Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust in Newtownabbey

Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust in Newtownabbey

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

  • Tasks: Empower young people with learning disabilities through creative sessions and mentorship.
  • Company: Join Mencap NI, a leader in supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 32 days of paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Full-time role until December 2027 with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while fostering inclusion and community.
  • Qualifications: No specific experience needed; your passion and values matter most.

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

Are you passionate about empowering young people? Ready to make a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities/additional needs? This is your moment. Join Mencap NI Youth and be part of something powerful and transformative.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), we are on the lookout for enthusiastic, driven and proactive youth workers to help deliver our HEROES+ Project focused on young people aged 14-24. HEROES+ is all about:

  • Inspiring growth
  • Unlocking potential
  • Promoting inclusion
  • Fostering peacebuilding and understanding
  • Building a more connected, peaceful and cohesive community

We will be delivering bold, innovative programmes that transform lives, promote positive relationships across communities and challenge stereotypes, and we want you to be part of it.

As a Youth Worker you will:

  • Design and deliver creative, engaging sessions
  • Support personal and social development
  • Be a positive role model and mentor
  • Help young people find their voice and reach their goals

Join us and:

  • Be part of a transformative project
  • Be part of a supportive, inclusive team
  • Make a genuine difference every single day
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • Amplify the voices of young people who deserve to be heard

Roles will be offered on a full-time, fixed term basis until December 2027. Full information and how to apply can be found in the application pack and job description attached. This vacancy will close on 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.

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.

Youth Worker - Belfast & South East Trust in Newtownabbey employer: Mencap

Mencap NI Youth is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people with learning disabilities and additional needs. With a strong focus on personal and social development, our inclusive work culture fosters growth and collaboration, offering ongoing training and a supportive team environment. Located in Belfast, we provide a comprehensive benefits package, including 32 days of paid holiday and various perks, ensuring our employees feel valued while making a meaningful impact in the community.

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Contact Details:

Mencap Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research Mencap NI and their HEROES+ Project. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely passionate about empowering young people.

Tip Number 2

Practice your storytelling skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've made a difference in someone's life or helped a young person grow. We want to hear those stories during the interview!

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can be super helpful when you're preparing for your interview.

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 that you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.

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

Empowerment of Young People
Support for Learning Disabilities
Creative Session Design
Engagement Techniques
Personal and Social Development Support
Mentoring Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for empowering young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our HEROES+ Project and support young people's growth.

Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity, so let your true self come through in your application. Share what makes you unique and how your values align with Mencap's mission.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need in the application pack!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap

Know Your Why

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to work as a Youth Worker. Think about your passion for empowering young people and how your values align with Mencap's mission. This will help you articulate your motivation during the interview.

Showcase Your Creativity

Since the role involves designing and delivering engaging sessions, be prepared to share examples of creative activities or programmes you've implemented in the past. Think outside the box and demonstrate how you can inspire growth and unlock potential in young people.

Emphasise Inclusivity

Mencap values inclusion and understanding, so be ready to discuss how you’ve promoted these principles in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve fostered a sense of belonging among diverse groups, highlighting your ability to connect with young people from various backgrounds.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the HEROES+ Project. Inquire about the types of programmes they’re currently running or how they measure success in empowering young people. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.