The School Completion Programme (SCP) is a targeted programme of support for primary and post primary children and young people who have been identified as potentially at risk of early school leaving or who are out of school and have not successfully transferred to an alternative learning site or employment. It is a support under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme, funded by Tusla Education Support Services (tess). SCP aims to retain a young person to completion of the leaving certificate, equivalent qualification or suitable level of educational attainment which enables them to transition into further education, training or employment. There are 122 SCP Projects nationally.

Collinstown Park SCP is based in North Clondalkin, Dublin 22 with five link schools (four primary schools and one post-primary school). The Local Management Committee invites applications for the following positions:

2 x Project Worker Full-time Posts 

(39 hours per week)

Duties for these posts include:

• Building professional relationships with children and young people and their families to improve educational outcomes through increased attendance, participation, and retention in education.
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with SCP staff; school staff; EWO and other local community and statutory groups to ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting children and young people, particularly those who are not in school or full-time education.
• Engaging children and young people, and where appropriate their families, in activities in-school; out-of-school; after-school and during holiday periods.
• Facilitating individual and group work with priority children and young people using appropriate interventions that address barriers to full school engagement.
• Maintaining up to date records of all work undertaken and all necessary data relating to children and young people.
• Assisting with evaluation, review and future planning for the project.
• Undertaking any additional duties as requested by the Coordinator or Local Management Committee.

Essential Requirements:

• A recognised third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher) in Social Science; Social Care; Youth Work; Community Work; Education; or related discipline.
• Practical experience of working with children and young people who experience disadvantage.
• Experience of working with children and young people in a one to one and group setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children and young people and families experiencing disadvantage.
• A full clean driving licence and own transport.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent IT skills with an ability to plan, deliver and evaluate interventions in both individual and group settings.
• Strong teamwork skills with an ability to work independently on own initiative while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to prioritise and work in a pressurised environment.
• Commitment to delivery of quality service to children, young people, and families.
• Strong work ethic with a solution focussed approach in the workplace.

For further details please see attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Remuneration:

Salary as per CDYSB New Entrants Youth Worker Salary Scale; starting point dependent on skills and experience. This post will be a fixed term contract which is subject to funding and satisfactory service in the post.

To Apply:

Applications consisting of a CV and cover letter expressing your interest in the post must be emailed to: scpcollinstownapps@gmail.com no later than 12pm on Monday, 13th May 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisting of applications may take place. Only those selected for interview will be contacted. Interviews will take place on Thursday, 23rd May 2024.

It is envisaged there may be potential for further vacancies, funding dependent. The Local Management Committee may establish a panel for future vacancies that may arise during 2024.

Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and Reference Checks.