Responsibilities

  • Help young people develop their capacity to make informed choices about their health by creating a youth friendly environment and maintaining social and recreational space opening hours (afternoons and evenings)
  • In conjunction with the Programme Coordinator, develop new and existing programmes and services aimed at tackling health inequalities and food poverty, meeting identified needs, and encouraging active participation and discussion
  • Network and liaise with other service providers and local interest groups to develop links and referral pathways, maximise opportunities for young people, and address health needs or any gaps in current provision
  • Signpost appropriate services, opportunities and activities to young people across Mid and East Antrim, making onward referrals as appropriate
  • Contribute to the identification, display and distribution of health information and promotional materials
  • Work flexibly alongside staff from Carrickfergus YMCAs other youth work programmes, and assist in the motivation, direction and support of volunteers and sessional staff
  • Recruit and engage young people in Health Hub and Get Active activities and services via centre-based, outreach and detached work
  • Build appropriate relationships with young people, helping them to cope with everyday life and feel good about themselves
  • Provide low level support to young people in a variety of areas including mental and emotional health
  • Motivate young people to identify their needs and work towards individual goals consistent with developing and sustaining their independence and wellbeing
  • Help young people to develop their resilience, confidence and autonomy, advocating on their behalf when necessary
  • Assist young people to manage challenging and difficult situations, encouraging and enabling them to develop appropriate coping strategies
  • Promote participation in the Health Hub Development group and empower young people to be actively involved in programme design, content and development
  • Promote participation in the Get Active youth advisory group and empower young people impacted by food poverty, and those keen to advocate on their behalf, to be actively involved in leadership development and advocacy work
  • Facilitate and encourage young peoples involvement in health focused social action projects and other community engagements
  • Complete all paperwork associated with the post, writing reports when required
  • Ensure the implementation of Carrickfergus YMCA policies through all programme activities i.e. equal opportunities, safeguarding, health and safety etc.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • A degree level qualification in Youth and Community Work, Social Work, Teaching, Health Promotion or other relevant subject AND
  • a minimum of 2 years experience of working with young people in a youth work, care, youth justice, education, supported housing, community support or other relevant setting OR
  • a minimum of 3 years experience of working with young people in a relevant setting
  • Experience of facilitating developmental work with young people and the ability to plan, implement and evaluate activities
  • Experience of assessing need and delivering support to young people
  • Knowledge and understanding of health related issues, particularly as they apply to young people
  • Knowledge, understanding and application of risk assessment, health & safety and safeguarding
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain appropriate relationships with young people
  • Group facilitation skills
  • Ability to network, establish relationships and communicate effectively with relevant professionals and other agencies

Desirable Skills

  • Training in ASIST, Mental Health First Aid or other related health initiatives
  • Recognised youth work qualification (E.g. OCN level 2 & 3)
  • Previous experience of working in a leadership position with young people in a youth club, project or detached setting