Young Person's Worker

The Action for Children Young Carers Project is part of the NI Regional Young Carers Service which is delivered in partnership with Barnardos and Newry and Mourne Carers Association. The 3 partner organisations work collaboratively to provide a seamless service across NI where families can access support from which ever provider is most convenient to them.

The service works in a family focussed way to provide robust assessment, intervention plans and review processes to involve young people in a wide range of activities including:

• Outings and activities to ensure young people have regular respite from their caring role.
• Opportunities for personal development which enhance self-esteem, confidence, communication and team work skills.
• Practical life skills training e.g. first aid, cookery etc.
• Focused group work on specific issues to help young people develop coping skills and promote resilience.
• Intensive 1-1 support for any young people requiring this e.g. re-education, befriending, help to access benefits etc.

The Young Person’s worker will take the lead in organising and facilitating large group activities for young carers as well as facilitating a participation group.  They would also be involved in the design and implementation of small group programmes.  The young people will be aged between 8 and 18 so skills in engaging young people across this age group are essential.  The service has two office bases, one in Belfast and the other in Banbridge, however the young people accessing the service live across the Belfast, South Eastern and Southern Trusts.  The successful candidate could work from either office base but will need to travel across all 3 Trust areas. 

 The Young Person’s worker will –

• Arrange large group activities for  up to 40 young carers.  This includes identifying the activity and arranging everything from booking it right through to facilitating on the day.  This requires significant organisational skills and the ability to plan ahead.

• The young person’s worker will need to complete risk assessments and relevant paperwork prior to any activity going ahead.

• The young person’s worker will coordinate the casual staff on the day of the event to ensure smooth running and that it meets minimum ratios of staff to young people.

• The young person’s worker needs to have an understanding of the needs of young carers and potential safeguarding issues.   

• The young person’s worker will try and identify funding streams to assist facilitating fun respite activities for young carers.

• The young persons worker will be responsible for ensuring all young carers’ files are updated and that recording meets organisational requirements. 

• The young person’s worker needs to be able to successfully work as part of a team, yet be confident to use initiative when required.

• The young persons worker will facilitate and arrange a participation group so they need to be skilled in engaging youg people, listening to them and ensuring their voices are heard. 

• It is important that the post holder is enthusiastic, enjoys direct work with young people and can build relationships with young people who are in need. 

Essential Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, child-care, youth work or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years working with children or young people aged between 8-18.
• Demonstrate good organisational skills and experience of delivering a programme or activity. 
• Driving licence, access to vehicle with business insurance – willingness to work across three Trust areas
• Registration with NISCC will be required but does not have to be in place prior to post starting.
• This post will include evening and weekend work.