EPIC – Youth Engagement Officer

EPIC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to advocate for the rights of young people in care or with care experience.

EPIC are currently recruiting a Youth Engagement Officer. The purpose of the role is to further develop youth engagement within EPIC, to reach a wider audience of young people in care and with care experience using both traditional and social media, technology and communication channels

Contract:2 year fixed term contract with a 6 month probationary period. Based in 7, Red Cow Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7

Reporting to:The Director of EPIC

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN TASKS

Working directly with young people

  • To increase EPIC’s engagement with young people across the wider community of care including residential, foster care and aftercare.
  • To recruit and support young people to participate in the EPIC Youth Board, to support and develop capacity of members of the EPIC Youth Board through training eg media skills, presentation and communication skills.
  • To develop, co-ordinate and implement opportunities for young people to participate in national and international events, consultations and conferences and to voice their opinions and speak out on issues of importance to them.
  • To increase the level of participation of young people within EPIC, to ensure that their views inform the policy advocacy work of the organization in order to contribute to changes in policy , practice and legislation in the Irish care system
  • To ensure that the views and concerns of young people are central to EPIC’s strategic planning and service development.
  • To provide young people with training and support to create change in their own lives and to provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and abilities.
  • To lead and manage projects which contribute to the engagement of young people
  • To lead and develop the delivery of social media activities to provide information to young people, to seek their views on care issues.
  • To support the development of traditional and web based content and publications to engage with and inform young people on issues of importance to them.

Strategy and Policy

  • To develop and implement EPIC’s engagement and participation strategy.
  • To promote awareness of EPIC and of issues affecting children in state care among professionals, academics, students and the general public.
  • To develop relationships and network with stakeholders, partners and professionals working within the sector
  • To participate as part of the EPIC team.
  • To carry out other duties as may be requested from time to time

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

Experience and Education

  • Relevant 3rd level qualification
  • At least 3 years’ experience of working directly with vulnerable children and young people.
  • Demonstrable experience of recruitment, management, training and support of young people.
  • Demonstrable experience of ensuring the voices and opinions of young people are carried through to implementation in work plans and processes.
  • Experience organising events to engage with young people to inform, educate and inspire young people.
  • Experience & knowledge of child protection legislation, policy and practice.
  • Experience in producing analytical and well-presented reports and publications.

Knowledge and Values

  • An understanding of the legislation and policy as it relates to care experienced children and young people.
  • An awareness of issues facing children in care and aftercare.
  • A commitment to and experience of user involvement in the planning and delivery of services.
  • A commitment to EPIC’s values and principles.
  • A commitment to children’s rights.

Skills and Attributes

  • Excellent organisational and project managementskills. This may include supervision and management of an Intern.
  • Excellent communications skills, both oral and written.
  • Good interpersonal skills: the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language difficulties.
  • An interest and understanding of the care system, and the Internet as a tool for youth engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders across multiple sectors (Government, Business, Media, Youth)
  • Demonstrable understanding of the NGO sector.
  • Knowledge of ICT and social media engagement.
  • Excellent Internet and email skills.High proficiency with Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
  • Ability to work in a small, inter-dependent team and willingness and capacity to take the initiative.
  • Ability to work with initiative and flexibility and attend meetings and meet deadlines as appropriate to the needs of the job (these may occur outside regular office hours).

Desirable

  • Hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle. This criterion may be waivered, if a disability prohibits driving. In this case,please demonstrate how you would meet the mobility requirementsof this post.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.