Youth Work Ireland Louth: Youth Justice Support Worker (Family Support)
Position: Youth Justice Support Worker
(Family Support)
Employer: Youth Work Ireland Louth
Location: BOYNE Youth Diversion Project, South Drogheda, Co. Louth
Reporting to: CEO
Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months (subject to funding continuation)
Hours: 20 hours per week
About Us:
The BOYNE Youth Diversion Project, part of the Integrated Youth Service within Youth Work Ireland Louth, is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the ESF+ Programme 2021–2027. We are recruiting a Family Support Worker to provide tailored support to families of young people engaged in the project. This role is integral to fostering positive behavioural change and supporting young people at risk of involvement in criminal or socially harmful activities.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Youth Justice Family Support Worker to join our team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting socially excluded young people and their families through tailored interventions and community-based youth work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engage parents and guardians of BOYNE Project participants in developmental programmes that encourage reflection on their own and their child’s behaviour, supporting positive lifestyle choices.
- Identify and respond to the needs of young people’s families using YLS/CMI 2.0 assessments in collaboration with Youth Justice Workers, developing effective case plans.
- Design, implement, and evaluate parenting and parent/child interventions and supports.
- Support young people, parents, guardians, and family members in fostering positive engagement to facilitate behaviour change.
- Deliver planned individual and group work programmes, including outreach activities as required.
- Collaborate with parents, families, community groups, and partner agencies to enhance support and development opportunities for young people.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with local stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, Tusla, and other youth and family services.
- Ensure compliance with YDP Operational requirements, case planning guidelines, and Youth Work Ireland Louth policies.
- Maintain accurate records, complete timely reports for management, project committees, and funders, and fulfill administrative duties including timesheets, expenses, etc.
- Operate efficient office procedures in line with data protection legislation, including secure record-keeping and filing.
- Attend and contribute to committee and team meetings, preparing written reports as required.
Other Duties Within Youth Work Ireland Louth
As part of the wider Youth Work Ireland Louth team, the Family Support Worker may be required to support youth development activities across the Integrated Youth Service, contribute to outreach and community engagement initiatives, assist with administrative and monitoring tasks, attend relevant meetings and training, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance service delivery and organisational development.
Please note that appointment to this position is subject to Garda Vetting clearance in line with Youth Work Ireland Louth’s Child Protection Policy. All candidates must be willing to undergo the vetting process prior to commencement of employment.
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in Youth Justice, Family Support, or a similar role.
- Relevant paid or voluntary experience working with young people and/or families.
Desirable:
- Experience providing support specifically to parents and families.
- Full Irish driving licence and access to a car.
- Experience in inter-agency work.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and some weekends.
- Knowledge of Youth Diversion work and experience supporting young people and families from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Person Specification
- Strong understanding of family support principles and practice.
- Ability to build and maintain effective, trusting relationships with parents, guardians, and young people.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise across a wide range of contacts and agencies.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in work, especially in written reports and records.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to use initiative effectively.
- Positive, flexible, and collaborative approach to teamwork.
- Strong written communication skills including report writing and correspondence drafting.
- Competent in computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and completed application form by Friday, 1st August 2025 to:
Email: chairperson@ywilouth.ie
Or post to:
FAO: Chairperson
Youth Work Ireland Louth
Unit 5 Partnership Court
Dundalk, Co. Louth
A91 YVX2
For the full job specification and application form, please visit our website or contact us directly.