Overview of the Role
The purpose of this position is to co-ordinate and run Solas@School programmes in primary and secondary schools. Solas@School is a collection of school-based programmes aimed at preparing and supporting young people impacted by social and educational disadvantage.
Solas@School provides interactive, educational and informative programmes that are inclusive and allow young people to be creative, have fun and express themselves. A key focus of our Solas@School is support young people transition successfully from primary to secondary school. Currently Solas@School works in 15 local primary and secondary schools focusing supports on young people in 5th and 6th class in primary school and 1st and 2nd year in secondary school.
As the programme runs with support of a large number of corporate partners, the Senior Youth Worker will be required to build relationships with our three key stakeholders – the young people, the schools (teachers and principals) and with our corporate partners and volunteers.

Role Requirements
Essential
A recognised qualification in one of the following: Youth Work, Education, Social Work/Care or related discipline.
Minimum of three years’ experience of working with young people.
Passionate about the work of Solas Project and committed to its vision and values.
Desirable
Over three years’ experience working with disadvantaged young people in a youth work context.
Experience of supporting young people and facilitating groups in a school setting.
Understanding and experience of supporting young people impacted by social and educational disadvantage.
Proven track record of ability to attract, motivate and manage volunteers.
Innovative approach with the ability to identify and develop new and fresh ways to support young people that will further the organisation’s mission.
Adaptable and flexible approach to solving problems and managing logistics.
Self-starter with a good team ethos and have ability to work on own.
Experience of collaboration and building relationships with key stakeholders (eg. schools, community services, corporate partners).
Experience of implementing and reviewing programmes involving young people.
Excellent organisational and IT skills and ability to manage events

Role Responsibilities:
The Senior Youth Worker will be responsible for the following:
Programme Delivery & Development
Co-ordinate Solas@School team and oversee the smooth day to day running of all aspects of Solas@School programmes (Solas Business, Solas College, Solas Sport and transition programme) including directly running sessions.
Innovate and develop Solas@School existing programmes and develop new programmes within the vision of Solas@School.
Build good working relationships with all stakeholders who play an essential part in the successful running of Solas@School including but not limited to schools, teachers, companies, volunteers and universities/colleges involved.
Manage relationships with corporate volunteers including delivering training, ensuring volunteers are prepared for their volunteer experience including an understanding of the disadvantaged context they will be volunteering in.
Provide line management for Solas@School youth worker, students and volunteers.
Coordinate and develop all annual events for each aspect of Solas@School
Plan activities within the given budget and work withing funding guidelines.
Find ways to further integrate the work of Solas@School into the wider work of Solas Project including joint initiatives with other programmes.

Communications and Funding
Stewardship of Solas@School donors in conjunction with Leadership Team.
Assist in researching & securing funding for Solas@School Programme as required.
Produce Solas@School communications material as required.
Communicate with Volunteer Co-ordinator on regular basis, ensuring an adequate number of volunteers in the programme and work together on the Garda Vetting process for corporate volunteers.
Complete reports and implement Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the programme.
Review the programme’s existing policies and update as necessary.

General Solas Project Responsibilities
Assist with the running of any of the other project’s programmes as required.
Ensure Solas Project’s youth work approach is upheld (see adjoining document)
Be familiar with and abide by the project’s policies and procedures, including child protection and health and safety guidelines for workers and volunteers.
Seek out training and development opportunities and actively engage with supervision process.
Contribute to the strategic development of the organisation by playing an active role in the wider team.
Ensure that the values and ethos of the project are reflected in a consistent manner in all activities.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to:
Amy Carey, Solas Project, Unit 1 Liberty View, Longs Place, Dublin 8 or amy@solasproject.ie
by Wednesday 25th August 2021.

First round interviews will take place on the 6th and 7th September.