Youth Officer

Key Responsibilities

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

The duties of the Youth Officer(s), in carrying out any functions involved in or arising from the appointment, shall be notified by the Foróige Area Manager, the Board of Foróige, and/or its Chief Executive or nominee.

These duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working in partnership with Tusla's Creative Community Alternatives Governance Group and the Foróige Senior Youth Officer to identify and respond effectively to the needs of young people at high risk.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders in the community.
• Designing and engaging young people in intensive one-to-one and group work programmes, as well as parenting and whole-family supports.
• Enlisting the support of parents/guardians, family members, and others to enable them to engage effectively with young people in youth development programmes and activities, while supporting positive behaviour change.
• Working individually with young people to facilitate community integration by exploring alternative hobbies and interests, enabling development in personal effectiveness, self-esteem, confidence, social competence, character development, and educational achievement.
• Engaging effectively with parents/guardians and other family members to support them in their role with the young person.
• Developing planned crisis intervention responses for young people referred to the project.
• Enabling young people to explore the range of options available to them, particularly in relation to education, training, and employment.
• Attending case conferences, regular reviews, and meetings with Tusla personnel.
• Assisting young people and their families in accessing appropriate community resources and services by providing information, support, and referrals to relevant agencies.
• Enabling and empowering young people to participate fully in their own development and in the development of their community.
• Reporting to the Foróige Senior Youth Officer or nominee as required and completing relevant Foróige administration and reporting.
• Undertaking any other relevant duties deemed necessary by the Area Manager, the Board of Foróige, the Chief Executive, or their nominee for the effective implementation of Foróige's policies and programmes.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Essential (E)

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Ability to work in an efficient manner.
• Full driving licence and access to a car for daily work purposes.

Desirable (D)

• Up to two years' relevant experience working with young people experiencing adversity and planning interventions to achieve positive outcomes for young people and their families.
• Experience working with families and parents, including facilitating parenting and whole-family programmes.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Foróige's philosophy and approach to youth work and engaging young people and families.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Tusla's National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Tusla's National Service Delivery Framework, including Tusla's National Practice Model for Children and Young People.
• Knowledge of other youth, community, and family support projects within the county.

Person Specification (Essential)

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build effective working relationships.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• 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 written communication skills, including report writing and the ability to prepare summary information and correspondence.
• Ability to follow organisational guidelines and processes.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media.

Requirements of All Foróige Staff

• Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to working within the organisation's values, policies, and procedures.
• Act consistently in a professional manner at all times.
• Participate in regular supervision with your line manager.
• Flexibility regarding working hours to meet operational needs. Work during unsocial hours will be required.
• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in appropriate training opportunities.

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

The highest starting point for this role will be Point 3.

Annual Leave

• 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday.

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.