Youth Justice Worker

At Foróige, you’re not just taking on a job — you’re joining a movement that empowers young people and transforms communities. With over 600 dedicated staff and thousands of volunteers, we work together to create impactful change through innovative programmes, clubs, and services.

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

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 are managed by Foróige.

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 participate 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 administrative requirements of the project.

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

• Networking, co-operating, 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, the 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 deadlines are adhered to.

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

• Any other relevant duties as deemed necessary by the Board of Foróige, the Chief Executive Officer, or the nominee of the Chief Executive for the effective implementation of the policies and programmes of Foróige and the Youth Diversion Project.

Professional Qualifications & Experience (D: Desirable; E: Essential)

• Education to degree standard, preferably in the area of 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 working with young people (E).

• 1 year’s experience in a YDP or similar youth work role (D).

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

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

Person Specification (Essential)

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

• Ability to be proactive, use 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 operational needs.

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 Programme.

Pension Contributory pension benefits.

Additional Benefits

• Bike to Work Scheme.

• Commuter Travel Tax Saver Ticket.

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

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

• Organisation Culture: Support and supervision policies 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 unpaid leave after 1 year’s service.

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

• Maternity and Paternity Benefit: Top-up maternity and paternity benefit pay.