Youth Support Worker - Crumlin Youth Centre in Antrim

Primary Location: Antrim-Crumlin-Crumlin Youth Centre

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)

Duration of Contract/Contract End Date: 31 March 2027

Status: Part-Time

Hours per Week: 3 hours per week

Working Pattern: Saturday evening: 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Grade/Scale: Youth Support Worker | Support Worker Range Pts 5 - 7

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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential Criteria:

• EA Youth Service Youth Support Worker qualification OR OCN level 2 Introduction to Youth Work (or equivalent or higher).
• A minimum of six months experience (paid or unpaid) of working in a youth work setting.
• Willingness to undertake job related training as and when required.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrable knowledge of the NI Youth Work Curriculum.
• Department of Education Child Protection regulations.
• Issues affecting young people particularly in relation to their health and wellbeing.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with young people.

Values Orientation: Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

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 appointment 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.