Youth Support Worker - (Belfast Area) - Four posts

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

The 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.

• Qualifications: EA Youth Service Youth Support Worker qualification OR 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

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

• 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: 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 - Interview

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.

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.

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.