Donna Rea
Dundrum,Down
Summary
Experienced and compassionate professional with over 20 years in advocacy, youth development, and administration. Proven ability to lead teams, support vulnerable individuals, and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Proficient in line management, financial oversight, generating comprehensive management reports, and ensuring service delivery aligns with funding obligations. Passionate about empowering people to have their voices heard and supporting them to manage their wellbeing and rights with confidence.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
EMPOWER 2 TRANSFORM (E2T) Youth Worker
YMCA Newcastle
Newcastle , County Down
05.2024 - Current
- Developed and delivered employability programmes to support the development of young people who are disengaged from formal education, employment and training
- Provide individual and group support to young people facing social or personal challenges
- Build rapport and trust, creating a safe environment for growth and self-advocacy
- Developing rights-based programmes to inform young people, particularly in areas such as healthcare, employment and human rights
- Tailored individual progression plans for young people to support them in goal setting and achievement
Youth Development and Training officer
YMCA Newcastle
Newcastle , County Down
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed leadership and employability training for four young adults via the Department of Communities Job start scheme
- Supervised staff and volunteers, offering coaching, target setting and HR support
- Managed programme administration, reporting and stakeholder relationships
- Pursued staff training and development opportunities for team members
- Maintained accurate recording and reporting for General Secretary
Advocacy and Administration Officer
YMCA Newcastle
Newcastle, County Down
06.2017 - 08.2023
- Leader in Charge responsibilities, leading and supporting team to reach KPI's of funder
- Established a LGBTQ+ peer support hub and supported the development of youth leaders in this area
- Lead Youth Worker for Youth Council, supporting young people to have their voice heard giving them the platform to challenge injustices in their local community and provide peer mentoring for other young people
- Ensured funding compliance and moderation administration support
- Promoted and supported inclusion and diversity in the workplace
- Supported young people to access support in areas such as mental health support, government benefits, housing, employment and general health care
- Oversaw financial systems and funding compliance for community programmes
- General administration duties
- Prepared funder and Committee reports; supported audits and coordinated HR functions
- Developed administrative systems to track outcomes and maintain case notes
- Personal assistant responsibilities for General Secretary of YMCA Newcastle
Assistant Manager
Downpatrick Credit Union
Downpatrick, County Down
09.2001 - 07.2014
- Supervised and led a team of 12, managed payroll and financial reports
- Arranged and attended monthly board meetings providing management reports
- Handled regulatory compliance as ISO 9001 reporting officer
- HR responsibilities including recruitment and induction support, disciplinary and grievance support and staff policy compliance
- Credit Control
- Provided financial education and support to members facing financial difficulties
Education
Higher National Diploma - Philosophy and Psychological Studies
The Open University
Milton Keynes 10.2019 - 05.2023
Access to University - People, Places and Society
The Open University
Milton Keynes 10.2015 - 06.2016
8 GCSE's (A-C) including Maths (C) and English (B)
St Colmcille's High School
Crossgar 09.1991 - 06.1996
Skills
- Advocacy and Empowerment support
- Line Management and Staff Supervision
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership working
- Budget management and report writing
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and office suite
- Inclusion and diversity promotion
- Programme development and delivery
- GDPR Compliance
- Designated Child protection officer
- First Aid Certified
Certification
· SERC May 2025-Present , CMI Level 5 Award in Professional Coaching
· Greenhill YMCA May 2024 , Emergency First Aid in the Workplace
· Papyrus 2021 & 2022 , SPOT. SPEAK and ASIST suicide prevention training
· YMCA Newcastle March 2021 , OCN Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
· Irish League of Credit Unions and Cork University 2007 , Higher Certificate in Accountancy and Financial Management for Credit Unions
Timeline
EMPOWER 2 TRANSFORM (E2T) Youth Worker
YMCA Newcastle
05.2024 - Current
Youth Development and Training officer
YMCA Newcastle
08.2023 - 05.2024
Higher National Diploma - Philosophy and Psychological Studies
The Open University
10.2019 - 05.2023
Advocacy and Administration Officer
YMCA Newcastle
06.2017 - 08.2023
Access to University - People, Places and Society
The Open University
10.2015 - 06.2016
Assistant Manager
Downpatrick Credit Union
09.2001 - 07.2014
8 GCSE's (A-C) including Maths (C) and English (B)
St Colmcille's High School
09.1991 - 06.1996
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