Position: Project Worker
(3 Days per Week)
Employer: GYNG (Gorey Youth Needs Group)
Project: The RISE Project (Tusla Funded)
Location: North Wexford
Hours: Part-time – 3 days per week (24 hours)
Contract: Fixed-term (subject to annual funding)
Salary: €21 per hour
About the Project
Gorey Youth Needs Group (GYNG) has been supporting children, young people, and families in the Gorey area for over 30 years through targeted youth support initiatives.
This role is specifically for the RISE Project, a Tusla-funded initiative managed by GYNG. The RISE Project provides intensive, targeted support to young people aged 11–17 years who are at risk of entering care and those currently in care placements who require additional support to maintain those placements.
Referrals to the RISE Project are made exclusively through Tusla Social Workers, ensuring a focused and high-need caseload. The project utilises outdoor, nature-based, and therapeutic interventions as key tools for engagement, alongside trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support positive outcomes for young people.
The aim of the RISE Project is to reduce risk, strengthen resilience, strengthen relationships, stabilise placements and support young people to remain safely within their families and communities where possible.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and compassionate Project Worker with relevant experience to join the RISE Project team. This role would suit any candidate with a degree in Youth Work or Social Care.
This is a specialist role requiring the ability to work intensively with young people presenting with complex needs, high levels of vulnerability, and significant risk factors. The successful candidate will deliver individualised, therapeutic, often outdoor-based interventions, building strong, trusting relationships with young people in both centre-based and community settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Adhere to all organisational policies, including child protection and safeguarding
- Work directly with young people aged 11–17 who are at risk of entering care or require support to maintain placements
- Build and maintain strong, consistent, and therapeutic relationships with young people
- Plan and deliver individualised and small group interventions, including outdoor and nature-based activities
- Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, and relationship-focused approaches in all work
- Support young people to identify goals and develop realistic, outcome-focused action plans
- Carry out individual risk assessments prior to engagement and review regularly
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and case notes in line with Tusla requirements
- Liaise closely with Tusla Social Workers regarding referrals, progress, and case management
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and relevant external agencies
Essential Criteria
- A relevant qualification in Youth Work or Social Care
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with young people, particularly those with complex or high-risk needs
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable or at-risk young people
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and safeguarding
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Capacity to manage behaviours that can challenge and complex situations in a calm and professional manner
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with young people at risk of entering care or within care systems
- Experience using outdoor learning, therapeutic, or nature-based interventions
- Knowledge of Tusla systems, referral pathways, and interagency working
- Familiarity with local youth services and supports
- Full clean driving licence
What We Offer
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialist training
- The opportunity to engage in meaningful, impactful work with high-need young people
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for this specialist role to:
Chairperson – lisa.gibney@gyng.ie
Closing date: 21st of April at 5pm
For further information, please contact:
CEO Mandi Tighe – 087 744 5232
Interviews will take place the following week once shortlisting has been completed.
