LYNC - Linking Youth to New Careers Programme - Connect Programme - Assistant Youth Support Wor[...] in Londonderry

The LYNC CONNECT programme will be implemented across the statutory EA Youth Service in Causeway Coast and Glens. The purpose of these programmes is to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills of young people aged 18-25 years old, through training and paid work experience, whilst they are supported by professionally qualified youth workers.

Participants will attain EA recognition at the Youth Support Worker level qualification, relevant personal and youth work skills training and accreditation over an eight month period from March 2026 – October 2026. Please note however, there is no guarantee of a paid post on completion of this programme.

The CONNECT programme is aimed at engaging 54 young people across Northern Ireland aged 18-25 years old who have a minimum of 4 GCSEs (grades A*- C) or equivalent or higher, one of which should be English (essential skills level 2 is accepted as an equivalent to GCSE English) and want to receive work experience, either to increase a personal statement to apply to further education, or to gain employment.

Applicants must be a registered youth service member, volunteer or part-time youth leader (attend, volunteer or work in any form of youth provision, for example a youth club/centre, area based youth provision, a Girls Brigade group, a Boys Brigade group, a Scout group, a Guide group or a church based or community youth group). Applicants will have to demonstrate they have evidence of a commitment to working with children and young people and have a commitment to volunteering.

You will be paid for 24 hours per week and the 6 remaining hours will be a commitment to volunteer by giving your time as positive role models and peer mentors for the young people in the EA Youth Service Community scheme. You will provide one to one support as a peer mentor using the Circle of Courage framework as well as small reflective group work using the reflection framework model.

Successful candidates will be given the opportunity where possible to choose and complete two work placements, working directly with children and young people in youth service teams which may include working in schools. Placement opportunities will include Centre Based Youth Work (This placement will involve regular weekend work).

All participants of the programme will be provided with a link youth worker providing support and supervision. There will be regular opportunities for participants to meet and to share practice and personal learning. Each participant will have an individual plan with their own personal goals detailed and reviewed, ensuring that outcomes are recorded as well as satisfaction rates.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the planning and implementation of programmes, related to the 'Model for Effective Practice'.
• Ensure 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.
• Challenge oppressive behaviour in young people.
• Provide information and support to young people.
• Support young people in evaluating youth work activities and the impact of youth work on their development.
• Implement the unit's Child Protection Policy and work with young people to safeguard their welfare and the welfare of others.
• Assist with administrative duties within the unit.

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 SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

• By the closing date for receipt of applications, have a minimum of 4 GCSEs (grades A*- C) or equivalent or higher, one of which should be English (essential skills level 2 is accepted as an equivalent to GCSE English).
• Applicants must by the closing date for receipt of completed applications be: a member/attendee, volunteer or leader in any form of statutory or voluntary youth provision; at least 18 years of age and less than 26 years of age; willing to work unsociable hours including evenings, weekends and holidays; and able to commence the role in March 2026.
• Demonstrable evidence of a commitment to working with children and young people.
• Demonstrable evidence of a commitment to volunteering.

Desirable Criteria

• Preference will be given to young people not currently in stable full-time employment at the closing date for applications.
• Those who are unemployed, employed part-time, on a low income and in receipt of Benefits e.g. Universal Credit, Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance; and/or Applicants who do not hold a permanent contract of employment.

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.