Youth Officer

Job Title: Youth Officer

Term: 2 year post, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. 

Salary: £30,296.00

Hours: 35 per week

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Youth Officer to lead our new youth project ‘Step Up For Change’ team and oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the programme. The Youth Officer will provide direction, coordination, and supervision to the Youth Support Worker, ensuring the effective delivery of services and the achievement of project goals.

This project seeks to connect young people aged 16-25 years to personalised learning, skills and employment opportunities with a central focus on good relations and preparing young people for the world of work. The aim of PYDP is to help young people build and develop life skills that foster good relations, build confidence and resilience and make them more employable.

This post has been supported under the Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP), funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and managed by Rural Action.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the planning, development, and execution of ‘Step Up For Change’ in collaboration with project stakeholders and partners.

2. Identify, recruit and engage 15 young people from the most disadvantaged wards in East Belfast including Mount, Ballymacarret, Island and Cregagh and who fit within the key target groups of the programme.

3. To design and deliver a programme which helps young people build and develop life skills that fosters good relations, builds confidence and resilience and makes them more employable.

4. Oversee the design and delivery of workshops, events, and activities aimed at addressing the specific needs and interests of youth participants facing barriers.

5. To work with young people in co-designing a programme which best reflects their needs and expectations and encourages buy in and ownership from young people at all stages.

6. To support young people develop important life and work skills to better prepare them in their journey towards further training and/or employment.

7. To support young people develop leadership qualities and skills and provide opportunities to demonstrate these throughout the programme.

8. To provide one to one mentoring support to young people, ensuring that the needs of young people are being met through the programme.

9. Provide leadership and supervision to the Youth Support Worker, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing guidance and support as needed.

10. Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring adherence to funding requirements and organisational policies.

11. Coordinate outreach efforts to engage youth facing barriers and build partnerships with community organisations, schools, and other stakeholders to expand project reach and impact.

12. Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to measure project outcomes and effectiveness and make recommendations for program improvement and innovation.

13. Prepare regular reports and updates for funders, stakeholders, and organisational leadership, highlighting project achievements, challenges, and opportunities.

14. Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and research in youth development and related fields, and integrate new knowledge into project planning and implementation.

15. Report to the Project Reference Group on a minimum of a quarterly basis on the progress towards outcomes and plans for the next quarter.

Qualifications and Skills:

- A bachelor's degree in social work, youth work, education, or a related field with 2+ years experience with youth work.

OR Level 5 Qualification in a similar field with 3+ years experience (to include at least 2 years work experience as a Senior Youth Worker/Project Lead or equivalent) 

OR 5 years + experience in Youth Work (including 2 years experience as a Senior Youth Worker/Project Lead or equivalent)

- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and coach the Youth Support Worker.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including youth, community partners, and funders.

- Proven ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

- Experience working with youth facing barriers and a commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of project work.

- Knowledge of youth development principles, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based interventions for supporting youth facing barriers.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software

- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the availability of youth participants facing barriers.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or youth work (e.g., CYC).

- Experience working in a nonprofit or community-based organisation serving youth populations.

- Familiarity with funding sources and grant-writing processes for youth-focused programs.

- Experience using data management and evaluation tools to track program outcomes and measure impact.

How to Apply:

Fill out application form and return via email to emma.shaw@phoenixeducationcentreni.co.uk OR print out and post application to:

244 Woodstock Road

Belfast

Co. Antrim

BT6 9DL

Please note all applications MUST include the monitoring form which should be posted in an envelope marked as follows -

FAO Monitoring Officer

244 Woodstock Road

Belfast

Co. Antrim

BT6 9DL