and ensuring a safe environment according to child protection policies. Candidates must have relevant youth work qualifications and experience in youth settings. This position offers a chance to contribute positively to the community and help young people thrive.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months of experience (paid or unpaid) in a youth work setting.
• Willingness to undertake job-related training as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver key programmes for young people.
• Support young people in setting and achieving personal goals.
• Implement the organization’s Child Protection Policy.
• Carry out administrative duties as directed.

Skills

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with young people

Demonstrable knowledge of NI Youth Work Curriculum

Understanding of Child Protection regulations

Awareness of issues affecting young people

Education

EA Youth Service Youth Support Worker qualification

OCN level 2 Introduction to Youth Work or equivalent

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: Youth Support Worker-in-Charge

RESPONSIBLE 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 duties

• To 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. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

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

• EA Youth Service Youth Support Worker qualification – Shortlisting by Application Form
• OCN level 2 Introduction to Youth Work (or equivalent or higher) – Shortlisting by Application Form
• Experience: A minimum of six months experience (paid or unpaid) of working in a youth work setting – Shortlisting by Application Form
• Other: Willingness to undertake job related training as and when required – Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

• Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of the following: NI Youth Work Curriculum; Department of Education Child Protection regulations; Issues affecting young people particularly in relation to their health and wellbeing – 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

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.