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Job description

Londonderry YMCA delivers youth work services and support programmes to young people within the Waterside and Faughan District Electoral Areas (DEA). This post is part of a research project in partnership with Ulster University, Magee Social science facility funded through the ideas project fund. The YGirls Mentoring programme will involve working closely with Senior Lecturer researchers who will be the link to recruiting the mentors and also completing the research element of the project. It will also involve working locally with youth work colleagues to develop mentoring pathways and community engagement. The post holder will recruit, match, train, and support a team of student volunteer mentors to prevent vulnerable young girls from developing mild to moderate mental health difficulties by engaging them in a range of positive activities. The project will enable organisation to apply knowledge and support our delivery service ensuring future programmes are based on identified needs. The post holder will work as part of a team delivering a range of youth work interventions, support and guidance. They will contribute to the research element of the YGirls programme to record and monitor outcomes and to deliver best practice and engage in peer support, as well as work towards developing the evidence base for mentoring in the field of early and effective intervention..

Responsibilities

• 1. Recruitment, training and support for a team of volunteer mentors.
• 2. Delivery of training, recruitment, support and development for volunteer mentors.
• 3. Effective management of all aspects of project support to children, young people and families.
• 4. To support and engage with Ulster University, Magee Senior Lecturer Researchers development of best practice and help enhance our knowledge of the impact of our service on the most vulnerable young people in our communities
• 5. Key role with professional partners in the identification, referral and monitoring of young people.
• 6. Effective representation of Londonderry YMCA YGirls programme to professional partners, community organisations and in dissemination of programme outcomes.
• 7. Effective management of all administration, budgeting and data gathering aspects of the project.
• 8. Effective implementation and management of best practice policies and procedures.
• 9. Participation in monthly line management meetings with,and accountability to your line manager.
• 10. Participation in Londonderry YMCA staff meetings.
• 11. Identification of funding to support the development of the project beyond its current timeframe.
• 12. Positively promote and support the ethos and growth of the Londonderry YMCA.
• 13. Other tasks appropriate to the role of Programme Coordinator as required by your line manager.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Experience of working face to face with young people between the ages of 11-14 for at least 3 of the past 5 years.
• Evidence of effective contribution to youth programme planning, inter agency partnership, issue-based youth work.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Full Driving Licence.
• Relevant third level youth work/ social work/ education qualification.
• Knowledge of core principles of youth work.
• Excellent organisational skills. Good understanding of parental issues and supports. Evidence of effective teamwork and leadership. Ability to empathise with, lead and motivate adults and young people. Monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Commitment to working outside normal work hours and at weekends. Ability to prioritise and to cope with demands. Ability to manage time effectively.
• Agreement to work within the core values of Londonderry YMCA.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working within youth/social work field. Experience of working with families/parents. Good understanding of local youth needs. Experience of managing volunteers.
• First aid qualification. Evidence of undertaking opportunities for personal and professional development in a range of relevant areas. Training in youth work issues/ child protection/ health & well-being. Knowledge of local community.
• Ability to design and develop innovative youth programme. Ability to engage effectively with a broad range of groups. The ability to measure outcomes systematically. Experience of digital communication. The ability to inspire.
• Evidence of the ability to work in a demanding environment with minimal supervision.

Further Information

Work time: Typical 30 hours per week Saturday / Sunday /evening working required as appropriate.

Application Information

Request an application pack from londonderry.ymca@ymca-ireland.net