Youth Worker - TRY Programme

Job Title: Youth Worker - TRY

Duration: initial 12-month contract

Hours of Work: 35 hrs a week with occasional weekend and evening work required.

Location: Based in Dublin 8 area primarily.

Salary: Ten-point scale €36,960 - €52,553

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. 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 Project, as part of its wider justice programme, operates the Target Response with Youth (TRY) programme. TRY supports young people who, due to the societal impact of the drugs trade have had their lives negatively affected. The impact of which can be chaotic drug and alcohol use, mental health issues, and limited opportunities in educational and employment. TRY primarily targets those aged 18 – 26, implementing a peer led approach in community settings and building relationships by acting as role models. Community, and targeted outreach as well as step by step key working is used to support young people. This model of work is centred on a youth work bridging approach which connects young people to positive community life, supporting them to pursue a more constructive and fulfilling path.

We are recruiting for a passionate staff member who has overcome adversity in their personal lives, and who is willing to use this experience to drive social change. We recognise this work will be challenging and at times difficult, and are looking for a person who will be committed, energetic and have the skills to develop a relationship with the target group.

Role Requirements:

Essential: 

• Minimum of one years’ experience of supporting young people impacted by social disadvantage.
• Passionate about the work of Solas Project and committed to its vision and values. 
• Inclusive team player with a strong recognition of professional approach and values.

Desirable: 

• A recognised qualification in one: Youth Work, Social Care, Addiction, Criminology or related discipline.
• Experience of the not-for-profit sector in a disadvantage context
• Innovative approach with the ability to identify and develop new and fresh ways to expand the programme that will further the Project’s mission.
• Excellent organisational and IT skills and ability to manage commitments
• Self-starter with a good team ethos and have ability to work on own
• Experience of collaboration and building relationships with key stakeholders (eg. Community Services, Probation Service, Gardai etc).
• Experience of implementing an outreach approach.
• Experience of implementing and reviewing programmes involving young people i.e. personal development, music / sports etc.

Required Attributes and Skills: 

Compassion, Patience, Flexibility, Strong Organisational Skills, High Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Supports Innovation, Developing Standards, Administrative Writing Skills and People Skills.

Role Responsibilities:

The person will be working as part of the TRY team of 3 youth workers and a team leader, within the wider Solas Project team. Key responsibilities will include:

Programme Delivery and Development

• Proactively engage and build positive relationships with the target group identified in the community through, street work, one-to-one, workshops and outreach approaches
• Aim to act and be seen as a role model for the target group.
• Encourage and motivate the target group to become more involved in healthy positive activities.
• Supporting them to make positive lifestyle choices which will address the complex issues impacting on their lives
• Implement the TRY model through a process of both individual and group work and through outreach work.
• Enlisting the support of parents, family members, community groups and other volunteers to provide on-going support to the target group.
• Developing an inter-agency-based approach to act as a bridge for linking into mainstream services.
• Completing accurately and submitting on time any standard clerical procedures of expenses, performance reports, annual plans etc.
• Operating efficient office procedures in line with data protection requirements e.g. filing, keeping records etc.
• Participating actively in the Justice team and the wider Solas Project team, including attending team meetings/training, and preparing written reports as required by management and Funders

General Solas Project Responsibilities

• Ensure Solas Project’s youth work approach is upheld.
• 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 participate with the supervision process.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the organisation by playing an active role in the wider team.
• Ensure that the values and ethos of the project are reflected in a consistent manner in all activities.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to: 

Karl Ducque, 
TRY Team Leader, 
Unit 1 Liberty View, 
Longs Place, 
Dublin 8 

or to karl@solasproject.ie 

by Friday November 29th 12pm. Interview will take place on December 5th and 6th 2024.

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. Possessing a criminal record does not exclude you from applying for this role.