Youth Support Worker

LORAG (Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group) is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic part-time Youth Support Worker to assist with the operation and coordination of the Lower Ormeau Youth Centre’s programme. Following the closure of the purpose-built St John Vianney Youth Centre in October 2023, LORAG, in partnership with other key stakeholders, is tasked with re-opening and strengthening the facility for the delivery of area-based programmes, funded by the Education Authority.

Incoming staff will be employed under NJC (National Joint Council) for Local Government Services terms and conditions; however, it is intended that youth staff within the team will transition to JNA terms as the services become reestablished within youth services. The successful candidate will be tasked with growing the service to meet the needs of the area and will be assisted in this task by the wider LORAG teams.

Qualifications:

• Either: A) EA endorsed, Youth Support Worker qualification
• B) OCN Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Support
• C) An equivalent youth work qualification

Skills/Experience Required:

• Experience of delivering social education programmes and activities designed for young people
• Experience of supporting young people to work effectively in groups and to express and realise their goals.
• Experience in a range of youth work settings e.g. street-based youth work, centre-based work, youth work within a community or voluntary group, residential or thematic group (Desirable)

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements and safeguarding best practice and how these relate to young people and staff
• Capable of facilitating developmental group work projects
• Ability to design, plan and implement programmes of activities for young people based on evidence of need and the NI youth work curriculum
• Ability to build sustainable relationships with key stakeholders including young people and adults through effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of delivering youth work within an equal opportunities framework/CRED principles
• Knowledge of issues affecting young people particularly in relation to health and well-being
• Knowledge of personal development processes
• Good planning and organisational skills and ICT skills

Personal Qualities:

• Strong commitment to young people
• Team player, approachable, accepting of others
• Conscientious, flexible and reliable
• Willing to participate in further training as necessary

Additional Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Free fitness classes
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym

About LORAG:

LORAG is a needs-led community development organisation, founded in 1987 to support the residents and community of the Lower Ormeau. LORAG has managed Shaftesbury Community and Recreation Centre, a council-owned facility since 2000, successfully growing the services delivered from the centre from 20 hours per week to 94 hours, sustaining 26 jobs, serving the needs of the community. LORAG has undertaken the redevelopment of the John Murray Lockhouse as a Healthy Living Hub, Community Garden, Shed, Boat Store, and River access point on the Lagan. The redevelopment aims to improve health and good relations through animating the towpath, river and community connection, providing a wide range of additional opportunities for young people to engage in water-based activities and social economy initiatives. The project is currently under construction and set for completion in 2026.

LORAG can only consider applicants that complete the application form.