Job description: Youth Worker

Job title: Youth Worker 
Team / Area: Integration Services
Position type: Full - time 
Hours: 35 hours / 5 days per week
Location: Dublin 
Travel: Yes, but rarely
Salary: €36,000 - €38,000 gross p.a. 
Reporting to: Head of Services
Annual Leave: 25 days per year 
Contract duration: 1 year contract renewable subject to funding and passing probation 
Date posted: 27 September 2024 
Application Deadline: Sunday 20 October 2024 at 5pm.

Introduction and overview

Introduction:

The Irish Refugee Council believe in a fair and inclusive society for people seeking international protection in Ireland. We believe that every person has a legal right to claim asylum and to have their application considered in a fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees.

Our work involves services and support to people seeking international protection and refugees. We provide information and early legal advice. We also provide integration supports around housing, education, employment, youth work and resettlement. Through our services we identify trends and issues that require change and advocacy

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and innovative Youth Worker, who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people, to lead our Youth Work programme supporting young people aged 16-24 who are seeking protection in Ireland or have refugee status. Our youth work programme aims to empower young people and support them to build a life in Ireland while navigating the particular challenges they face. The role has three elements: working with our youth group, leading projects and providing one to one support.

Our Youth Work is supported by The Mount Street Club.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Supporting the continued development of the Irish Refugee Council’s youth group for young people seeking international protection aged 16-24 through the provision of projects, groups and one-to-one support
• Supporting the continued development of the Irish Refugee Council’s young leaders group
• Designing and developing creative youth work projects, programmes and activities
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with young people
• Developing appropriate responses to meet young people’s personal, social and developmental needs
• Providing one to one case work support to young people seeking protection, including referrals to other agencies/IRC staff as necessary
• Developing and delivering training for youth workers on working with young people seeking protection
• Developing and delivering talks and/or content to secondary schools on migration, Direct Provision and related issues
• Advocating on behalf of young people to other service providers and third parties where appropriate
• Liaising with other agencies/services working with young people and attending meetings of these agencies where appropriate and agreed
• Adhering to the National Quality Standards Framework for Youth Work
• Identifying relevant funding opportunities and assisting with the submission of grant proposals; liaising and reporting back to funders
• Preparing written reports and maintaining records where necessary
• Providing support as necessary and as directed by the CEO to assist in the smooth running of the organisation

Please note:The duties as outlined above are indicative of the main activities to be undertaken. They are not intended to be exhaustive, and they may be subject to reasonable change in line with the future direction and changing needs of the organisation. None of these duties will be outside the capability of the worker.

Person Specification: Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Required

Experience and Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Youth Work or related discipline (candidates with sufficient relevant work experience, 3 years+, may also be considered in lieu of qualification)
• At least 2 years of experience working with young people in a youth work setting
• Experience (voluntary or paid) of working with children and young people seeking protection
• Experience in planning and implementing youth projects in partnership with young people
• Experience of group work and one to one work

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the international protection system in Ireland
• Good knowledge of the issues facing young people seeking protection in Ireland
• Knowledge of youth work approaches and methods, particularly creative methods of engagement and facilitation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong group facilitation skills and demonstrated ability in one-to-one work
• Ability to demonstrate innovative, flexible and adaptable work approach
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to work in partnership with young people to utilise strengths-based and empowerment approaches
• Fluency in English
• Ability and experience in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with young people
• We particularly welcome applications from people from a migrant or refugee background, lone parents, Travellers and people with disabilities.
• An offer and acceptance of this role is conditional on you having authorisation to work in Ireland and is subject to you holding a valid visa and/or work permit when required

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Irish Refugee Council is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from everyone, from people with direct experience of the international protection process and who have lived in Direct Provision.

Staff Benefits and Salary 

• 25 days annual leave plus additional paid leave at Christmas.
• A comprehensive induction process.
• A diverse working environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme that offers expert counselling and support through individual and group sessions.
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements.
• Ability to work from home (2 days a week maximum)
• Opt in pension after passing probation period. Employer contribution is 7.5% and employee contribution is 3.5%.
• Car and Bike parking
• A commitment to professional development including access to an annual career professional development fund.

Application Process

To help us process your application efficiently we would be grateful if you could follow these guidelines, thank you.

• Tell us in your cover letter how you found out about the vacancy.
• Only applications addressing the requirements will be considered, please give examples of how your experience meets the points listed in the Person Specification.
• Save your CV and cover letter in one file and give it your name. (The content of emails will not be included in your application so please include all details in your cover letter.)
• Email one file to recruitment@irishrefugeecouncil.ie - inserting ‘Youth Worker’ in the subject line of the email.
• Deadline for application is 20 October at 5pm.
• You will receive an email confirming we have received your application once the deadline has passed.
• The following week we will email to advise if you have been called for interview or not.