Youth Worker for Senior After Schools Club

Job Title: Youth Worker – Senior After School Club (8 – 10 year olds)

Duration: Initial 12-month contract

Hours of Work: 24 hrs a week (4 afternoons and 2 mornings during school term, flexibility required during school holidays).

Location: Based in Dublin’s South West Inner City (The Liberties).

Salary: Scale starting at €33,600 pro rata (dependant on qualifications and experience).

The successful applicant will work within the spirit and values of Solas Project, the vision of which is an Ireland where all children and young people truly know their self-worth and can take full advantage of their potential. We are achieving this through a range of innovative and holistic interventions from childhood, through adolescence and into early adulthood. We invite appropriately qualified individuals to apply who are committed to the healthy development of young people in Ireland, have a creative approach to working with our target group, and are enthusiastic about working within a challenging and innovative environment.

Background to the Role

Solas Projects After School Programme has been running since 2007, and was born out of a desire to provide a safe, encouraging home-like environment after school for children living in challenging circumstances. The Club runs from Monday to Thursday 2.30pm to 6pm. Each day there are three main components: a warm nutritious meal, assisting children with their homework and a constructive, fun activity. Through all its activities the programme strives to build up each child’s self-worth and confidence, and to help each child discover his or her gifts and abilities.

Role Requirements

Essential

• Minimum of one years’ experience of working with young people in a youth work context
• Passionate about the work of Solas Project and committed to its vision and values.
• Understanding and experience of supporting young people impacted by social disadvantage.

Desirable

• A recognised qualification in one of the following: Early Childhood Education, Social Care, Primary Education, Youth and Community Work or related discipline.
• Experience of working with children aged 5 – 8 year olds and managing challenging behaviour.
• Experience of planning, implementing, and reviewing programmes involving children and young people.
• Proven experience of working successfully as part of a team.
• Experience of collaboration and interagency working and working with volunteers.

Required Personal Attributes and Skills: 

Compassion, Patience, High level of flexibility, Resilience, Open to Innovation and creativity, Administrative and Report writing skills and Strong People Skills.

Role Responsibilities:

Overall responsibility for the day to day running and development of our Senior After School Club in accordance with the objectives of the programme, and show flexibility in meeting this responsibility.

Programme Delivery

• Provide a structured and loving home like environment where children feel safe and boundaries are clear.
• Create and implement a Therapeutic Crisis Intervention plan for each child and willing to explore therapeutic supports.
• Plan daily programmes and activities each term with support from the After School Team Leader.
• Lead and/or willingness to take part in outdoor activities and adventure sports.
• Organise holiday projects, trips and parties within set budget.

Family, School and Community Relationships

• Build trusting relationships with children and their families. After initial meeting, maintain regular communication with parents.
• Liaise with parents, teachers and other community / statutory agencies as required.
• Maintain regular communication with the schools of the children in the programme.
• Meet with young people on one-to-one basis in school and/or at home as required.
• Actively engage with families, schools and other community organisations regarding referrals and to fill spaces as they arise.

Volunteers

• Support, train and supervise volunteers and students involved in the Junior Afterschool Club including regular debriefs and organising team meetings as required.
• Meet with the Volunteer Co-ordinator on regular basis, giving feedback on volunteer performance.

Planning and Evaluation

• Research and develop new content for programmes and seeking out funding opportunities as needed.
• Play an active part in the After School team including attending weekly meetings, supervision sessions
• Keep good programme records and support in administration for funding requirements including managing NCS registrations and returns.
• Plan within set budget and budget effectively.
• Ensure club venue is kept clean and tidy and identify maintenance support needed.

General Solas Project Responsibilities:

• Ensure Solas Project’s youth work approach is upheld (see adjoining document).
• Be familiar with and abide by the project’s policies and procedures, including child protection and health and safety guidelines.
• Assist with the running of any of the other project’s programmes or activities as required.
• Engage in training and development opportunities and actively engage with supervision process.
• Contribute to the wider strategic development of the project by playing an active role.
• Ensure that the values and ethos of the project are reflected in a consistent manner in all activities.

To apply please email a CV and detailed cover letter to:

Pete Thompson, Unit 1 Liberty View, Longs Place, Dublin 8 or pete@solasproject.ie by Monday 15th July at 5pm.

A panel will apply for this role, for candidates who were successful at the final stage of a selection process, but not offered the position, for a period of 12 months for this and similar roles. Please note, being placed on a panel does not guarantee that an appointment will be made.

Solas Project is an equal opportunities employer and is open to flexible working practices including job sharing. Possessing a criminal record does not exclude you form applying for this role.

Employee Benefits

• Matched 5% employer pension contribution after successful probation period.
• 24 days Annual Leave
• 3 additional annual leave days for long service (2 after 2 years, 1 after 5 years)
• 5 Company Days in addition to annual leave (at Christmas and Easter)
• Comprehensive induction, training and supervision.
• Bike to work scheme
• External supervision provided.