Centre Based Youth Worker 2 (Local Team) in Belfast

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

• Qualifications/Professional Membership: Be a qualified Youth Worker in accordance with the JNC Report for Youth Workers, Paragraph 5.
• Experience: Have a minimum of one year’s post qualifying experience managing a Youth Centre or Youth Project. Have a minimum of one year’s experience managing youth work staff.
• Knowledge: Demonstrable working knowledge of information technology systems to include the following Microsoft Office packages: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Skills/Abilities: Evidence of skills in designing, delivering and evaluating youth work training.
• Other: The successful candidate will be required to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) or provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

• Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of the NI Youth Work Curriculum, risk management processes relative to the welfare of young people, and Department of Education Child Protection regulations.
• Skills/Abilities: Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with young people, evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills, practical experience of financial management processes, proven skills in developing local assessments of need and evaluating impact.
• Values Orientation: Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

Our Values

Through 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.

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: Senior Youth Worker or Designated Youth Worker

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Up to 3 FTE

JOB PURPOSE: The Centre Based Youth Worker 2 will be responsible for the management of the Youth Centre and for maximising the use of the Centre by young people for agreed purposes, in line with EA policies. This will include the development of youth work initiatives with young people and other agencies in a designated area.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing & Developing a Range of Services at Unit Level and within the Designated Area: Work directly with young people by assessing their needs and providing an agreed programme of activities designed to meet those needs, in line with the Youth Service Curriculum for Northern Ireland.
• Develop an individual Annual Action Plan and actively contribute to the Area Plan and the overall strategic plan for the Youth Service.
• Ensure the active participation of young people in the youth work programmes within the designated area and in the management of the centre.
• In consultation with the Youth Centre Management Committee/Advisory Committee and line manager ensure that objectives are achieved through implementation, monitoring and self-evaluation of agreed work programmes.
• Establish contact with, listen to, befriend, advise, support and act as an advocate for young people.
• Encourage and participate in the residential and outdoor education elements of the programme.
• Promote and develop inter-community activities.
• Be responsible to the line manager for all management, administration and financial matters relevant to the Youth Centre and area project.
• Engage in appropriate fundraising related directly to the approved programme.
• Provide support to youth groups and relevant organisations within the designated area.
• Engage where appropriate in outreach or detached youth work programmes within the designated area.

Developing Staff and Facilities at Unit Level and Designated Area: Work with staff and volunteers to develop, implement, manage and evaluate programmes of activities, services and facilities in line with the agreed priorities for the centre and as required within the designated area.

Management Responsibility for Staff at Unit Level and within the Designated Area: Supervise appropriate staff, including the management and allocation of duties within the centre and within the designated area.

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.

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.