---

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: WIRED/DIFFERENT The Youth Work Assistant will support the delivery of Wired/Different’s online and community programmes, helping to create inclusive, engaging, and empowering environments for young people. You’ll assist with planning and running sessions, offering encouragement, and helping participants to feel confident, connected, and supported. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about neurodiversity, youth engagement, and wellbeing. Access NI and all training will be provided for this role.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering a weekly schedule of online and in-person sessions including creative activities, gaming groups, book and film discussions, and wellbeing workshops.
• Help to create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where all young people feel safe and valued.
• Support young people to take part, build confidence, and develop social connections.
• Listen actively and respond sensitively to individual needs, helping participants feel understood and respected.
• Help the Youth Work Lead prepare session materials, activity plans, and digital resources.
• Contribute ideas for creative and interactive activities that reflect the interests and needs of neurodiverse participants.
• Follow all safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies.
• Identify and report any concerns about a participant’s wellbeing to the appropriate staff member.
• Support the creation of a safe, neuroaffirming environment both online and offline.
• Assist with promoting sessions across Wired Different’s digital platforms, if required.
• Represent Wired Different at community events, information fairs, and outreach activities.
• Engage with attendees to raise awareness about the platform, its sessions, and the importance of neurodiversity inclusion.
• Support event setup, planning, and follow-up activities to help grow community engagement.
• Work closely with the Youth Work Lead and wider Wired Different team to ensure smooth programme delivery.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and training sessions to develop youth work and neurodiversity awareness skills.
• Carry out additional reasonable duties as requested by the Youth Work Lead or Management Team in line with the needs of the organisation.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Ability to support and co-facilitate online and in-person youth sessions such as creative workshops, gaming groups, and discussion spaces using digital platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Discord).
• Adapt activities to meet the sensory, communication, and social needs of neurodivergent participants to ensure sessions are accessible and inclusive.
• Demonstrated understanding of safeguarding procedures and duty of care when working with young people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, recognise potential concerns, and report appropriately in line with organisational policy.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and running sessions that promote wellbeing, life skills, personal development, and social inclusion.
• Use creativity and flexibility to adapt activities for different learning styles, abilities, and comfort levels.
• Use Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and online tools to produce resources, maintain attendance logs, and support session organisation.
• Assist in creating digital content (e.g. graphics, short posts, or workshop summaries) that promotes upcoming sessions and reflects Wired Different’s values.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent profiles, along with an understanding of how to create inclusive, supportive, and sensory-friendly spaces for young people.
• Confidence using online platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Discord, and Canva to support virtual youth sessions, share materials, and engage participants effectively.
• Ability to design or contribute to creative resources, games, or workshop materials that make sessions engaging, interactive, and accessible to a wide range of participants.
• Awareness of emotional wellbeing needs among neurodiverse young people, with the ability to apply calm, empathetic approaches that help participants self-regulate and feel safe.

Further Information

The Employer is: WIRED/DIFFERENT JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information - Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. - Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. - Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.