Youth Worker – Prison and Community Based 
Part Time

Job Title: Youth Worker – Solas Project Compass Programme

Duration: Initial 12-month contract

Hours of Work: Up to 19 hrs a week with evening work required.

Location: Based in Dublin 8 and in Oberstown Detention Centre, Wheatfield Prison and Mountjoy Prison

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

Reports to: Compass Team Leader

Job Context

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.

Overview of the Role

Solas Project, as part of its wider justice programme, supports young people in Oberstown Detention Centre, Wheatfield Prison and Mountjoy Progression Unit. In Oberstown Detention Centre works we work with under 18s and in Wheatfield and Mountjoy we work with the 18-24 year olds.

This new role will include working with our existing youth work team to support young people in these settings and when they return to the community. Our goal is to support these young people make a successful transition back to community life and to prepare those who will transfer over to adult prison or serve longer terms in prison, to do so in a positive way.

This role supports our wider justice team in developing innovative and creative ways of engaging and motivating young people caught up in the criminal justice sector. We recognise this work is challenging and at times will be difficult and are looking for a youth worker who will be committed, energetic and with the skills to develop relationships with the target group.

Role Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum of one years’ experience of working with young people in a disadvantaged youth work context or in the juvenile justice system.
• Passionate about the work of Solas Project and committed to its vision and values.
• Be able to access clearance from the Irish Prison Service and Oberstown Detention Centre to work in the prison setting (applied for through Solas Project).
• A respect for rules around confidentiality within the work setting.
• Clean driving licence and use of own car required.

Desirable:

• A recognised qualification in one of the following: Youth Work, Criminology, Social Work/Care or related discipline.
• Understanding and experience of supporting young people impacted by social disadvantage.
• Innovative approach with the ability to identify and develop new and fresh ways to support young people that will further the organisation’s mission.
• Experience in the delivery of group work programmes.
• Interest and understanding of the criminal justice system.
• An understanding of, and willingness to work from a trauma informed approach.
• Excellent organisational and IT skills and ability to manage multiple commitments.
• Self-starter with a good team ethos.
• Experience of collaboration and building relationships with key stakeholders (eg. Community Services, Probation Service, Prison and Oberstown staff etc).
• Experience of implementing and reviewing programmes involving young people i.e. personal development, music / sports etc.

Required Attributes and Skills

• Compassion, Patience, Integrity, Organisational Astuteness, High Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Process Improvement, Reporting Skills, Change Management, Coaching, Supports Innovation, Developing Standards, Administrative Writing Skills and People Skills.

Role Responsibilities

Programme Delivery & Development

• Assessing and responding to the needs of the target group; which can include those involved in prolific or violent offending and presenting with very challenging behaviour.
• Designing and delivering a range of programmes in a group work setting.
• Engaging with the young people, building a sustainable effective relationship with them, and motivating them to work towards achieving their potential.
• Supporting young people to make positive lifestyle choices which will address the complex issues impacting on their lives.
• Implement an effective engagement model through a process of both individual and group work.
• Developing innovative and challenging programmes to cater for both those in detention and those who have returned to the community.
• Enlisting the support of parents, family members, community groups and other volunteers to enable them to engage effectively with the target group.
• Completing accurately and submitting on time all administration tasks (expenses, performance reports, programme plans etc.)
• Operating efficient office procedures in line with data protection requirements e.g., filing, keeping records etc.
• Participating actively in the Justice team, including supporting the work of our Rua and TRY teams, within the remit of the youth justice strategy.

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.
• 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.

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

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to:

Eanna Rutherford, Compass Team Leader, Solas Project, Unit 1 Liberty View, Longs Place, Dublin 8 or eanna@solasproject.ie by 12pm Wednesday January 15th 2025

First round interviews will take place on the week of April 17th

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. The possessing of a criminal record does not restrict you from applying for this role.