Job Description

Please note you will need to complete our application form and apply via our website in order to be considered for this role. CVs will not be accepted through Indeed

Who we are

Adoption UK is the leading charity providing support, community, and advocacy for adopters, adopted people and all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents. With a presence in all four nations of the UK, Adoption UK works with those with lived experience, professionals and politicians to bring about real change in people's lives.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. Under-representative groups such as ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to build a career with us. We don't want you to 'fit' our culture, we want you to enrich it.

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Services Worker (Northern Ireland)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Northern Ireland

HOURS OF WORK: 25 hours a week (flexible with some evenings)

LOCATION: Office based, with travel across Northern Ireland.

DURATION: Fixed Term - 5 Years

SALARY / GRADE: Grade 5 (30,738 - 33,921 FTE)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Adopted Young People in Northern Ireland Director Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland staff Wider AUK youth staff
Representative staff from educational establishments.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To develop, implement and evaluate the Banter Project youth service in partnership with adopted young people in Northern Ireland. These young people range in age from 14-25 years and live throughout Northern Ireland. The role will primarily work with the project participants, but has additional relationships with community organisations, educational establishments and employers to ensure that all project goals and outcomes are efficiently and effectively met.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To lead the development and delivery of all elements of the Banter Project adopted young people's service within Northern Ireland in a fun, interactive, interesting and an ability appropriate manner.

To support the project participants to play an active role in the design and implementation of a programme of monthly activities for adopted young people. Sustaining and developing a monthly social hub, supporting the development of basic life-skills, and preparation for opportunities in further education, training, employment.

To support a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in its role to enable adopted young people to steer the Banter Project while developing skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

To organise and supervise the work of the Youth Services Support Worker to deliver the Banter Project.

To provide opportunities to connect with, and signpost to, relevant services, particularly those who work with care experienced young people.

To develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation to review individual goals, track progress and impact, via data and analysis of outcomes to assess effectiveness and areas for improvement.

To record service activity using the electronic data management systems to collate in preparation for reporting and learning opportunities.

To gather output and outcome data from the Banter Project service in accordance with the quality assurance systems within AUK.

Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality project for our adopted young people and their adoptive parents. Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals.

To attend internal and external training/meetings as appropriate, to remain connected with broader adoption issues, relevant policies, working practices, and network with other youth work providers in Northern Ireland.

To engage in supervision and professional development.

What we offer:

The role attracts a full-time equivalent salary of 30,738 - 33,921 FTE

We offer generous annual leave which accumulates with service, Christmas Closure, Development Days, Enhanced Family Leave Policies and enhanced sick pay.

Adoption UK positively embraces flexible working recognising that employees may wish to balance work and family/home life. We are happy to discuss your circumstances at interview stage.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect everyone working with us to share this commitment.

If you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for adoptive and kinship care families, we would love to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is 26th September 2025. Interviews are expected to be within the following 2 weeks. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive we may close the advert early so we encourage you to apply straight away.

If you have any questions or if you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulties which means you are unable to complete the application process online, please get in touch with People Services by emailing jobs@adoptionuk.org.uk and we will be happy to help.

How to apply:

Please complete an application form and apply via our website:

https://www.adoptionuk.org/jobs-page

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 30,738.00-33,921.00 per year

Expected hours: 25 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Flexitime Free flu jabs Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Belfast BT1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person