At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide young people with autism in achieving their best outcomes.
- Company: The Cedar Foundation, a leading organisation focused on youth support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, agile working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a Platinum accredited organisation committed to staff development and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of marginalised young people while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience supporting young people with ASD.
The predicted salary is between 30426 - 30426 £ per year.
The Cedar Foundation is seeking to recruit a Project Officer for the Youthscape PLUS programme.
Location: Unit D3 Balliniska Business Park, Springtown Drive, Derry, BT48 0NA (with agile working options)
Salary: Starting at £30,426 per annum (pro-rata)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Contract: Until September 2027 (Please note this post is funded via the Peace Plus Programme. Continuation of employment beyond this date is subject to funding)
The Service: Youthscape PLUS is a cross border, cross community intervention programme aimed at marginalised young people in the South West region of Northern Ireland and the counties of Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo. The programme is funded under PEACEPLUS and is led by the South West College (SWC) in partnership with Donegal Youth Services, Mayo Leitrim Sligo Education & Training Board, Tides Training and the Cedar Foundation (Cedar).
The Role: Within Youthscape PLUS, Cedar provides a specialist service to SWC and its co-delivery partners to enhance the support required by participants with autism to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. The Project Officer will provide support and guidance to delivery partners and other key stakeholders as well as a flexible range of person-centred assistance and supports to individual participants.
Benefits:
- 20 days annual leave and 12 statutory days pro rata.
- Annual leave entitlements increase to 25 days (pro rata) after 5 years' service and 27 days (pro rata) after 10 years' service.
- Auto enrolment Pension through Standard Life. Employer contribution 4%, employee contribution 5%.
- Annual incremental pay increases on agreed salary scale.
- Agile working benefits.
- Occupational Sick Pay Scheme that increases with length of service.
- Investor in People Platinum accredited organisation with commitment to development of the staff team through training and learning opportunities.
- Staff recognition & reward incentives aligned to high standards of performance.
- Westfield Healthcare cashback scheme.
- Special offers at over 600 leading high street and online retailers.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
Please Note - At present The Cedar Foundation does not offer sponsorship.
Essential Criteria:
- RQF level 6 (e.g. Bachelor's Degree) or equivalent level in Psychology, Education, Community Work, Health & Social Care, Youth Work or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline AND Minimum of 1 year's paid experience in working with supporting young people with ASD OR RQF level 4 or equivalent level in Psychology, Education, Community Work, Health & Social Care, Youth Work or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline AND Minimum of 3 years' paid experience as above.
- Proficiency in IT skills, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
- Ability to work independently with good organisational, communication & interpersonal skills.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 29th July 2026 at 10:00 am
THE CEDAR FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
Project Officer - Youthscape PLUS employer: The Cedar Foundation
The Cedar Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Health Care Support Workers in the vibrant community of Bangor. With competitive pay rates, generous benefits including paid training opportunities and a commitment to employee development, staff are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Join a team that values collaboration and compassion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer - Youthscape PLUS
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like The Cedar Foundation, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at The Cedar Foundation. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through The Cedar Foundation's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer - Youthscape PLUS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at The Cedar Foundation. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at The Cedar Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cedar Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with The Cedar Foundation.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Project Officer - Youthscape PLUS at The Cedar Foundation.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show The Cedar Foundation that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Project Officer - Youthscape PLUS role.
