Position: Youth Worker

Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative (TYESI)

Hours: 32 hours per week (over 4/5 days, based on need)

Salary: €34,731 per annum

Offaly Traveller Movement is launching a new initiative to support young Travellers who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This programme aims to address the high dropout rates and low employment levels within the Traveller community by equipping young people with essential soft skills and providing personalised support to facilitate their progression into education, employment, training, or self-employment.

Job Description: 

Under the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative, we are seeking a dedicated and culturally aware Youth Worker to join our team. This role is crucial for delivering our comprehensive programme designed to support young Travellers aged 15-24 in Tullamore and Birr.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programme Implementation: Lead the delivery of the TYESI programme, engaging with young Travellers aged 15-24 in Tullamore and Birr.
• Skills Development: Facilitate interactive workshops and practical experiences to develop key soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, self-awareness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial skills.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Offer personalised mentoring and coaching, setting goals, creating action plans, and providing ongoing support to participants.
• Peer Support: Foster a supportive community through group coaching sessions, promoting peer learning and mutual encouragement.
• Personal Growth: Encourage self-reflection and personal development, helping participants recognise their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Community Engagement: Build connections within the community, enhancing participants' social and personal development.
• Progress Monitoring: Conduct regular check-ins, provide feedback, and integrate reflection exercises to track participants' progress and foster resilience.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Cultural Awareness: Familiarity with the cultural context and challenges faced by the Traveller community.
• Youth Engagement: Experience in working with young people, particularly those who are NEET.
• Soft Skills Training: Ability to facilitate the development of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and other essential soft skills.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Proven track record in providing effective mentoring and coaching, with a focus on personal and professional development.
• Community Development: Experience in community engagement and fostering a supportive environment for youth.

Desired Attributes

• Empathy and Patience: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with young people.
• Adaptability: Ability to tailor approaches to meet the diverse needs of participants.
• Leadership: Capability to inspire and motivate participants, fostering a positive and empowering atmosphere.
• Resilience: Commitment to supporting young people through challenges and helping them develop resilience.

The successful candidate will be required to have:

• The ability to demonstrate a strong teamwork ethic and capacity to work on your own initiative
• Excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Be dependable and flexible
• Access to own transport with a full driving license

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to info@otm.ie by Tuesday 2nd September @5pm. For more information about the Offaly Traveller Movement, visit our website at www.otm.ie

Note: This position is subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks

The position is subject to ongoing funding from the Laois Offaly Education Training Board

This cycle of the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative will be delivered until 2027

OTM is an equal opportunities employer