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] 

Location: Dublin (some travel will be necessary)

 Position Summary

Gaisce is seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic and committed Youth Justice Development Officer to join our team.  The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in developing the reach of the Gaisce, have proven experience in a similar position, possess highly effective networking skills, and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the opportunities for Gaisce participation across the youth justice landscape in Ireland.

 

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). The Gaisce programme is delivered by over 1,200 PALs working and volunteering in a variety of organisations across Ireland. 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 377,000 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 1,200 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 www.gaisce.ie.

 

The Role

As part of the Operations team, the Youth Justice Development Officer will grow the diversity and reach of Gaisce within the youth justice sector by creating and supporting new relationships, as well as building on current relationships, with a wide variety of youth justice related organisations.

 

 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, special care and other youth intervention and detention projects.
  • Increase the number of participants registering and completing Gaisce Awards in relevant organisations and programmes to set targets.
  • Be the primary point of contact for Gaisce Award Partners and PALs within the youth justice sector.
  • Deliver PAL training, as required, for youth justice specific and other GAPs.
  • Support newly trained PALs and Gaisce Award Partners as they recruit Gaisce participants.
  • Complete general duties in relation to PAL/ GAP management, recruitment activities and other supports.
  • Develop and deliver progression opportunities from bronze, to silver to gold.
  • Provide regular written progress reports and lead on project evaluations.
  • Work closely with the Operations Team to ensure broader support for all Gaisce Award Partners and PALs, as well as supporting other organisational events.
  • 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.
  • Prepare and report on your individual work plan as directed by your Line Manager, and in accordance with the organisational strategy and annual work plans.
  • Coordinate special projects within your plan work plan as assigned.
  • 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 or relevant degree (note: candidates with exceptional relevant work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree qualifications).
  • A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience.
  • Familiarity with the youth sector.
  • Contacts and knowledge of key stakeholders within the youth justice sector – particularly Garda Youth Diversion Projects, probation projects, special care and other intervention or detention groups.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain effective working relationships
  • Excellent organisational, planning and report writing skills (in English).
  • Full Irish driver’s licence and access to a car as the position requires regular travel.

 

Skills / Experience (Desirable)

  • Familiarity with the Gaisce programme.
  • Fluency in the Irish Language.
  • Competent IT skills e.g. Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Salesforce.
  • Strong strategic, analytical and evaluation skills.

 

Personal Attributes (Essential)

  • Commitment to empowering young people to fulfil their potential.
  • Self-starter
  • Works well within a team
  • Motivated
  • Positive outlook.
  • Flexible

 

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. Salary information available on request. 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. This role involves some travel in Ireland, travel and expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate Gaisce rates.

 

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.

You can download the application form for this role here.

Closing dates for applications is strictly 12pm Friday 31st of January 2020 with a view to interviews being held on the week of 10th of February 2020. It is the responsibility of successful applicants to be available for interview dates provided.

All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification.  No late applications can be accepted. 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 confirmation of employment. Unfortunately, we may not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Note: A panel may be formed from which future similar positions funded from a variety of sources may be filled.

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.