Job Title: Senior Youth Officer, YDP Research and Development

Job Reference: FRGJOB_1169
Project: Youth Diversion Project Research and Development Team (YDP R&D Team)
Location: Negotiable
Contract Type: Ongoing
Responsible To: Area Manager
Hours: 35 hours per week minimum
Annual Leave: 29 days per year

About Foróige

Foróige is an independent, non-profit national voluntary youth organisation engaged in out-of-school youth development and education. The organisation enables young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of society. Foróige employs over 500 staff and involves thousands of volunteers in the creation and delivery of high quality services to young people through the operation of over 400 Foróige Clubs, the Big Brother Big Sister Programme and over 140 General Youth Services and Special Projects - including 30 Youth Diversion Projects.

Role information

The YDP Research and Development Team (YDP R&D Team), is a multiagency team whose purpose is to support the network of 100 YDPs nationally to divert young people from offending or reoffending, through a range of research and practice development activities. Members of the YDP R&D Team are based in Foróige, Youth Work Ireland, Crosscare and the Independent Network of YDPs, as well as colleagues who are employed directly by REPPP (Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes and Practice), School of Law in the University of Limerick. The YDP R&D Team is funded by the Department of Justice.

The day to day activities of the team are managed by the R&D Team Leader based in REPPP in the University of Limerick. The overall work plan for the team is supported by the R&D Subgroup of the YDP National Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the employing organisations and DoJ. One full-time Senior Youth Officer is employed by Foróige as part of this team.

Key Responsibilities

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

The duties of the Senior Youth Officer in carrying out any functions, which may be involved in or arise out of the appointment, shall be as notified by the board of Foróige and/or its Chief Executive Officer and/or the nominee of the Chief Executive from time to time. These duties will include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the implementation of the YLS/CMI 2.0 across the network of YDP’s ensuring consistency and fidelity to the risk/need assessment tool in collaboration with YDP R&D Team colleagues. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Supporting a multi-agency team of YLS/CMI 2.0 Master trainers
  • Co-ordinating delivery of YLS/CMI 2.0 training to Youth Justice Workers and other key stakeholders such as JLO’s and CBOR’s
  • Design and delivery of any additional training and/or learning experiences or resources required to support YLS/CMI 2.0 users
  • Implementation of quality assurance measures such as YLS/CMI 2.0 inter-rater studies, audits and Communities of Practice
  • Responding to YLS/CMI 2.0 queries from users, CBOR’s, JLO’s and all other stakeholders.
• Supporting good practice in the implementation of the Family Support function across the network of YDPs in conjunction with colleagues in the YDP R&D Team
• Working as part of a multi-agency team to support the implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 and build the capacity of the YDP network
• Supporting other YDP R&D Team activities as required including Outcomes Focused Programme Design training, YDP Annual Plan appraisals and support for new initiatives arising out of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027
• Delivery of A Life of Choices training and engaging with other Foróige internal initiatives as required
• Attending meetings, and preparing written reports as required
• Any such other relevant requirements as the board of Foróige and/or its Chief Executive Officer or nominee shall deem necessary for the effective implementation of Foróige’s policy and programmes

Professional Qualifications and Experience 

(E) = Essential, (D) = Desirable

• Education to National Degree standard (Level 7) (E)
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Youth Justice Practitioner on a Youth Diversion Project (E)
• Extensive experience of outcomes focused programme design (E)
• Experience of providing training, mentoring, and capacity building supports (D)
• Trained in the use of A Life of Choices, Foróige’s resource for YDP’s (D)
• Experienced in the use of YLS/CMI Sv and 2.0 for assessing the risks and needs of young people. (E)
• Full clean driving license and access to a car for business purposes. (E)
• Qualified YLS/CMI Trainer or Master Trainer. (D)
• Experienced in designing, implementing and evaluating training and learning experiences for adults. (D)
• Experience of liaising with policy makers and academics. (D)
• Experienced in working as part of a multi-agency team. (D)
• Experience in writing literature reviews. (D)

Person Specification

(all Essential requirements)

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people
• Good interpersonal skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain effective working relationships
• Skilled at engaging with external stakeholders such as policymakers, academics, and statutory and voluntary organisations
• Ability to engage with challenges, find solutions, reach milestones, and complete projects
• Excellent standards of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment
• Positive and flexible approach to working as part of a team
• Ability to manage self, time, resources, and people to enable a high level of personal effectiveness.
• Good written communications skills, including ability to draft summary information and correspondence
• Ability to follow organisational guidelines and processes.

Requirements of all Foróige staff 

(all Essential requirements)

• Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation
• To act consistently in a professional manner at all times
• To participate in regular supervision with your line manager within Foróige as well as with support provided by REPPP Team Leader
• Flexibility in relation to hours of work to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required.
• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role
• To undertake other duties as may be requested by the board of Foróige and /or the Chief Executive Officer of Foróige or their nominee from time to time

Additional Considerations for the Role

Funding: It must be understood that if the funding for the post is discontinued the post holder’s contract may be terminated.

Annual Leave: The Time Senior Youth Officer will be entitled to 29 days annual leave plus public holidays. The needs of the job must be considered when applying to take this leave.

Hours of work: The Senior Youth Officer will be expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week. Please note this position will require flexibility in relation to working hours. It is expected that the Senior Youth Officer will work some late evenings (up to 11pm) and some weekend work.

Salary: Foróige Senior Youth Officer Salary Scale:
€52,883, €54,851, €56,823, €58,793, €60,759, €62,725

Travel: This post will involve domestic travel within Ireland and occasional international travel.
Travel and expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate Foróige rates.

Base: The employment base for this post will be discussed with the successful candidate upon appointment.

Applications: 

Please complete the Foróige Application form online here.

losing Date - 24th of April at 12pm