Youth Officer

Summary of Position

The Youth Officer will work as part of the youth development team in Waterford and Wexford ETB to support the provision, coordination, administration, and assessment of youth work services in the WWETB area, in line with the ETB’s statutory functions. He/she will develop and support youth work and related programmes/services that support young people in the WWETB area.

Main Duties

The main duties of the role may include the following:

·        Support and deliver the provision of youth work:

o   Progress the development and implementation of ETB Youth Work Plans.

o   Support developmental work and training as identified through quality standards processes and the local youth work plan.

o   Identify emerging youth work needs for the WWETB area in consultation with the WWETB Youth Work Committee and other relevant stakeholders.

o   As appropriate, apply for funding and/or support to fill gaps in youth work services in collaboration with other stakeholders.

o   Work in partnership and build relationships with other WWETB services to support the needs of young people in the region, as appropriate.

o   Work In partnership with the DCEDIY.

o   Support WWETB services in the delivery of the ETB FET strategy.

o   Engage with WWETB schools.

o   Implementation of National Quality Standards Framework and National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups.

·        Supporting the coordination of youth work:

o   Support the operation of the WWETB Youth Work Committee in accordance the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013 (Section 44).

o   Support and participate in interagency collaboration and represent WWETB on external bodies and committees as required.

o   Support identified links between the non-formal and formal education sector.

·        Supporting the administration of youth work:

o   Administer and carry out appropriate oversight of funding administered by WWETB.

o   Prepare such analyses and reports as may be necessary or required from by WWETB and/or funding Departments or bodies.

·        Supporting the assessment of youth work:

o   Assess youth work programmes and services for which monies are provided.

o   Assess and make recommendations on grant applications and project allocations as required.

·        Other

o   Specific duties and areas of responsibility will be assigned to the successful candidate on their appointment and may be reviewed from time to time in line with operational requirements and priorities.

o   Submit monthly reports to the WWETB Senior Management Team.

o   Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as determined by the Chief Executive or designated officer from time to time.

Desirable Requirements

o   A recognised Level 8 third level qualification in one of the following areas; Youth and Community Work, Social Work, Education, Management or relevant discipline.

o   Experience/knowledge of practices and programmes in relation to youth services/community and voluntary sector, especially the National Quality Standards Frameworks.

o   A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working directly in the youth work sector.

o   Experience of financial/budget management and oversight.

o   Excellent planning, organisation, communication, and teamwork skills.

o   Excellent analytical, negotiation and decision-making skills.

o   Excellent report writing skills and high level of computer literacy.

o   Proven track record of working in partnership and building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

o   Experience of developing and implementing strategy, programmes and initiatives.

o   Full driving licence and access to own car.

REMUNERATION:

Salary will be paid in accordance with such rates as may be authorised by the Minister for Education

for a Youth Officer. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with

Government Policy.

Application Form

Applications must be made on the official Youth Officer Application Form and all sections must be completed in full. When completing the application form accuracy is essential as the information supplied in the form will play a central part in the selection process.

Shortlisting

WWETB reserves its right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the Youth Officer Application Form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/experience on the application form. The shortlisting process will provide for the assessment of each applicant’s application form against predetermined criteria that reflect the skills and depth of experience considered to be essential for a position at this level.

Interview

Selection, from shortlisted candidates, shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by WWETB. The interview will be competency based and marks will be awarded under the following skill sets identified for the position of Youth Officer.

·        Team Leadership

·        Analysis and Decision Making

·        Management and Delivery of Results

·        Interpersonal and Communication Skills

·        Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

·        Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

Team Leadership

·        Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing any performance issues if they arise

·        Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team

·        Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives

·        Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required

·        Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team

·        Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change

Analysis and Decision Making

·        Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors

·        Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions

·        Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions

·        Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these

·        Puts forward solutions to address problems

Management and Delivery of Results

·        Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives

·        Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time

·        Structures and organises their own and others work effectively

·        Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available

·        Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required

·        Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation

·        Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively

·        Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs

·        Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

·        Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role

·        Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management

·        Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues

·        Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits

·        Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances

·        Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

·        Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others

·        Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work

·        Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

·        Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives

·        Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands

·        Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon

·        Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided

·        Upholds high standards of honest, ethics and integrity