Youth Officer

The starting salary for this role is €51,899 pro-rata

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide high-level administrative support to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of quality services, in line with the organisation's remit, working collaboratively with colleagues across WWETB and the wider community, including schools and Further Education and Training Centres.

WWETB is committed to continually improving the quality and effectiveness of its services and systems, spanning multiple functions, including Schools, Further Education and Training Centres, Finance, Human Resources, and Corporate Services. The responsibilities of this role will support these efforts, as detailed below.

Key Responsibilities

The Youth Officer plays a vital role in providing administrative support and ensuring the smooth operation of the assigned area. Working closely with line managers and colleagues, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of services and the achievement of organisational goals.

Support and deliver the provision of youth work:

• Progress the development and implementation of ETB Youth Work Plans.

• Support developmental work and training as identified through quality standards processes and the local youth work plan.

• Identify emerging youth work needs for the WWETB area in consultation with the WWETB Youth Work Committee and other relevant stakeholders.

• As appropriate, apply for funding and/or support to fill gaps in youth work services in collaboration with other stakeholders.

• Work in partnership and build relationships with other WWETB services to support the needs of young people in the region, as appropriate.

• Work In partnership with the DEY.

• Support WWETB services in the delivery of the ETB FET strategy.

• Engage with WWETB schools.

• Implementation of National Quality Standards Framework and National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups.

Supporting the coordination of youth work:

• Support the operation of the WWETB Youth Work Committee in accordance the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013 (Section 44).

• Support and participate in interagency collaboration and represent WWETB on external bodies and committees as required.

• Support identified links between the non-formal and formal education sector.

Supporting the administration of youth work:

• Administer and carry out appropriate oversight of funding administered by WWETB.

• Prepare such analyses and reports as may be necessary, or required from by WWETB and/or funding Departments or bodies.

Supporting the assessment of youth work:

• Assess youth work programmes and services for which monies are provided.

• Assess and make recommendations on grant applications and project allocations as required.

Specific duties and areas of responsibility will be assigned to the successful candidate on their appointment and may be reviewed from time to time in line with operational requirements and priorities.

The successful candidate will:

• Submit monthly reports to the WWETB Senior Management Team.

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as determined by the Chief Executive or AEO from time to time.

This job description offers a broad outline of the role’s key duties and is designed to be flexible and adaptable. It will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with organisational needs.

Essential Requirements

The following outlines the essential qualifications, skills, and competencies required for candidates applying for the Youth Officer position. These criteria are designed to ensure that applicants possess the necessary foundation to excel in the role and contribute effectively to the organisation’s goals.

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

• Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

• Be at least 17 years of age on or before the date of the advertisement of the recruitment competition.

Desirable Requirements

The following outlines the desirable requirements for candidates applying for the Youth Officer position and may be used to facilitate shortlisting should there be a high volume of applicants.

• A recognised Level 8 third level qualification in one of the following areas: Youth and Community Work, Social Work, Social Care, Education, Management or relevant discipline.

• Experience or knowledge of practices and programmes in relation to youth services, community and voluntary sector, especially the National Quality Standards Frameworks.

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working directly in the youth work sector.

Person Specification

• Experience of financial and budget management and oversight.

• Excellent planning, organisation, communication and teamwork skills.

• Excellent analytical, negotiation and decision making skills.

• Excellent report writing skills and high level of computer literacy.

• Proven track record of working in partnership and building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience of developing and implementing strategy, programmes and initiatives.

• Full driving licence and access to own car.

Eligibility to Apply

Candidates must, by the date of job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.