Project Worker:

 Permanent 35hr p/w (excl. breaks)

Candle Community Trust welcomes applications for the Project Worker position. This position is in collaboration with the Probation Service and works specifically with young people (14-20yrs) who are known to the Probation Service and Youth Justice Systems. This exciting role will work with young people on an 1:1 and small group basis to address offending behaviour through meeting young people where they are at and providing individual support, keyworking, advocacy, developmental programming and pro social activities. This role will be based at the Candle Centre Ballyfermot with strong outreach aspects working with young people in the Northside and Southside of Dublin.

This dynamic role requires an enthusiastic individual with a passion for supporting young people to reach their full potential. Young people will be referred to the service from the Young Person’s Probation Service and will be from the Dublin Area. The role will involve on the ground direct work with young people who are engaged in offending behaviour, building relationships and encouraging pro social behaviour. The role will require flexibility and a commitment to working alongside the young person to motivate and support them to reach their goals. Identifying and addressing the needs of the young person will be fundamental to the work combined with providing opportunities for learning and development. The project worker will also collaborate with parents/carers, Probation officers and other agencies to promote better outcomes for the young person. The project worker will take an active role in the young person’s life to support them to engage with court processes and achieve the conditions linked to their Probation order. The role will require an individual who is non-judgemental, responsive and strengths based in their approach. The role will include evening and occasional weekend work.

If you are passionate about working with young people and have a particular interest in youth justice this could be the role for you.

Candle Community Trust, established in 1978, is a registered charity providing educational, developmental and therapeutic opportunities for “at risk” youth in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. Working in collaboration with the Probation Service, CDETB, CDYSB, TUSLA and HSE, Candle is committed to creating and delivering a comprehensive, best practice service to meet the needs of young people who experience disadvantage and marginalization.

Candle offers a working environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and supportive for participants and staff.

Requirements:

• A third level degree (or equivalent) in the fields of social work, social care, humanities, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working with vulnerable and at-risk young people/their families/carers and relevant professionals
• Experience of working with young people on Probation and known to the criminal justice system
• The ability to work effectively with identified young people and their families/carers experiencing significant trauma and complexity
• Experience of working in structured and individualised settings with young people, delivering one to one intensive support to facilitate desistance from offending behaviour.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and can-do attitude
• Full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience (salary scale for this post is €35,395 - €53,056 pro rata)
• Attractive Annual Leave Allocation
• Statutory Bank Holidays
• Staff Wellbeing Programme
• A supportive, vibrant, and progressive work environment
• A chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
• A newly developed campus with excellent facilities
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive Induction and Regular Supervision
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme

Please note that this position will include evening work and occasional weekend work.

Garda Vetting applies to this position.

Person Specification and Job Description attached.

Applications in the form of cover letter and CV (3 pages max.)
By email to: info@candletrust.ie

Informal enquiries about the role can be made to Alison Trimble on 016269111 or to atrimble@candletrust.ie

The closing date for application is Monday 7th July 2025 at 12noon
Interviews will be held on week commencing 7th July 2025

A panel may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

Candle Community Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer