Nicola Cooney
Belfast,Antrim and Newtownabbey
Summary
Enthusiastic Youth Worker dedicated to delivering fun, safe, outcome based programs for young people aged 4-24. Strong relationship-building skills and emotional intelligence. History of achieving positive results in collaboration with multidisciplinary team. Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving to ensure that young people get the best opportunities within their area.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Residential Child Care Worker
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Downpatrick, Newry Mourne and Down
2020.12 - Current
- Maintained up to date knowledge on residential childcare policy, practice and legislation to ensure compliance.
- Contributed to the development of child care plans, setting specific development goals according to children's needs and wishes.
- Participated in health and safety training, verifying the right systems were in place to safeguard the welfare and health of children.
- Planned and took part in recreational activities, designed programmes on personal and social development, supporting children to reach their full potential and consistently meet development goals.
- Identified key needs for each young person to develop and produce targeted support programmes delivered on 1:1 basis.
Residential Youth Worker
Southern Youth and Family Services
Wollongong, Australia
2022.11 - 2023.08
- Established and maintained working relationships with young people based on trust and non-judgement.
- Offered practical daily living advice, including financial planning, housing support and legal guidance.
- Helped service users to gain ability to function independently in society.
- Liaised with external and internal professionals to provide holistic support.
Assistant Youth Support Worker
Education Authority
Belfast, Antrom
2015.07 - 2023.08
- Built and maintained positive relationships with young people from ages 4-21 through groupwork and 1:1 to achieve young person potential.
- Delivered community programmes aimed toward teenagers and young adults.
- Attended necessary training to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Role modelled positive behaviour and interpersonal skills.
- Safeguarded young people in line with national guidelines.
Area Youth Worker 2
Education Authority
Belfast, Antrim
2022.11 - 2023.03
- Directed activities that promoted growth in mental, emotional and educational areas.
- Designed a two year program focusing on the under achievement with young people in targeted areas.
- Managed 5 different groups across Northern Ireland and brought them together, into a larger project with over 240 participants.
- Recorded relevant outcomes for the Horizon program in the target monitor software and surveys from young people, analysing results to explore methods of improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Community Youth Work
Ulster University
Jordanstown 2017.09 - 2020.06
Skills
- The ability build and maintain relationships with young people
- Confident in delivering group work and 1:1 programs
- Effective recording methods
- Able to work as part of a multi-skilled team
- Communication skills
- Enjoy working with young people
- Understand the importance of safeguarding children
Timeline
Residential Youth Worker
Southern Youth and Family Services
2022.11 - 2023.08
Area Youth Worker 2
Education Authority
2022.11 - 2023.03
Residential Child Care Worker
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
2020.12 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Community Youth Work
Ulster University
2017.09 - 2020.06
Assistant Youth Support Worker
Education Authority
2015.07 - 2023.08