The Youth Cultivator will work within the spirit of Solas Project, the vision of which is an Ireland where all children and young people truly know their self-worth and can take full advantage of their potential. We are achieving this through providing a range of innovative interventions that equip and empower young people to reach their full potential, live life to the full and participate fully in society. Through programmes of learning, mentoring, personal and social development we support young people to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The aim of Compass is to “love every young prisoner in Ireland away from re-offending and towards a new life”. This is achieved by running meaningful activities in the prison which then enables relationships to be built and continued in a mentoring capacity in the community. This main focus of this role is the co-ordination and running of the in-prison activities. The Youth Cultivator will also work as part of the Compass team and be involved in community mentoring as required.
We invite appropriately qualified individuals to apply who are committed to the healthy development of young people, have a creative approach to working with our target group (Young people within the justice system aged 16-24), and are enthusiastic about working within a demanding youth work environment.
Job Title: Youth Cultivator – Compass (Prison Programme)
Duration: 11 months
Hours of Work: 35 hrs a week with some weekend and evening work required
Salary: Dependant on skills and experience of successful candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
Minimum of two years’ experience of working with young people in a disadvantaged context
A recognised qualification in one: Youth Work, Social Work, Education or related discipline.
Extensive experience of the not for profit sector in a disadvantage context
Proven track record of ability to attract, motivate and manage volunteers
Innovative spirit with the ability to identify and develop new and fresh ways to expand the programme that will further the Project’s mission.
Clean driving licence and use of own car
Broad understanding of the criminal justice system & experience working in the Prison system
Appreciation and support of the ethos and values of Solas Project
Required Attributes and Skills:
Compassion, Patience, Organisational Astuteness, High Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Process Improvement, Reporting Skills, Change Management, Coaching, Supports Innovation, Developing Standards, Administrative Writing Skills and People Skills.
Role Description
The person will have specific responsibility for the running and development of Compass’ in prison activities and relationships as well as supporting the community work of Compass.
Programme Delivery and Development
Deliver desired outcomes for each stage of the programme in line with the programme’s strategic objectives.
Develop and implement prison based meaningful activities that will engage and attract participants.
Collaborate with other agencies and/or individuals in the development of meaningful activities within the prison.
Build trusting relationships with young people in prison in order to enable Compass to continue supporting them upon release.
Initiate, manage and develop pre-release tailored care plans with participants who have engaged with the programme and who are willing to be supported in the community on release.
In the process of developing tailored pre-release care plans with each participant, identify, engage and liaise with all necessary and required third parties to properly assess the needs of participants on release.
As required support the Compass team by mentoring participants in the community on their release as per the standard community support care plan
Manage and support a team of volunteers for the in-prison activities.
Review the programme’s existing policies and update and/or amending same where necessary.
Other
As required assist with the running of any of the other project’s programmes or activities.
Be familiar with and abide by the project’s policies and procedures, including child protection and health and safety guidelines for workers and volunteers.
Contribute, as requested, to Solas Project’s communications team including regular updates and ‘Stories of Impact’
Work with and respond to queries from any 3rd parties requesting information on the programme.
Contribute to the wider strategic development of the project by playing an active role.
Ensure that the values and ethos of the project are reflected in a consistent manner in all activities.
To apply please email a CV and cover letter to: Clodagh@solasproject.ie.
Closing date: 25th July 2017 with interviews to be held the following week.