Youth Officer

Programme Description

The CyberQuest initiative aims to transform the lives of young people aged 16 to 25 in Northern Ireland and the border counties by reducing economic inactivity and enhancing their ICT and digital skills, particularly in cyber security. Targeting those not in, or far from, education, employment, or training, the project seeks to foster meaningful community relations and positively impact participants' lives.

Foróige is partnering with youth organisations including Springvale Training, Youth Action Northern Ireland, and Bytes (lead partner) to access economically inactive young people. The programme partners also include REIM Training Solutions Limited, providing expertise in IT and digital skills.

The CyberQuest initiative integrates youth work principles through a learner-led, person-centred methodology delivered by youth work staff. This ensures tailored, evidence-informed support, helping to address participants' challenges while facilitating re-engagement and ongoing support.

The appointed staff member will be responsible for recruiting participants to the CyberQuest programme across Cavan-Monaghan, designing and facilitating personal and social development programmes, and supporting participants to engage in a range of accredited ICT and Digital Skills training programmes (such as Cyber Security Awareness and ICDL) delivered by the project partner, REIM.

The personal and social development programme, as part of Work Package 1, will include:

• Induction.
• Mentoring.
• Social action projects.
• Cross-community initiatives.
• A series of workshops and activities themed around:

Foróige is seeking to appoint one Youth Officer. The successful candidate will be based in one of Foróige’s regional offices in Cavan-Monaghan, with the base agreed upon at the time of appointment.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate 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, if the funding for the post is discontinued, or if the post holder fails to perform satisfactorily, employment may be terminated.

The duties of the Youth Worker, in carrying out any functions involved in or arising from the appointment, shall be as notified by the local Senior Youth Officer or Area Manager, the Board of Foróige, and/or its Chief Executive Officer.

These duties will include, but are not be limited to, the following:

• Promoting, recruiting, and retaining participants aged 16–25 for the CyberQuest programme.
• Designing and facilitating appropriate personal and social programmes incorporating IT and Digital Skills.
• Providing post-Work Package 1 support to participants to enable them to engage in Work Packages 2 and 3 of the CyberQuest programme, as appropriate.
• Working with each participant to develop a personal action plan and monitoring and recording progress towards achieving personal goals.
• Organising residentials, cross-community, and cross-border contact and activities for CyberQuest participants on a regular basis.
• Ensuring programme delivery and assessment are in line with awarding body requirements.
• Recording, monitoring, and updating all participant data, including personal details, attendance records, one-to-one contact, achievements, and progression, to meet the data requirements of the funders and the organisation.
• Linking with and contributing to other initiatives within the CyberQuest programme, partners, and teams as required.
• Carrying out administrative duties, including inputting data into Foróige IT systems, compiling reports as required by the funder, and ensuring deadlines are adhered to.
• Complying with Foróige policies, procedures, and guidelines as instructed by Foróige management.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

(E = Essential | D = Desirable)

• Education to Degree standard (Level 7), preferably in Youth Work, Information Technology, or Digital & Media Skills. (E)
• Candidates with exceptional relevant work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree qualifications.
• One year of experience in youth work or a similar role. (D)
• Access to a car and a full Irish driving licence. (E)
• Relevant paid or voluntary experience working with young people. (D)
• Exposure to and understanding of youth work. (D)

Person Specification

(All Essential Requirements)

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the 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.
• Good written communication skills, including the ability to draft summary information, correspondence, and reports.
• Good computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Requirements of All Foróige Staff

(All Essential Requirements)

• Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to working within the values, policies, and procedures of the organisation.
• Act consistently in a professional manner at all times.
• Participate in regular supervision with your line manager.
• Flexibility in relation to working hours to meet the needs of the role. Work during unsocial hours may be required.
• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role.
• Undertake any other duties as may be requested by the Chief Executive Officer of Foróige or their nominee from time to time.

Benefits

Salary

Foróige Youth Officer Salary Scale:

€38,558, €40,163, €41,769, €43,376, €44,982, €46,592, €48,201, €50,601, €53,001.

Annual Leave

• 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday.

Pension

• Contributory pension benefits.

Training & Development

• Structured onboarding together with a 9-day Foróige Induction Programme.
• Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (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.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.

Career Break

• Up to 2 years after 3 years' service.

Unpaid Leave

• Up to 6 months unpaid leave 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 InformationGarda Vetting

As the role involves contact with young people, candidates under consideration for employment with Foróige will be subject to Garda vetting.

Hours of Work

• 35 hours per week.
• This position requires flexibility in working hours.
• The Youth Officer will be expected to work late evenings and regular weekends.

Travel

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