Youth Justice Worker

About the Project

Working in a Youth Diversion Project, 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 supports our passionate belief in the importance of giving second chances and opportunities to young people regardless of their circumstances. These projects are part of a network of Youth Diversion Projects, funded by the Department of Justice and by the European Social Fund and Dormant Accounts, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána under the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027, and will be managed by Foróige.

Donegal shares a land border with Northern Ireland, and the Donegal Youth Diversion Project engages with young people living in Donegal who may be offending, or at risk of offending, in Northern Ireland. The project works in partnership with An Garda Síochána, including the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau and Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs), the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and Youth Justice Northern Ireland to support early intervention and coordinated responses that promote positive outcomes for young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessing and responding to the needs of young people at risk of offending or re-offending.

• Engaging, building, and maintaining strong, positive relationships with the target group on both a one-to-one and group basis.

• Engaging these young people in a process of learning and development that will enable them to examine their own offending and make positive lifestyle choices that will protect them from involvement in criminal, harmful, or socially unacceptable behaviours.

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating creative and responsive outcomes-focused case plans and interventions for project participants.

• Engaging and supporting parents/guardians to engage effectively in their young person’s social and personal development to facilitate positive behaviour change.

• Ensuring compliance with Foróige policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Operating in accordance with the YDP Operational Requirements.

• Completing accurately and on time all of the administrative requirements of the project.

• Attending YDP advisory committee and referral assessment committee meetings as required and preparing reports for the same.

• Networking, cooperating, and enlisting the support of other agencies/organisations and community groups to enhance development opportunities for project participants.

• Attending committee and team meetings as required by Management, Project Committee, and Funders.

• 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.

• Working collaboratively as part of the YDP team and the wider Foróige team.

• Any 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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support engagement with young people living in Donegal who may be offending, or at risk of offending, in Northern Ireland.

• Work in partnership with An Garda Síochána, the PSNI, and Youth Justice Northern Ireland to support coordinated responses for young people.

• This role will predominantly support work in the border areas of Donegal, reflecting the partnership work required with services in Northern Ireland.

Professional Qualification and Experience (D: Desirable; E: Essential)

• Education to Degree standard, preferably in Youth, Justice, Social, or Community Work (E). Candidates with exceptional relevant work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree qualifications.

• Relevant paid or voluntary experience of working with young people (E).

• One year’s experience in a YDP or similar Youth Work role (D).

• Experience and understanding of YDP work and of working with young people facing adversity (D).

• Access to a car and full driving licence (Essential).

Person Specification (Essential)

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

• 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 verbal and written communication skills.

• 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 Youth Officer Scale: €38,558, €40,163, €41,769, €43,376, €44,982, €46,592, €48,201, €50,601, €53,001. The highest starting point for this role will be Point 3 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 and Supervision policy and practices that support your professional development.

Progression Opportunities

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

• Unpaid Leave: Up to 6 months 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.

Other Information

• Garda Vetting: Candidates under consideration for employment in Foróige will be subject to Garda vetting.

• Visa: Foróige is not in a position to sponsor work permit applications. All applicants should hold a valid work permit and permission for ROI.

• Hours of Work: Minimum 35 hours per week. The position will require flexibility in relation to working hours, including some late evenings/nights (up to 3 per week) and occasional weekend work.

• Travel: This post will involve domestic travel within Ireland and occasional meetings. Travel and expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate Foróige rates.