GAISCE – THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD / JOB SPECIFICATION
Position: Youth Justice Development Officer
Reporting to: Operations and Development Manager
Contract: Fixed-term position for 1 Year with opportunity for an extension [subject to funding]
Salary: €32,000 – €35,751 (PRD/’pension levy’ is applicable)
Location: Dublin (some travel will be necessary)
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and committed Youth Justice Development Officer to join our team.
About Gaisce – The President’s Award
Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive, participants are encouraged to choose their own activities and goals with the support of their President’s Award Leader (or PAL). There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The more time and energy participants give, the greater their reward.
More than 25,000 young people register to do a Gaisce Award each year and an estimated 300,000 young people have participated in the programme in its 33 year history. Award participants are supported through their Gaisce journey by a trained adult mentor: their President’s Award Leader, or PAL. There are more than 1,000 active PALs across Ireland, working or volunteering in a variety of organisations that deliver the Gaisce programme (Gaisce Award Partners), from schools to youth services, from youth organisations to sports clubs, from private enterprises and third-levels, to the prison and probation service. PALs are the heart and centre of Gaisce and without them, Gaisce simply would not exist. For more information about Gaisce, please visit gaiscedev.wpengine.com.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations and Development Manager and working within the Operations Team, the role of the Youth Justice Development Officer is to grow the diversity and reach of the Gaisce programme amongst young people aged across the Gaisce age range (15 to 25) within the youth justice sector through creating and supporting new relationships as well as building on current relationships.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead on the development of President Award Leaders [PALs] and Gaisce Award Partners delivering the Gaisce programme in the youth justice sector, principally in Garda Youth Diversion Projects, Probation projects and other youth intervention projects.
- Increase the number of participants registering and completing Gaisce Awards in relevant organisations and programmes.
- Be the primary point of contact for Gaisce Award Partners and PALs within the youth justice sector.
- Support newly-trained PALs and Gaisce Award Partners as they recruit Gaisce participants.
- Provide regular written progress reports and evaluations.
- Work collaboratively with the Operations Team to ensure broader support for all Gaisce Award Partners and PALs as well as supporting other organisational events e.g. award ceremonies.
- Work with colleagues to identify trends in the support needs of Gaisce Award Partners and PALs and develop innovative and creative solutions.
- Promote and present on the Gaisce programme to third-parties.
- Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time, commensurate with the nature of the post.
- Act in the best interest of Gaisce and in line with the vision and mission of the organisation.
Person Specification
Skills / Experience (Essential)
- Professional qualification / relevant degree and a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a similar area.
- Familiarity with the wider youth sector community (youth justice sector a particular advantage).
- Contacts and knowledge of key stakeholders within the youth justice sector.
- Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of people.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (in English).
- Excellent organisational, planning and report writing skills.
- Strong IT skills.
- Strong strategic, analytical and evaluation skills.
Skills / Experience (Desirable)
- Familiarity/understanding of the National Standards Quality Framework (NQSF).
- Familiarity with the Gaisce programme.
- Full Irish driver’s licence and access to a car.
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to empowering young people to fulfil their potential.
- Self-starter and team-player.
- Positive outlook.
Key Relationships
Reporting to the Operations and Development Manager, the successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Operations Team as well as other Gaisce staff.
Terms
This is a 1-year fixed term appointment with the opportunity for extension [subject to funding]. There is a 6-month probationary period. The salary is €32,000 – €35,751, depending on experience. The appointment is covered by the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and membership of the scheme will be compulsory for the successful candidate. There is a holiday entitlement of 25 days in the first twelve months, excluding public holidays. Hours of work are 35 hours per week.
Application
Applications for the post are by application form which should be sent either by email to recruitment@gaisce.ie with the subject line ‘Ref: Youth Justice Development Officer Application’ or by post in an envelope (marked ‘Private & Confidential & Ref: Youth Justice Development Officer Application’) to: The Operations and Development Manager, Gaisce – The President\’s Award, Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin D08 YD62. Queries can be addressed to the same email address.
Closing dates for applications is strictly 5pm Wednesday 25th April 2018 with a view to interviews being held on the week of 7th May 2018 [excluding bank holiday Monday].
All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification. As the work involves contact with young people, candidates under consideration for the role will be subject to Garda vetting. The successful candidate will undergo 2 reference checks before commencing employment.
Gaisce, Gradam an Uachtaráin – the President’s Award is committed to best practice and operates on the basis of equal opportunities. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Appointment will be based solely on merit and canvassing will disqualify.