Senior Youth Officer

About the Project

Foróige in partnership with Young Persons Probation Service is currently recruiting a Project Coordinator for the Westview Project. This will be a Fixed Term Contract subject to funding. The project provides services that meet with the Day Care Centre Order requirements of the Children’s Act 2001.

The Project Coordinator will work as part of the Foróige/YPP team in Cork reporting to the Foróige Area Manager in Cork. The Westview Team in conjunction with Young Persons Probation develop and implement appropriate interventions for young people which reduce offending behaviour, facilitate stability, and promote progression.

A provision of programmes catering for the young people between the ages of 12 - 23 years, who are under court order and who are of moderate to high risk of reoffending. The programmes and activities will meet the requirement of a Day Care Centre Order under Section 118 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended).

The Coordinator in collaboration with the Probation Officers will design and deliver a planned programme of intervention for each young person referred to the project. The selected activities/programmes will be part of an individual case plan designed to address the offending behaviour. The Coordinator will continuously review and evaluate all of the programmes being delivered and will ensure planned outcomes are being achieved. At the core, the programmes will enhance social skills development, provide employment preparation and equip the young people to utilise their leisure time in a positive and productive fashion. All of the work is carried out within the respective ethos of the Young Persons Probation and Foróige.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will be employed by Foróige and will be given a contract of employment. It must be understood however, that if the position becomes redundant at any time during the period of the contract or if the funding for the post is discontinued or a post holder fails to perform satisfactorily, employment may be terminated.

Key Responsibilities of the Coordinator.

● Preparation of work schedules and rosters

● Managing attendances & absences from work.

● Ensuring Health & Safety procedures are adhered to.

● Providing supervision/support to team members

● Accounting for all assets (cash & non-cash) assigned to the project.

● Report to Foróige’s Area Manager in Cork.

Professional Qualification, Experience

(D: Desirable; E: Essential)

● Education to Degree standard in Youth Work/Social Work or other relevant discipline (note: candidates with exceptional, relevant work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree qualifications) E

● A minimum of 3 years professional paid experience of working face-to-face with at risk youth (12-18 year olds) in a youth justice setting. E

● Have experience in line managing staff. D

● Be able to design, deliver and evaluate appropriate individualised interventions plans that address the challenging behaviour of the young people. E

● Have high level report writing skills. E

● Access to a Car and Full Driving Licence E

Person Specification (Essential)

● Proven track record to motivate, engage and influence effectively.

● Strong communicator and team player.

● Be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

● Be available to deliver service Monday to Saturday including late evenings.

● Ability to work on your own initiative.

● 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 team working

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to draft summary information and correspondence.

● IT skills - including Word processing, MS Access, Excel, Internet and PowerPoint.

● Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people

● Ability to follow organisational guidelines and processes.

● Knowledge and experience of systems, processing and administration

● Flexibility in relation to hours of work to meet the needs of the work.

Benefits to Support You

Salary: Foróige SYO Salary scale: €54,469, €56,496, €58,528, €60,556, €62,582, €64,606

The highest starting point for this role will be point 6 and will be dependent on experience.

Annual Leave: 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday.

EAP: 24/7 Employee Assistance.

Pension: Contributory pension benefits.

Bike to Work Scheme

Commuter Travel Tax Saver Ticket

Training & Development: Structured onboarding together 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 supports your professional development.

Progression Opportunities

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

Unpaid Leave: Up to 6 months Unpaid Leave Break 1 year service.

Flexible Work: Flexible work practices that support work life balance.

Maternity and Paternity Benefit: Top up Maternity and Paternity Benefit pay.