Assistant Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust

Assistant Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust

Belfast Full-Time 24000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people with learning disabilities through engaging activities and one-to-one support.
  • Company: Join Mencap NI, a leader in empowering young people and building inclusive communities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 32 days of paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and more perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a fun, supportive team with excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing personally and professionally.
  • Qualifications: No specific experience needed; your passion and values matter most.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.

Do you believe in empowering young people and building inclusive communities? Are you ready to support a project that is transforming lives? Join Mencap NI Youth HEROES+ Project. We are recruiting Assistant Youth Workers to play a key role in delivering this innovative programme for young people with learning disabilities and additional needs.

HEROES+ is an exciting project for young people aged 14-24 with a learning disability/additional need that is designed to:

  • Inspire personal growth
  • Promote inclusion and peace building
  • Empower young people to reach their full potential
  • Build bridges and strengthen communities

As an Assistant Youth Worker, you will:

  • Assist and support with the delivery of programme sessions and activities
  • Support young people one-to-one and in groups
  • Help build trusting relationships with participants
  • Encourage participation, confidence and peer connections
  • Work closely with the youth work team to ensure every young person has a positive empowering experience.

These roles will be offered on a 22.5 hours per week, fixed term contract until December 2027.

Join us and be part of a transformative project, work in a fun, supportive team, make a difference in young people's lives, and access valuable training and development.

Full information and how to apply can be found in the application pack and job description attached. The HEROES+ Project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This vacancy will close on the 14 June 2026. Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the role requirements set out in the job description for consideration.

At Mencap, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we intentionally plan for the success of our colleagues in everything we do. We welcome applications from everyone, so come as you are and join us. Together we are Mencap.

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

Every day we grow and learn. It's okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes. Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We're not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you're applying for.

Assistant Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust employer: Mencap

Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people and fostering inclusive communities. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, Mencap offers a rewarding environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of young individuals with learning disabilities. Join our fun and collaborative team in Belfast and be part of a transformative project that values diversity and personal growth.

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Contact Details:

Mencap Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research Mencap and the HEROES+ Project. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples of how you've empowered others or built inclusive communities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Mencap team and being part of something transformative.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust

Empathy
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Teamwork
Support and Mentoring
Inclusivity Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Youth Worker role. Highlight any relevant experience working with young people or in community settings, as this will show us you’re a great fit for our team.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your values align with Mencap’s mission. Share specific examples of how you've empowered others or contributed to inclusive communities, so we can see your passion for the role.

Show Your Personality:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Whether it’s your enthusiasm for youth work or your commitment to inclusivity, make sure we feel your vibe!

Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap

Know the Project Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand the HEROES+ Project and its goals. Familiarise yourself with how it empowers young people with learning disabilities and additional needs. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.

Showcase Your People Skills

As an Assistant Youth Worker, building trusting relationships is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported or connected with young people. Highlight your ability to encourage participation and foster confidence.

Emphasise Inclusivity and Teamwork

Mencap values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a supportive team environment. Share your thoughts on promoting inclusion and peace-building within communities, and how you can help create a positive experience for every participant.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that reflect your enthusiasm for the role. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support young people. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in making a difference.