Senior Youth Justice Worker

Foróige is an independent, non-profit national voluntary youth organisation engaged in out-of-school youth development and education. The organisation enables young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of society.

Foróige employs over 500 staff and involves thousands of volunteers in the creation and delivery of high-quality services to young people through the operation of:

• Over 400 Foróige Clubs

• The Big Brother Big Sister Programme

• Over 140 General Youth Services and Special Projects – including over 40 Youth Diversion Projects

These posts will be part of a network of Youth Diversion Projects; funded by the Department of Justice and Equality and by the European Social Fund 2014–2020 and Dormant Accounts funding through the Irish Youth Justice Service, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, and will be managed by Foróige.

We are currently recruiting a Senior Youth Justice Worker. Other YDP posts may become available during the course of this recruitment process.

Working in a YDP, regardless of the role, will allow you to take a journey with young people and families, who are often the most marginalised and disadvantaged. Many have faced great obstacles, tragedy and adversity in their lives, yet are inspiring in their ability to cope, bounce back and often flourish, once given the appropriate opportunities and supports.

Foróige’s philosophy underpins all of our work and this supports our passionate belief in the importance of giving second chances and opportunities to young people regardless of their circumstances.

• Leading, guiding and supporting the work of the Youth Diversion Project, in conjunction with the Area Manager, including project expansions where applicable.

• Recruiting, supporting and supervising project staff.

• Delivery of youth justice interventions to young people.

• Identifying the needs and strengths of young people and their families, and developing case plans to respond to them effectively.

• Ensuring that the YDP interventions are needs-led, evidence-based and outcomes-focused.

• Working in partnership with local agencies in responding to the needs of young people at risk of offending or reoffending.

• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with An Garda Síochána.

• Coordinating and supporting the development of the YDP Advisory Committee and Referral Assessment Committee.

• Ensuring compliance with Foróige policies, procedures and guidelines, and YDP Operational Requirements.

• Ensuring that plans and reports are completed in line with the expectations of the funder.

• Initiating and contributing to local, regional and national initiatives, committees and structures in relation to responding more effectively to the needs of young people.

• Building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders, particularly An Garda Síochána and other services engaged with young people in the catchment area.

• Administration, budget and resource management including compiling plans and reports as required by the funder and ensuring that deadlines are adhered to.

• Any such other relevant duties as the Board of Foróige and/or the Chief Executive Officer or their nominee shall deem necessary for the effective implementation of the policy and programmes of Foróige and the Youth Diversion Project.

(E = Essential / D = Desirable)

• Education to minimum Degree level (Level 7 NFQ) in a relevant discipline (E)

• Previous line management and supervision experience (D)

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working with young people and families experiencing adversity in their lives and in planning interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes (E)

• Experience working with families and parents, particularly in delivering parenting and whole family programmes (E)

• Experience in establishing, leading and coordinating new and innovative responses to youth needs (E)

• Ability to work in an efficient manner and to lead and motivate others (E)

• Car owner with full driving licence (E)

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people

• Good interpersonal skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain effective working relationships

• Excellent standards of accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment

• Positive and flexible approach to working as part of a team

• Excellent written communications skills, including report writing and the ability to draft summary information and correspondence

• Ability to follow organisational guidelines and processes

• Good computer skills, including Word & Excel, PowerPoint and Social Media skills

• Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation

• To act consistently in a professional manner at all times

• To participate in regular supervision with your line manager

• Flexibility in relation to hours of work to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours will be required

• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role

• Salary: Senior Youth Officer Scale: €52,883, €54,851, €56,823, €58,793, €60,759, €62,725

  • Starting point will be at Point 1 or Point 3, based on experience

• Annual Leave: 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday

• Pension: Contributory pension benefits

• Training & Development: Structured onboarding with a 9-day Foróige Induction Programme; ongoing CPD

• Study Leave: Up to 5 days paid Study Leave per year of course

• Organisation Culture: Support & Supervision policy and practices that support professional development

• EAP: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

• Career Break: Up to 2 years Career Break after 3 years’ service

• Unpaid Leave: Up to 6 months Unpaid Leave Break after 1 year of service

• Flexible Work: Flexible work practices that support work-life balance

• Maternity and Paternity Benefit: Top-up Maternity and Paternity Benefit pay