PEACEPLUS Alternatives Programme - Youth Worker

POSITION: Alternatives Youth Worker for the Alternatives Youth Project, funded by the PEACEPLUS Programme under 3.2 Children and Young People Measure. The area of initial responsibility may change over time in line with the requirements of CMETB.

REPORTING: Youth Development Officer, Director of FET and The Chief Executive.

CONTRACT: Fixed-Term, Full-Time Position for 1 year and 8 Months, in County Cavan.

POST SUMMARY

The successful candidate will have responsibility under general direction, for Co-ordinating and implementing the efficient day-to-day work of the PEACEPLUS Alternatives Youth Programmes in their functional area within CMETB. Ensuring targets and service levels are achieved and work undertaken, as per PEACEPLUS Grant Agreement with Springboard.

Specifically, a back-to-education support initiative for 14 - 16-year-olds, the Alternative Programme will focus on the following:

• Liaising with referral agents/support agencies to the programme inclusive of Education and Welfare Officer (EWO), School Principals, Parents, Youth and Community organisations and services.

• Where required, convene the Implementation of Meitheal as part of the support package for the young person.

• Design, implement and deliver the Alternatives Youth Programme to best meet the needs of participants, implementing individual learning plans for all participants.

• Signpost and support their engagement in the wider offer available from the array of various youth and community services.

• Identification of the appropriate progression for the young person, based on their individual plan.

• Main aim of the programme is to support young people to return to mainstream education.

• Whilst referrals may come from an array of agents (as specified above), the EWO in each county will prioritise and recommend all participants to the ALP programme. These young people must be 21 days out of school and be an open case with the EWO.

• Preparation and updating of all accounts and financial procedures as required by SEUPB under the Youth Programme (i.e., Administration of Tutor/Facilitator Claim Forms, ordering of stationery and resources for Tutors/Facilitators, sourcing of Programme Quotations etc) Ensuring that the Youth Programme runs within budgets and timeframe.

• Prepare regular progress reports on the implementation of the Alternatives Youth Programme as required by SEUPB and CMETB.

• Promote teamwork within the section while maintaining a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback, coaching, and creating further opportunities for self-development.

• Assist in effectively promoting the values of CMETB. Establishing a positive working culture and environment for all employees which support the attainment of CMETBs goals.

• Undertake the relevant training and development activities and respond positively to new and alternative systems.

• Communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with relevant internal / external stakeholders.

• To initiate, develop and manage the public relations for the programme.

• Represent the relevant section / department at meetings, as required.

• Research issues thoroughly, consult appropriately, gather all information required on a given issue.

• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade, which may be assigned from time to time.

SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Applicants must:

• Hold a third level qualification in Youth and Community Studies/Education and or Social Science.

• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially the ability to work with and support Volunteer Youth Leaders and Young People (both current and prospective) sensitively and appropriately.

• Have excellent knowledge and skill in the use of ICT. The appointee will be expected to use new technologies as they arise. The appointee is also expected to continue their own knowledge and skills in the area of ICT.

• Have good judgement, problem solving and analytical skills.

• Have good organisational skills and ability to manage/prioritise deadlines.

• Ability to generate strong team morale, co-operation and participation.

• Ability to process work with a high level of attention to detail.

• The ability to work on his/her own initiative and as part of a team.

• Confidentiality and discretion to a high degree are expected.

• Hold a full, valid Driver’s License and have access to own transport.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

Applicants should have:

• Experience of providing youth support/art/drama programmes.

• Child Protection Training.

• A high level of experience together with knowledge of administrative functions.

SELECTION CRITERIA - QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Applicants should also:

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for new developments, changing work practices and strive to implement the changes effectively.

• Maximises the contribution to the team, providing support and working effectively with colleagues.

• Assists in effectively promoting the values of CMETB and establishes a positive working culture and environment in an organisation undergoing significant organisational and cultural change.

• Uphold high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.

The above lists are not exhaustive and may be varied, having regard to the changing needs of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board scheme. Therefore, other responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

The person appointed to an Alternatives Teaching Co-ordinator position will be required to show evidence of the following 6 competencies, in their application:

TEAMWORK:

• Shows respect for colleagues and co-workers.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with others, sharing information and knowledge, as appropriate.

• Offers own ideas and perspectives.

• Understands own role in the team, making every effort to play his/her part.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT/PROCESSING:

• Approaches and delivers all work in a thorough and organised manner.

• Follows procedures and protocols, understanding their value and the rationale behind them.

• Keeps high quality records that are easy for others to understand.

• Draws appropriate conclusions from information.

• Suggests new ways of doing things better and more efficiently.

• Is comfortable working with different types of information, e.g., written, numerical, charts, and carries out calculations such as arithmetic, percentages etc.

DELIVERY OF RESULTS:

• Take responsibility for work and sees it through to the appropriate next level.

• Completes work in a timely manner.

• Adapts quickly to new ways of doing things.

• Checks all work thoroughly to ensure it is completed to a high standard and learns from mistakes.

• Writes with correct grammar and spelling and draws reasonable conclusions from written instructions.

• Identifies and appreciates the urgency and importance of different tasks.

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in ensuring work is delivered.

• Is self-reliant and uses judgement on when to ask manager or colleagues for guidance.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Actively listens to others and tries to understand their perspectives/requirements/needs.

• Understands the steps or processes that customers must go through and can clearly explain these.

• Is respectful, courteous, and professional, remaining composed, even in challenging circumstances.

• Can be firm when necessary and communicate with confidence and authority.

• Communicates clearly and fluently when speaking and in writing.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND SELF DEVELOPMENT:

• Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform in the role effectively, e.g., relevant technologies, IT systems, relevant policies etc.

• Clearly understands the role, objectives, and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit.

• Is committed to self-development and continuously seeks to improve personal performance.

DRIVE AND COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES:

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level and deliver a quality service.

• Serves the Government and people of Ireland.

• Is thorough and conscientious, even if work is routine.

• Is enthusiastic and resilient, preserving in the face of challenges and setbacks.

• Is personally honest and trustworthy.

• At all times, act with integrity.

SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting will take place on the basis of the information provided in the application. During any shortlisting exercise that may be employed, CMETB examines the applications and assesses them against criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in the candidate’s own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of all qualifications and experience to date, in their application.

Additional details are not accepted after the deadline, no exceptions.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for competency-based interview in CMETBs Administration Centre, Market Street, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan H18 W449.

THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY INCLUDE:

• Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application.

• Qualifying preliminary interview.

• A presentation.

THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL INCLUDE:

• A competitive interview.

• Reference checking.

• Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment medical assessment.

SALARY DETAILS

€35,165 - €41,561 per annum, less statutory deductions