Part-time Youth and Community Support Worker

NICRAS

Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers One Vision Offices Unit 2 129 Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 1SH

19 Dec 2008

Nicole Atkinson - Administrator

nicras@hotmail.co.uk

028 9024 6699

Part-time Youth and Community Support Worker For young people between 18 and 25 years

Reports to: Chair of the Management CommitteeSalary: Youth & Community Support Worker

Salary Range: Up to Pt 6 Depending on qualifications & experience

Probation Period: 6 Months

Annual Leave: Pro-rata 25 days + Public and Statutory Holidays

Working Hours: 16 hours per week

The post is fixed term until 31.03.2010.

Background

NICRAS is a Refugee Community Organisation set up in 2002. As such, the Youth and Community Support Worker will be working with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of English.

Purpose of the Post

The aim of the post is to work in co-operation with the NICRAS Management Committee to further develop NICRAS as a provider of youth services in Northern Ireland. This post will be responsible for developing work with young people between the ages of 18 and 25. Whilst the main focus of the work will be with young people from refugee backgrounds, the project is open to other young people and their participation is encouraged. The post holder will also be expected to assist in the development of the work with young people between 11 and 17.

Personal Management

The post holder will be required to manage their own work load, assessing their priorities in terms of the balance between the reactive and medium and long term plans and projects.

Flexibility

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to in the Duties and Responsibilities. In view of this, the job description will be subject to periodic review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties of the job. The post holder will be required to work some evenings and weekends and this will be subject to NICRAS’ Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.

Equal Opportunities Statement

As part of it’s recruitment policy, NICRAS intends to ensure that no prospective or actual employee is discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, employment status, class, age, disability, religious belief or political persuasion or is disadvantaged by an condition or requirement, which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1 Managing & Developing a Range of Activities and Services

a. To work directly with young people by assessing their needs and providing an agreed programme of activities designed to meet those needs, taking into account the Youth Service Curriculum for Northern Ireland.
b. To develop an Annual Action Plan for the project and actively contribute to the overall strategic plan for NICRAS.
c. Ensure the active participation of young people in the programme.
d. In consultation with the NICRAS Management Committee and line manager ensure that objectives are achieved through implementation, monitoring and self evaluation of agreed work programmes.
e. Establish contact with, listen to, befriend, advise, support and act as an advocate for young people.
f. In partnership with the young people arrange residential and outdoor education activities and encourage participation in these by the young people.
g. Promote and develop inter-community activities.
h. Be pro-active in developing working relationships and partnerships with other organisations to facilitate integration and increased understanding across different cultures.
i Liaise with the parents or guardians of young people to facilitate participation in activities.
j. Be responsible to the line manager for all management, administration and financial matters relevant NICRAS.
k. To engage in appropriate fund raising related directly to the approved programme.
l. To work with the Management Committee to develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of the project.

2. Developing Staff & Facilities

a. Work with other staff and volunteers to develop, implement, manage and evaluate programmes of activities, services and facilities in line with the agreed priorities for NICRAS.
b. Ensure the induction, motivation, development, training, deployment and discipline of youth work volunteers

3. Working with Agencies to Develop Services across the Community

a. Work with relevant agencies to develop services within NICRAS and at local community level.

4. Leading Project Development and Implementation at Unit Level

a. In line with agreed priorities design and implement specific curriculum related projects.

5. Management Responsibility for Volunteers

a. Supervise volunteers attached to the project, including the management and allocation of duties.The post holder is responsible for the administration tasks associated with their work. They are also responsible for completing reports as required by funders and the Management Committee and that all terms and conditions of grant awards are strictly adhered to. Other tasks may be required from time to time, in line with the general responsibilities of this post.Person specification

Essential Qualifications

1. A minimum of OCN Level 2 & 3 or equivalent.Experience
1. One years recent experience of working with young people 18 years and over.
2. An understanding of the requirements of confidentiality.
3. Knowledge of the Asylum process.
4. Familiarity with the issues facing refugees in Northern Ireland.
5. Good knowledge of the Community and Voluntary Sectors in NI.
6. Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds and of how cultural background and/or religious beliefs can impact on participation in activities.Skills
1. Good IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes.
2. Excellent organisational skills.
3. Excellent administration skills.
4. Ability to write clear reports.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to people from different backgrounds.
6. Fluent in spoken and written English.
7. Good communication skills.
8. Ability to communicate in simple and straightforward English.
9. A confident telephone manner.
10. A flexible approach to working conditions and working environment.
11. Ability to work in a busy environment.
12. Ability to work on own initiative.
13. Good time management skills.
14. Ability to work co-operatively and effectively as part of a teamOther requirements
1. A commitment to Equal Opportunities.
2. A commitment to the Aims and Objectives of NICRAS.Desirable
1. Experience of fundraising.
2. Experience in developing and delivering training.
3. Recent experience of working with a Refugee Community Organisation.
4. Working with young people.
5. Prevocational Certificate in Community Youth Work
6. Demonstrate awareness of issues affecting Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
7. A full clean driving licence and access to transport.
8. Minibus driving experience.

Qualifications

Whilst experience is considered more important than qualifications, The Youth and Community Support Worker will be expected to have a minimum of OCN Level 2 Introduction to Youth Work and OCN Level 3 Programme Development