About this role
LYNC CONNECT PROGRAMME
The LYNC CONNECT programme will be implemented across the statutory EA Youth Service in Causeway Coast and Glens . The purpose of these programmes is to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills of young people aged 18-25 years old, through training and paid work experience, whilst they are supported by professionally qualified youth workers.
Participants will attain EA recognition at the Youth Support Worker level qualification, relevant personal and youth work skills training and accreditation over an eight month period from March 2026 – October 2026.
Please note however, there is no guarantee of a paid post on completion of this programme.
The CONNECT programme is aimed at engaging 54 young people across Northern Ireland aged 18-25 years old who have a minimum of 4 GCSE’s (grades A - C) or equivalent or higher, one of which should be English (essential skills level 2 is accepted as an equivalent to GCSE English) and want to receive work experience, either to increase a personal statement to apply to further education, or to gain employment.
Applicants must be a registered youth service member, volunteer or part-time youth leader (attend, volunteer or work in any form of youth provision, for example a youth club/centre, area based youth provision, a Girls Brigade group, a Boys Brigade group, a Scout group, a Guide group or a church based or community youth group).
Applicants will have to demonstrate they have evidence of a commitment to working with children and young people and have a commitment to volunteering.
You will be paid for 24 hours per week and the 6 remaining hours will be a commitment to volunteer by giving your time as positive role models and peer mentors for the young people in the EA Youth Service Community scheme. You will provide one to one support as a peer mentor using the Circle of Courage framework as well as small reflective group work using the refection framework model.
Successful candidates will be given the opportunity where possible to choose and complete two work placements, working directly with children and young people in youth service teams which may include working in schools
Placement opportunities will include:
- Centre Based Youth Work (This placement will involve regular weekend work)
All participants of the programme will be provided with a link youth worker providing support and supervision. There will be regular opportunities for participants to meet and to share practice and personal learning. Each participant will have an individual plan with their own personal goals detailed and reviewed, ensuring that outcomes are recorded as well as satisfaction rates
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Assistant Youth Support Worker – Part Time
HOURS PER WEEK: 24 hours (+6 additional hours of voluntary work)
RATE OF PAY: Youth Support Worker Range Pt 5 | £21,571 per annum pro rata.
REPORTS TO: Nominated Officer
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Assisting with the unit programme and the implementation of Education Authority organisational policies.
JOB PURPOSE: To work directly with young people to develop their social education by providing programmes of activities. This post is for staff appointed to undertake duties under the direction of a Worker in Charge or nominated Youth Support Worker.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with the planning and implementation of programmes, related to the ‘Model for Effective Practice’.
- Ensure that young people play an active role in the youth group and work towards a model of youth participation.
- Communicate effectively and develop a rapport with young people.
- Assist in the development of relationships with the wider community and external agencies.
- Assist young people to express and realise their goals.
- Challenge oppressive behaviour in young people.
- Provide information and support to young people.
- Support young people in evaluating youth work activities and the impact of youth work on their development.
- Implement the unit’s Child Protection Policy and work with young people to safeguard their welfare and the welfare of others.
- Assist with administrative duties within the unit.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
Please refer to the candidate information pack for more details which can be accessed here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
| NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS |
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. |
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Method of Assessment |
| Qualifications | By the closing date for receipt of applications, have a minimum of 4 GCSE’s (grades A - C) or equivalent or higher, one of which should be English (essential skills level 2 is accepted as an equivalent to GCSE English). | Sifting by Application Form |
| Other | Applicants must by the closing date for receipt of completed applications be:
| Sifting by Application Form |
| Experience | Demonstrable evidence of a commitment to working with children and young people. Demonstrable evidence of a commitment to volunteering. |
Shortlisting by Application Form and Interview
|
| Other | In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.(See Appendix 1 within the candidate pack) we will look for evidence of interest and potential in:
| Shortlisting by Application Form and Interview
|
Value Orientation | Demonstrable evidence of how your approach to work reflects EA’s values. You will find information about our values here: https://www.eani.org.uk/about-us/how-we-do-it | Shortlisting by Application Form and Interview |
Section 2 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Method of Assessment |
| Employment Status | Preference will be given to young people not currently in stable full-time employment at the closing date for applications:
|
Sifting by Application Form
|
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Other facts
About Education Authority Northern Ireland
The Education Authority (EA) was created on 01 April 2015 as a new organisation responsible to the Department of Education (DE) for the delivery of education services to schools and youth centres across Northern Ireland.
The work we do impacts the lives of tens of thousands of children, young people and their families every day. The services we provide are essential in supporting, encouraging and facilitating learning within our communities to develop generations of young people who are equipped to succeed in life and work in the modern world.
As a public sector organisation, we must continue to deliver these vital services in a challenging environment of increasing financial pressure and under intense public scrutiny.
EA is at the beginning of an exciting journey of organisational transformation and modernisation. Emerging from the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs) our aim is to build a new organisation which is focused on meeting the needs of all our young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
What you'll do
- Assist with the planning and implementation of youth programs and activities. Provide one-on-one support and mentorship to young people, ensuring their active participation and development.
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