Traveller Mentorship Development Worker

This role is divided into two related parts, the community-based mentoring pilot project and the schools based mentoring project which are two distinct yet inter-connected pieces of work. They share the goal of ensuring Traveller children reach their full potential in school. This job description outlines the Cork work duties and responsibilities for both mentoring projects. The Traveller Mentorship Development Worker is based in the Traveller Visibility Group, 25 Lower John Street, Cork City and will involve working in schools and community centres around Cork city also.

Part 1: Community-Based Mentoring Programme

The first key objective of the Traveller Mentorship Development Worker is to develop and support the community-based mentoring programme for Traveller children.

This part of the role will involve working with Traveller children from 3rd to 6th class two primary schools (Scoil Iosagain and Scoil Aiseiri Chriost). In addition to supporting the transition from primary to secondary school. The secondary schools involved in this community-based programme are Nagle CC, St Vincents and the North Monastery. The focus will be on the two primary schools for the first year, building a model of good practice. The aim is to expand this model of community-based mentoring to other areas with high population of Traveller children.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• To manage and plan the development of the community-based mentoring programme. This will entail planning the sessions for the young people and running programmes aimed at building confidence and self-esteem in an appropriate manner.
• The work with the children takes places two afternoons per week outside of school hours and school premises.
• To ensure the main focus of the group-work is Traveller culture and identity. To engage the children in culturally appropriate projects e.g art/development of digital projects/music etc
• To further develop the mentoring programme in a dynamic and creative way.
• To build positive professional relationships with the Traveller children on the mentoring programme
• To meet with the parents of the mentoring programme monthly to discuss their children’s experiences in school. To support the parents in meetings/communication with the school when required.
• Assisting school staff to develop cultural competency within the school environment so that all staff are aware of the issues that impact on Traveller children.
• To work with the schools to ensure that Traveller children have a sense of belonging in school and that Traveller children are enabled to reach their full potential.
• To link Traveller children with other youth services such as Forogie
• To regularly upskill and participate in relevant training.
• To attend a monthly education meeting within TVG

Part 2: Schools-based Mentoring Programme

The second key objective of the Traveller Mentorship Development worker is to support schools-based mentoring programme in each of the relevant schools. This will involve supporting the current schools-based mentors, building and enhancing the working relationships in schools, development links with parents etc. The schools-based mentoring programme is situated in the below schools:

• Traveller Mentors in St Aidan’s CC, Terence McSwiney CC, Nagle CC and Ursulines (Traveller Mentoring Programme – overseen by the Traveller Education Inter Agency Group)
• Traveller Mentors in North Monastery, St Vincents and Presentation Ballyphehane and possibly additional schools based in the county (overseen by UCC Plus)

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing support and supervision to Traveller mentors working in the schools
• Organise meeting(s) with school personnel ie HSCL, Principal, Deputy principal and parents to ensure effective delivery the Traveller mentoring programme
• Organise 4-5 Traveller mentor team meetings per year, the first one is to be held in late September.
• Develop good communication with parents ensuring they have all relevant information relating to the Traveller mentoring programme.
• Respond as appropriate to issues that arise during the school term.
• Co-ordinate relevant training for Traveller mentors and school personnel such as Traveller Cultural Awareness Training (TCAT) cultural competency, anti-racism training
• Collate and analyse data on the Traveller Mentoring Programme. This will form part of ongoing programme evaluation.
• To develop links with a range of education providers and access services
• To further develop the in-school Traveller mentoring programme.

Person Specification and Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• A minimum of two years’ work experience in a relevant area (community development, Traveller rights activism, education).
• Group work experience facilitating sessions/workshops with children/young people.
• An excellent analysis and understanding of both the historical and current situation Traveller’s face in the education system.
• An excellent understanding of the social determinants of education and how they apply to Travellers.
• The belief that positive outcomes in education can lead to better life opportunities in employment, health and accommodation.
• The ability to work from an anti-racist and human rights perspective

Desirable Criteria:

• A level 6 or equivalent education qualification in youth work, social care etc
• Creative skills in arts/craft/digital media
• Undertaken training in anti-racism and or cultural competency

Contract Terms and Application Details

Salary: € 44,000 per annum

Length of Contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to funding.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. There may be a possibility of this role being shared by two part time workers. If this would be your preference, please state when applying for the role.

Report to

• Southern Traveller Health Network (STHN) Co-ordinators in TVG.
• Support also provided by a steering / advisory group.

How to Apply: 

To apply for this role please contact sthnanne@gmail.com via email and send a CV along with a cover letter detailing why you are suitable for the role.

Closing Date for Applications: 25th July at 12pm.

Interviews: To be held week of 28th July. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange interview times and dates.

Start Date: As this is a year long pilot project we would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible, ideally in early August.