Overview of Team Leader Role 

The Connect 4 Team Leader reports directly to their line manager, TDATF Coordinator.  The TDATF Coordinator reports directly to the CEO of SDCP.  

The Team Leader has responsibility for the day-to-day work of their team and the development of their programme in accordance with the objectives set out by the Connect 4 model and work plan.    

Team leaders should motivate and support their staff to be creative, competent and passionate in their work. They are responsible for creating a sense of team with their staff. 

In addition to the team leader responsibilities below additional responsibilities may also exist. 

SDCP requires a Team Leader to guide and oversee the day to day running of their Connect 4 Street Work Team in a busy and dynamic environment; to engage young people in the Killinarden and Jobstown areas of Tallaght that are effected/impacted by drug and alcohol use and related harm, in innovative, needs based, evidence informed programmes. Detached street work is an exciting area of work for TDATF and SDCP, we need an experieced and charismatic individual with a passion for supporting at risk young people and an understanding of the value of interagency work & supervision.

The position requires an individual that can guide a team to engage with young people on the streets, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk of drug and alcohol related harm. The role includes managing staff, relationship building, networking, mentoring, planning, measuring impact and reporting. Other duties will include reporting on the various programmes and interventions, interagency work, best practice.

Background

Killinarden is an area in West Tallaght that is made up of 27 Small Areas with an approximate population of 7,433. According to the Pobal Deprivation Index, 18 small areas in Killinarden are classed between disadvantaged and very disadvantaged. In 2017 Killinarden had the highest local area of unemployment in Tallaght (32.9%). 

Jobstown is an area in West Tallaght with a growing population of 17,824 (2016). It is the largest community and has the highest percentage of young people within the TDATF area. In 2017, the unemployment rate in Jobstown was 22.59%.

Both Killinarden and Jobstown have identified growing trends of increased drug trends among those most marginalised that has seen many young people become involved in drug use, drug dealing and activities that may cause significant risk to them. As a result, some young people have become more socially excluded within their communities. 

Target groups include: 

• Young people not engaged in education, employment, or training.
• Young people socially isolated in their own community.
• Young people participating in risky anti-social behaviours.
• Young people significantly impacted by drug and alcohol use.
• Young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, including being recruited into the drugs trade.

JOB SUMMARY

The person will be required to work as part of the TDATF Team, reporitng directly to TDATF Coordinator.   The main focus of the role is to provide the Connect 4 Project with leadership, support and guidance, post-pilot; Managing a team that work with young people age 10 – 24yrs effected/impacted by drug and alcohol use and related harm in the Killinarden and Jobstwon areas of Tallaght.

A key focus of the Detached Street Work Team is to reduce the risk of harm to the target group and actively promote alternative pathways.  This project will compliment the existing youth services in the Killinarden and Jobstown communities. The team will work in line with the ethos that underpins SDCP and its principles/values as a professional community organisation.

Evening work and flexibility required 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

The Successful candidates will:

• Support & empower a team of 4 street workers, employed to work with young people age 10 – 24yrs effected/impacted by substance misuse and substance related harm on the streets in named communites 
• Provide leadership in the context of the Connect 4 model (2023)
• Establish effective working relationships with key youth / community organisations 
• Establish effective working relationships with established drug/alcohol projects in TDATF area 
• Promote the work of Connect 4 as required 
• Participate in any project evaluations as needed 
• Assess local needs in conjunction with the TDATF/SDCP team and other local drug/alcohol services and develop work plan to effectively respond 
• Report directly to line manager, TDATF Coordinator and participate in regular meetings of the Connect 4 advisory group 
• Be flexible in approach and in allocating time to meet identified/emerging needs
• Use evidence informed models of intervention
• Ensure team members are competent to develop and deliver workshops, targeted interventions, programmes & individual care plans for the specified target groups
• Operate in line with the ethos of SDCP and in line with Children First Guidelines
• Record the work programme and plans in line with SDCP procedures
• Engage fully with any recommended training that will improve outcomes for the tteam and / or target group
• Ensure team members are outcome focused and competent in the use of sales force data recording 
• Any other relevent duties as requested by SDCP

INTERAGENCY WORK

• To represent the project on the TDATF Education & Prevention Sub-group, to ensure the voice of the most vulnerable young people are represented 
• To advise TDATF of any new or emerging trends concerning young people and drug & alcohol use.
• To participate in the Senior Management Team of SDCP, as required 

SPECIFIC TARGETS

• To implement recommedations of pilot project evaluation (2023) 
• To support and engage with academic research, to be commissioned by SDCP 2024 – 2026
• To promote alternative positve lifestyle choices and targeted early interventions to delay the onset on drug and alcohol use and / or the involvement in the local drugs industry
• Engage and establish trusting relationships with young people where they gather, with the aim of reducing risk
• Facilitate conversations as to Connect 4 how best can explore impacts of & alternatives to drug use / dealing, with young people

• Establish mechanisms for team engagemnt with family and peers of target group
• Ensure seamless signposting to services that can provide additional supports
• Increase positive outcomes for young people ages 10 – 24 years in Tallaght 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILTIES

• To act consistently professional at all times 
• To engage in regular supervision with line manager and / or external supervisor if needed
• To be flexible in working working hours
• To establish and maintain professional networks
• To ensure the work is carried out in line with the SDCP ethos.

REQUIREMENTS 

• A qualification on the National Framework in Youth Work or Youth & Community Work at Level 7 or above
• In addition: Drugs Theory & Intervention Skills, Addiction Studies, Diploma in Community Drug & Alcohol Work or similar
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with the target group and outreach work would be a distinct advantage
• Lived experience welcomed

SALARY

The salary for this position is based on each individual qualification and experience; 35 hour working week (full time).

Benefits of this position

• Some flexible working available 
• Opportunity to join pension scheme after 6 months 
• Access to HSF private health insurance. 
• 35 Hour per week (full time)
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) 
• Training opportunities as required 
• Opportunity to work with a progressive non-profit organisation, helping to improve the lives of young people in West Tallaght