Big Deal Participation Workers

Northern Ireland Youth Forum

02 May 2008

Eilish Smyth

eilish@niyf.org

028 9033 1990

The NI Youth Forum is the only regional youth-led organisation in Northern Ireland. The organisation is governed by a Committee of young people (aged 14-25). We exist to promote the voice of young people throughout Northern Ireland.

The Big Deal programme has established a Participation Hub to deliver a range of age specific strategies (0-10 yrs, 11-16 yrs, 17- 25 yrs) which encourage children and young people to become involved in a variety of activities that provide opportunities for achievement and learning, improved health and well-being, and demonstrate their contribution to family and community life. This is complemented by a £1m small grants programme for individuals and groups of children and young people in age ranges 0 -25 years to develop projects that make a difference to their lives, their families and communities.

There are two Participation Workers Posts now available

REF: BD/WELB/PW/08-09
(Placed within the Western Education and Library Board)

The main purpose of the post is the development and delivery of age specific strategies for children and young people aged 11 -25 years across Northern Ireland. The post holder will be employed by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum - Participation Hub and will work within the WELB area. Day to day support will be provided within WELB structures and the post holder will work within existing WELB staff teams. Performance will be managed by the Participation Hub Manager and the WELB Lead Officer. The post is currently funded to August 2010 - secondments are welcome.

Essential Criteria includes:

• Holding a professional qualification, in youth work as recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).
• A minimum of 3 years full time (or substantial part time) experience of working with young people in youth work settings.
• Experience of working with and supporting youth participative structures and knowledge of existing participative structures and initiatives in Northern Ireland (local and regional).

REF: BD/BELB/PW/08-09
(Placed within the Belfast Education and Library Board)
(The post will be to provide maternity cover for 4 months in the first instance beginning in July 2008)

The main purpose of the post is the development and delivery of age specific strategies for children and young people aged 11 -25 years across Northern Ireland. The post holder will be employed by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum - Participation Hub and will work within the BELB area. Day to day support will be provided within BELB structures and the post holder will work within existing BELB staff teams. Performance will be managed by the Participation Hub Manager and the BELB Lead Officer. The post is currently funded to August 2010 - secondments are welcome.

Essential Criteria includes:

• Holding a professional qualification, in youth work as recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).
• A minimum of 3 years full time (or substantial part time) experience of working with young people in youth work settings.
• Experience of working with and supporting youth participative structures and knowledge of existing participative structures and initiatives in Northern Ireland (local and regional).

For further details and an application pack on either post, please email eilish@niyf.org or telephone Eilish on 028 9033 1990.

Closing date for completed applications: 4.00pm Friday 2 May 2008