Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: PATHWAYS Youth Worker

Please find enclosed, an application pack for the above post which includes the following documentation:

Information about our organisation Job Description & Personal Specification; Application Form; Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Please complete the Application Form and Monitoring Questionnaire (in an envelope addressed to the Monitoring Officer) and return to me at the address shown. The closing date for completed applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 26 th September 2018.

Depending on shortlisting, we may call successful candidates for an interview linked to the criteria for the post.

This is a really exciting project so we will look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your interest in our organization.

Yours sincerely,

Linda McKendry Director of Services

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Background to our Organisation

CAN is a unique, fairly small (but significant) user-led charity of people with learning disabilities, based in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland.

We are extremely proud of our organisation as it has retained all of the unique qualities from its inception including remaining user-led and managed, independent, progressive and proactive. Our underpinning aim is to create an organisation for informed and empowered individuals to push back the barriers to enable them to have the same fulfilling and creative opportunities as every other citizen therefore leading to our membership taking control over their own lives and destinies… “Enhancing Lives…Creating Change”.

We want people with a learning disability in our area: to be confident and be able to speak up for themselves; to have access to a range of services including employment, training, social

and recreational opportunities; to play an active role in their local community; to have their voices clearly heard.

Our Values: Confidence; User involvement; Action focused; Quality; Equality; Skills enhancement; Respect!

We work with people with learning disabilities aged 12 and over…we have several Social Enterprises including Can Can Recycling, Can Can Bazaar (our shop) and Can Can Bubbles, our launderette. 100% of the proceeds from our Social Enterprises go back into the organisation to support local people with learning disabilities.

Our Pathways project works with children and young adults aged 12-25 preparing them for the transition into adult life. In addition, we hold the accreditation for Best Buddies Northern Ireland which provides friendship opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities. We operate The Hub which is a youth drop in extension of our Best Buddies project and offers weekly social sessions for the young members.

Our WECAN programme aims to enable people with learning disabilities to gain the appropriate skills and guidance to overcome barriers to work, gain employability skills and potentially, to make the transition to supported employment. For some people, this service will assist them in taking their first steps towards employment. Depending on their levels of ability and interests, participants can join one or more of the social enterprise schemes run by CAN and receive support and training specific to their needs.

The BASE provides an alternative to traditional daycare to local people with learning disabilities and empowers them to access local community services and facilities. It promotes independence and free choice and the members produce a monthly calendar of activities that they would like to attend and enjoy. Co-ordinators are provided to enable the members to enjoy as many activities as possible and to assist with arrangements such as transport and supervision.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Youth Worker

MAIN LOCATION: 20 Seymour Street, Ballymoney

HOURS: 37 hours per week (Including Evenings and Weekends)

GRADE/SALARY: £20455.56 + 7% pension contribution payable by employer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Youth Navigator

CAN is a Ballymoney-based charity working with young people and adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues.

CAN Pathways (funded by the Big Lottery) with three years remaining aims to provide a ‘navigation’ programme for young people with learning disabilities and autism (aged 12 to 25) in the council areas of Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council areas. The aim of the project is to support young people at a pivotal time in their lives to create better life outcomes. The project involves community engagement in mainstream activities and enabling young people to increase their friendship circles and forge stronger networks of support thus helping young people to become fully involved in decisions and choices that affect their lives as they move into adulthood.

The project also involves:

Better signposting to advice and guidance; Access to training and employment opportunities; Accredited training in life skills to enable the young people to be safe, empowered, in control,

informed and active within their own local community; Enhancing social skills, physical and mental health, independence and coping skills for when

things ‘go wrong’.

Young people are in the lead in this project through: Focus and planning groups; Steering Group; A Person-Centered approach with a strong user-led ethos.

The Role:The Youth Worker will work closely with the young people and their families/carers on a one-2-one basis and groupwork setting, ensuring that the project remain user-led and person-centered.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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To implement the operational plan for the project to deliver all objectives and outcomes. To plan and facilitate a programme of activities and ensure they are delivered on time, and are

based on the needs of the young people;

Liaison with families and carers, ensuring a healthy and safe environment for participants and volunteers;

To work with young people on a 1 to 1 and group work basis to enhance their active participation in the issues, services and decisions that impact on their lives;

To work with young people on a 1 to 1 basis to develop person centred plans. To provide direct support to young people to ensure that their engagement with all project activities

is as inclusive and positive as possible at all times. To design and deliver/facilitate the delivery of programmes which provide opportunities for young

people to raise their aspirations, confidence, self-esteem and their ability to learn and grow; To design and deliver/facilitate the delivery of programmes which improve the safety, health & well-

being of young people; To assist in the design and delivery of programmes which support young people to develop

leadership qualities and skills, and which provide training and community volunteering opportunities;

To engage with other organisations (including community and voluntary organisations) to benefit from their research and resources, to assist formulation and delivery of the project and to learn from and share experiences, and to build success of the project on what works;

Documents and Record Keeping To record and input all of the information and data of all those targeted and/or involved in the

project - to track involvement, and the achievement of personal and project objectives; To utilise the project database to track progress and deliver monthly reports as required. To ensure that the maintenance of records and filing systems within CAN meet best practice

standards and Data Protection requirements.

General To work as part of a wider team of staff and volunteers to support CAN in achieving a thriving,

sustainable and vibrant organisation; Undertake other duties as shall be reasonably required from time to time.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION PROJECT OFFICERESSENTIAL CRITERIA Experience

At least 2 years’ recent experience of organising and leading programmes of activities/workshops At least 2 years demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable young people; Experience of the voluntary, statutory, and community sectors.

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Knowledge & Skills

Effective one-2-one and group work facilitation skills with young people; Ability to lead a team of volunteers; Effective personal and interpersonal skills and ability to relate to young people particularly those

who experience forms of marginalisation and social exclusion; The ability to co-ordinate a range of activities within a local community. An understanding of issues commonly experienced by young people with learning disabilities; Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with people

at all levels; Effective organisational skills including ability to plan own work and achieve targets within

deadlines; Ability to work effectively in a small team and motivate others.

Personal Qualities Must be able to establish and maintain constructive relationships with a wide range of partner

organisations including those in education, health and social care and other partners providing support services in both the statutory and community/voluntary sector.

A person who demands a high standard from themselves and others; Ability to be innovative and work on own initiative to prioritise your workload and make

improvements; Be self-motivated, flexible and resourceful; Warm and friendly manner; Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality; Commitment to equal opportunities.

Values and Attitude Must show commitment to and be able to describe examples of a proactive approach to user

involvement and empowerment and people who use our services can be enabled to have a greater opportunities to exercise their rights both within a service setting and in their general life experiences;

Promoting equality of opportunity for all, regardless of ability; Promoting a positive attitude towards young people and their ability to address issues they might

face in their lives Be able to demonstrate reliability and flexibility.

Other Post-holder must hold a valid driving license and have access to a car to carry out the duties

associated with the post. Applicants who are registered disabled can use alternative forms of transport to enable them to carry out the duties associated with this post.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced check via the Access (NI) Service before commencement of employment;

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As this is a Youth Project, it is ESSENTIAL that the post-holder is available around the needs of the young people and their families so there is a requirement to work outside normal office hours as required.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA Previous experience of managing a project with considerable grant funding and associated

reporting demands would be desirable; A third-level qualification in Youth Work, Community Development Work, Social Science or Social

Work or, Health & Social Care Level 4 accreditation (as per National Qualifications or Qualifications Credit Framework).

N.B. CAN reserves the right to enhance the criteria for shortlisting. CAN is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, fairness of treatment, dignity, work-life balance and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace for all staff and job applicants. The employer aims to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. Therefore the organisation has adopted this policy as a means of helping to achieve these aims.

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Return form to:-The Monitoring OfficerCompass Advocacy Network Ltd 20 Seymour StreetBallymoneyCounty AntrimBT53 6JR

APPLICATION INFORMATION Ref: PYW/2018/01/

POSITION APPLIED FOR:- PATHWAYS Youth WorkerSurname:

Forenames: Date of Birth:

Home Address

Phone – Day number Evening number

Email Address: If successful, when could you take up the appointment

DRIVING ABILITY

Do you hold a full current UK Driving Licence? YES/NO – please delete as appropriateDoes your licence have class D1 available? YES/NO – please delete as appropriateDo you have any current endorsements on your driving licence? YES/NO – If YES, Please provide details

Do you have access to a car?

MEDICAL HISTORY

Give details of any illness, operation or accident resulting in an absence from work, paid or unpaid in the last 2 years. Please include details of recurring illness or medical problems for which you might be receiving attention or medication.

How many days absence have you had in the last year through sickness?

If you have a disability please tell us about any adjustments we may need to make to assist you at interview.

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EDUCATION

Name and address of Schools/College/University

Dates attended From -To Recognised Qualifications and Grades

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OFFICE SKILLS – Please detail your experience in the following administration areas

Word-processing

Excel

Powerpoint

General computer skills

OTHER TRAINING UNDERTAKEN/QUALIFICATIONS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES ATTENDED

DateFrom-To

Course Title Qualification Gained

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PAID EMPLOYMENT Start with current/most recentDatesFrom-ToInclude Month/Year

Employers Name and Address Job Title and Responsibilities Full/Part TimeNo. hrs p/wk

Reason for Leaving

Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary

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VOLUNTARY WORKDatesFrom/To

Organisation Nature of Work Hrs per week

Leisure Activities (Sports, hobbies etc)

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REFERENCES

Please give details of at least 2 people whom we may contact for a reference. References will be taken up if you are shortlisted unless you specify otherwise. At least 1 referee should have a working knowledge of you in a working environment, either paid or unpaid, and should be your current/last employer. If you are a recent school/college leaver please give appropriate school/college referees.

Name Address/Email Details Telephone

Occupation Relationship

CAUTIONS, REHABILITATION AND CRIMINAL RECORDS

Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, by virtue of The Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979, which means that convictions that are spent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 must be disclosed, and will be taken into account in deciding whether to make an appointment. Any information will be completely confidential and will be considered only in relation to this application.

Because of the nature of our business, upon conditional appointment, the successful interviewee will be required to submit to an enhanced Criminal Records check. Any disclosure made will remain strictly confidential. A criminal record will not necessarily be a barrier to obtaining a position in our organisation. We will discuss any matters revealed in disclosure with the subject of that Disclosure before taking any action.

Do you authorise us to obtain any necessary information in connection with this application for employment? YES/NO (delete as required)

Have you ever been convicted in a Court of Law and/or cautioned in respect of any offence? YES/NO (delete as required)

If YES, please give details below (continue on separate page if necessary):

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (CARE SECTOR)Because this position involves the care of children and/or vulnerable adults, employment is dependent on the following:

1 Your written consent to obtaining a disclosure of criminal records including any convictions that are spent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

2 Such disclosure being acceptable to us.3 Proof of identity – birth or marriage certificate (where appropriate) and passport (if available)4 Two satisfactory written references.5 That you will supply a photograph of yourself for retention in our records.6 Evidence of physical or mental suitability for your work.

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WORK RELATED EXPERIENCEApplicants must indicate in this section how their experience to date meets the criteria for the post as set out in the enclosed Job Description/Personnel Specification. Continuation sheets may be used if necessary.

(a) ESSENTIAL CRITERIAPlease give details of your experience which is relevant to the criteria as detailed in the Job Description and Personal Specification (Ensure that you demonstrate clearly the number of years experience and give clear examples of what you have done in this area):

(b) DESIRABLE CRITERIAPlease give details of how you meet the desirable criteria on the Personal Specification (Ensure that you demonstrate clearly the number of years experience and give clear examples of what you have done in this area):

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PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION OF RELEVANCE FOR THIS POST including why you would be a good fit for the post and our organisation?

DECLARATION

I certify that all the particulars given are correct and understand that should any false statement/omissions be made on this form Compass Advocacy Network Ltd reserves the right of dismissal. I understand that employment with Compass Advocacy Network Ltd is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and disclosure certificate.

Signature of Application ______________________________________________ Date ___________________

Please return completed form and attachments to the address given on the front page

Please return form to:

The Monitoring OfficerCompass Advocacy Network Ltd20 Seymour StreetBallymoneyCounty AntrimBT53 6JR

Email: michaella@compasspeople.orgBy DATE SPECIFIED ON COVER LETTER

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Our Ref: PYW/2018/01Please return in envelope provided.

Private & Confidential

MONITORING QUESTIOINNAIRE

GUIDANCE NOTES:We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We aim to provide equality of opportunity to all persons regardless of their community background, religious belief, political opinion, gender, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including whether they have dependants or not), race, colour, ethnicity or nationality, sexual orientation, age, or whether they are disabled or not.

We do not discriminate against our job applicants or employees on any of the grounds listed above. We aim to select the best person for the job and all recruitment decisions will be made objectively.

In this questionnaire we will ask you to provide us with some personal information about yourself. We are doing this for two reasons. Firstly, we are doing this to demonstrate our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity in employment. The information that you provide us will assist us to measure the effectiveness of our equal opportunity policies and to develop affirmative or positive action policies. Secondly, we also monitor the community background and gender of our job applicants and employees in order to comply with our duties under the Fair Employment & Treatment (NI) Order 1998.

We encourage you to answer the questions below. Your identity will be kept anonymous and your answers will be treated with the strictest confidence. We assure you that your answers will not be used by us to make any unlawful of unjustified decisions affecting you, whether in a recruitment exercise or during the course of any employment with us. To protect your privacy, you should not write your name on this questionnaire. The form will carry a unique identification number and only our Monitoring Officer will be able to match this to your name.

It was noted above that we will not use the information provided by you to make any unlawful or unjustified decisions affecting you. However, it may be necessary for us to take account of information provided by disabled persons about their disabilities. We assure disabled persons that we will not do this without lawful justification. Furthermore, we guarantee that we will use any information provided to us by disabled persons to assist us to comply with our duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, particularly any duty that we may owe to a disabled person to make reasonable adjustments for him or her.

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Our Ref: PYW/2018/01

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND:Regardless of whether they actually practice a particular religion, most people in Northern Ireland are perceived to be members of either the Protestant or Roman Catholic communities. Please indicate the community to which you belong by ticking the appropriate box below:-

I am a member of the Protestant community:

I am a member of the Roman Catholic community:

I am not a member of either the Protestant or theRoman Catholic communities:

If you do not answer the above question, we are encouraged to use the residuary method of making a determination, which means that we can make a determination as to your community background on the basis of the personal information supplied by you in your application form/personnel file.

GENDER:Please indicate your gender by ticking the appropriate box below:

Male

Female

Note: If you answer these questions about community background and gender you are obliged to do so truthfully, as it is a criminal offence under the Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (NI) 1999 to knowingly give false answers to these questions.

AGE:

Please state your date of birth:Date of Birth: _______________________________

Or, alternatively, tick the appropriate box to indicate the age band to which you belong:

Age Band:

16-20: 21-30: 31-40:

41-50: 51-60: 61-64:

65 and over:

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RACE, COLOUR ETHNICITY, NATIONALITY:

My Nationality is:

Please indicate your race or colour or ethnic or national origins:

Bangladeshi Pakistani

Black African White

Black Caribbean Black Other

Chinese Indian

Irish Traveller

Any other (please state)

DISABILITY:

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 a person is deemed to be a disabled person if he or she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to day activities. Please note that it is the effect of the impairment without treatment which determines whether an individual meets this definition.

Do you consider that you are a disabled person?

Yes: No:

If ‘Yes’, please indicate the nature of your disability by ticking the appropriate box or boxes below:

Hearing impairment: Visual impairment: Speech impairment

Mobility impairment: Learning difficulties: Severe disfigurement:

Physical co-ordination difficulties: Reduced physical capacity:

Mental health impairment: Long-standing or progressive illness/health condition:

Reasonable adjustmentsAre there any reasonable adjustments that we could make that would enable you to enjoy equality of opportunity in our recruitment process or in our employment arrangements? Please set out below the nature of any adjustments that you may need, or alternatively contact us directly……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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