JOB DESCRIPTION FORÓIGE PROJECT WORKER PEACE IV PROJECT A2 MARGINALISED YOUNG PEOPLE FORÓIGE SENIOR YOUTH OFFICER/ AREA MANAGER

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Project: Contract Type: Responsible To: LOCATION: HOURS: ANNUAL LEAVE: FORÓIGE PROJECT WORKER PEACE IV PROJECT A2 MARGINALISED YOUNG PEOPLE FIXED TERM FORÓIGE SENIOR YOUTH OFFICER/ AREA MANAGER DONEGAL 35 HOURS PER WEEK MINIMUM 29 DAYS PER YEAR (PRO-RATED) About Foróige Foróige is an independent, non-profit national voluntary youth organisation engaged in out-of-school youth development and education. The organisation aims to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of society. Foróige employs over 400 staff and involves thousands of volunteers in the creation and delivery of high quality services to young people through the operation of over 600 Foróige Clubs, the Big Brother Big Sister Programme and over 140 General Youth Services and Special Projects. These communitybased and community-supported initiatives are run throughout the country, in rural and urban environments, and generally in partnership with various voluntary and statutory agencies.

2 The organisation is a registered charity and is supported by a combination of statutory, philanthropic and corporate funding. Foróige is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of Equality of Opportunity in its employment practices. About the Project The successful candidate will be employed by Foróige as a Project Worker. This PEACE IV Project is a new service to be provided by Foróige, in conjunction with Donegal County Council / Donegal Peace Partnership and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The EU s Peace IV programmes is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the specific objective for which is, The promotion of positive relations characterised by respect and where cultural diversity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance. This proposed programme will focus on the engagement of 100 young people aged years who are most marginalised and disadvantaged including those at risk of becoming involved in violence or dissident activity and/or living in areas of disadvantage. Referrals will also be accepted from other youth serving agencies, who will identify those most in need of this intervention. There will be a cross border element to the Project which will include working with the Rcity Youth Project in the Interface area of North Belfast. We would aim to co-ordinate and maximise our approaches so that the target group of young people will consist of those from varying backgrounds and traditions. The focus will be to engage 100 participants of which 20% will be from the Protestant community, 68% from the Catholic community and 12% from ethnic minority communities. This will include the engagement of young people from the Syrian community who have recently re-located to Donegal. Young people will engage in a range of out of school informal education programmes that will enable them to develop meaningful contacts between individuals, organisations, groups and communities on both a cross community and a cross border basis. These will be based on the strengths, needs and interests of the young people involved which will in turn lead to better outcomes in terms of the promotion, development and sustainment of positive relationships, respect for others from a different background, the celebration of cultural diversity and an intolerance towards prejudice, hate, sectarianism and racism. This Peace Project will engage with young people where they are at in their

3 lives and address underlying issues which inhibit them from reaching their full potential or from seeing the potential in others. Their engagement in this Peace Project will equip them instead with a set of skills, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that will enable and encourage them to go forward, do something positive with their lives and become active contributors to a more meaningful and peaceful society. With the overall result of generating a greater understanding and sharing of perspectives between different communities both within the county on a cross community basis and on a cross border basis. This project involves the engagement of identified young people in positive life learning and life changing opportunities while challenging negative thinking, emotions and actions towards those who are different to them in many respects. Interventions will include individual work, group work programmes/activities and cross border engagement. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will be given a contract of employment. It must be understood however, that if the position becomes redundant at any time during the period of the contract or if the funding for the post is discontinued or a post holder fails to perform satisfactorily, employment may be terminated. The duties of the Project Worker in carrying out any functions, which may be involved in or arise out of the appointment, shall be as notified by the Senior Youth Officer/ Area Manager, the board of Foróige and/or its Chief Executive. These duties will include but are not limited to: The recruitment and engagement of 100 people participating of which 20% will be from the Protestant community, 68% the Catholic community and 12% from ethnic minority communities. In collaboration with the Senior Youth Officer/ Area Manager, establish the project including the development of participation criteria, referral pathways and relationships with existing services and other relevant service providers. In collaboration with the Senior Youth Officer/ Area Manager, identify the needs and strengths of participants and develop the most appropriate intervention to respond to those identified needs in accordance with Foróige s Policies and Procedures. Develop and implement a range of intervention models as outlined in project tender that will enable participants:

4 To reduce their involvement in anti-social behaviour and dissident activity. To have better, sustained and purposeful interaction with other young people from different backgrounds to their own. To embrace diversity and commonalities in a meaningful way. To demonstrate motivation to increase positive attitudes and behaviours. To demonstrate reduced levels of impulsivity. To demonstrate understanding, empathy and respect towards others. To have more positive relationships in their lives which will include people from a different background. To become active citizens in their community, contributing to society and feel more connected. To demonstrate leadership ability and qualities and identify ways of using these to have a positive influence in society. To understand consequences of their behaviours and the effects their negative behaviour has on their own life, that of their family and their community. To demonstrate the capacity to make more positive choices in their lives. Compile with the assistance of the Senior Youth Officer/ Area Manager, reports and plans as required by the funder and ensure that deadlines are adhered to. Administration, budgeting, resource management and managing relations with advisory group, funders, other organisations and agencies. Work closely with statutory, community & voluntary agencies in Donegal and in N. Ireland which will include, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, Child & Family Mental Health Service, schools, Rcity Project (Belfast), Syrian resettlement project, youth/community clubs and groups to identify, recruit and engage young people who would most benefit from involvement. Initiating and contributing to local, regional and national initiatives, committees and structures in relation to responding more effectively to the needs of young people and communities in relation to their young people. Ensuring the implementation of the fundamental purpose and philosophy of Foróige. Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

5 Professional Qualifications and Experience (E= Essential, D= Desirable) Education to National Degree standard. (E) Exposure and understanding of PEACE work and of working with young people from minority ethnic groups (E) Good understanding of the purpose and objectives of PEACE IV (E) Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Foróige s philosophy and approach to youth work and engaging young people and families. (E) A minimum of 1 years experience of working with young people experiencing adversity in their lives and planning interventions in order to achieve the best possible outcomes with Project participants. (E) A good knowledge and understanding of National Policy Frameworks and governance protocols. (E) Experience in establishing, leading and coordinating new and innovative responses to youth needs. (E) Ability to work in an efficient manner and to lead and motivate others. (E) Car owner with full driving licence. (E) Person Specification (all Essential requirements) Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships. Good interpersonal skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts. Excellent organisational skills and high standards of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment. Positive and flexible approach to working as part of a team. Good written communications skills, including ability to draft summary information and correspondence. Ability to follow organisational guidelines and processes. Good computer skills, including Word, Excel, Internet, PowerPoint and Social Media. Requirements of all Foróige staff (all Essential requirements) Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation. To act consistently in a professional manner at all times. To participate in regular supervision with your line manager.

6 Flexibility in relation to hours of work to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours will be required. Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role. To undertake other duties as may be requested by the board of Foróige and /or the Chief Executive Officer of Foróige or their nominee from time to time. Additional Considerations for the Role Funding: It must be understood that if the funding for the post is discontinued the post holder s contract may be terminated. Medical: The successful candidate may be required to complete a medical questionnaire / undergo a pre-employment medical. Garda vetting: As our work involves contact with young people, candidates under consideration for employment in Foróige will be subject to Garda vetting. Annual Leave: The Project Worker will be entitled to 29 days annual leave pro rata plus public holidays. The needs of the job must be considered when applying to take this leave. Hours of work: The Project Worker will be expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week. Please note this position will require flexibility in relation to working hours. It is expected that the Project Worker will work late evenings (up to 11pm) and weekends. Salary: The salary for this position will be discussed with the successful candidate upon appointment. Travel: Base: This post will involve some domestic travel within Ireland and occasional meetings. Travel and expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate Foróige rates. This will be discussed with the successful candidate upon appointment.

7 Applications: Applications are open to internal and external candidates. Applications should be made by way of the Foróige job application form only. The job application form is available to download from the careers section of our website or upon request by ing Closing date: The deadline for returning completed application forms is 5 p.m. Tuesday 13th November Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Note: A panel may be formed from which future positions funded from a variety of sources may be filled.