Youth Justice Worker

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and respond to the needs of young people aged 8–11 years who are at risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour in the future.
• Engage with, build, and maintain strong, positive relationships with the target group on both a one-to-one and group basis.
• Provide early targeted intervention through a range of approaches, including group work, individual support, skills-based programmes, mentoring, referrals/signposting to other services, and recreational activities appropriate to each child.
• Design, implement, and evaluate outcome-focused case plans and age-appropriate interventions that engage and divert identified 8–11-year-olds before they reach the age at which they could be referred to the Youth Diversion Programme.
• Engage and support parents/guardians to participate effectively in their child's social and personal development to encourage positive behaviour change.
• Work collaboratively with the child, their family, the wider Youth Diversion Programme (YDP) team, and any other relevant agencies supporting the child.
• Ensure compliance with Foróige policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Operate in accordance with the YDP Operational Requirements.
• Complete all project administration accurately and within required timeframes.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Essential (E)

• Degree-level qualification, preferably in Youth Work, Justice, Social Work, Community Work, or a related discipline. Candidates with exceptional relevant work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree qualifications.
• Relevant paid or voluntary experience working with young people.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable (D)

• At least 1 year's experience in a Youth Diversion Programme (YDP) or a similar youth work role.
• Experience and understanding of YDP work and supporting young people experiencing adversity.

Person Specification (Essential)

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people.
• Ability to be proactive, use initiative, and work effectively in 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, processes, and administration.
• Flexibility regarding working hours to meet the needs of the role.

Benefits to Support You

Salary

Foróige Youth Officer Salary Scale:

• €38,558
• €40,163
• €41,769
• €43,376
• €44,982
• €46,592
• €48,201
• €50,601
• €53,001 per annum (pro-rated for part-time hours).

The highest starting point for this role will be Point 1, depending on experience.

Annual Leave

• 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday (pro-rated).

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.

Pension

• Contributory pension benefits.

Additional Benefits

• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Commuter Travel Tax Saver Ticket.
• Structured onboarding together with a 9-day Foróige Induction Programme.
• Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Up to 5 days paid study leave per year of study.
• Supportive organisational culture with supervision and professional development practices.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Career break of up to 2 years after 3 years' service.
• Up to 6 months unpaid leave after 1 year's service.
• Flexible work practices supporting work-life balance.
• Maternity and paternity benefit top-up pay.