Make a Difference Where It Matters Most – Join KCYS Youth Diversion Project

Jul 7, 2026 | Current Vacancies

We are currently recruiting for:

Youth Justice Project Worker

Kerry based, Specified Purpose Contract linked to maternity leave, 35 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, flexible working, EAP

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) has a long history of developing innovative responses to the needs of young people that enhance their lives, their families, and the wider community. In partnership with the Department of Justice and Kerry Gardaí, the service response is based on clear evidence of need informed by Garda crime statistics and evidence-based research in youth justice. The net result is that young people who are most in need of a service will get that service. KCYS Youth Diversion Project further developed the service to extend to deliver early intervention, family support and court accompaniment service.

This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Applicants require:

A relevant professional qualification in the human sciences; youth work, community work, family support, social care, social work, childcare, education, or other relevant discipline.
Minimum 2 year’s relevant work experience.
Experience in devising, implementing, and evaluating programmes/ interventions/responses for ‘at risk’ youth.
Experience in providing support for ‘at risk’ youth to take positive steps which would enhance their education and employability.
Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
Full, clean driver’s license, with access to own car
Eligible to work in Ireland

Job Description and post requirements available here 👉KCYS Youth Justice Project Worker Job Description

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie on or before:

12 noon, Tuesday 14^th July 2026

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.

Therefore, we would urge you to apply as soon as possible

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland

Help Young People Build Confidence, Resilience and Brighter Futures – Join the All In Again Project at KCYS.

Jul 7, 2026 | Current Vacancies

Would you like to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Kerry? Are you looking for a dynamic, rewarding and purpose-driven work environment?

We are currently recruiting for an exciting new initiative in KCYS, apply now for:

All in Again Project Worker

Killorglin based, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, 21 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme, flexible working, EAP

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Project Worker who is passionate about supporting young people and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

The All In Again Project, funded through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, provides youth-focused support to marginalised young people across Kerry. Through a range of methodologies and activities, the project empowers young people to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing, build confidence and resilience, and develop the skills needed to make positive life choices.

Job Description and post requirements available here 👉KCYS ‘ All in Again’ Project Worker Job Description

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@KCYS.ie on or before:

12 noon, Friday 10^th July 2026

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers. We also reserve the right to advertise this campaign externally, subject to application numbers. Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Help Build Digital Confidence and Community Connections Across Kerry

Jun 3, 2026 | Current Vacancies

We seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as:

Tech & Tea Project Worker

35 hours per week – Fixed Term Contract until 27th March 2027

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Tech & Tea Project Worker to join our team and support the delivery of an exciting new intergenerational initiative funded by Rethink Ireland.

Tech & Tea brings young people and older adults together to build digital skills, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections. Through this innovative programme, young people act as digital mentors, supporting older adults to gain confidence in using technology and accessing online services safely.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in communities across Kerry while working as part of a dynamic and supportive organisation.

Working under the direction of the Youth Work Development Manager, the project worker will:

Deliver engaging Tech & Tea sessions in community, school and outreach settings across Kerry.
Support young people to develop leadership, communication and mentoring skills.
Assist older adults in building confidence and competence with digital technology.
Facilitate inclusive, welcoming and accessible group activities.
Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
Support programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Promote the programme through outreach and communications activities.

Job Description and post requirements are available here: Tech & Tea Project Worker Job Description

Please submit a curriculum vitae including an outline of your suitability for the post to:
humanresources@kcys.ie, no later than:

5pm Tuesday, 15th June 2026

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland.

Building Stronger Futures for Young People in Kerry.

Mar 18, 2026 | Current Vacancies

Join Our Team at KCYS!

Are you passionate about supporting and empowering young people? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that makes a real impact in local communities? If so, we want to hear from you! We are now inviting applications for a

UBU Project Worker

(KCYS Killarney)

In KCYS, we are looking for a dedicated and dynamic UBU Project Worker to join our team in Killarney, Co Kerry! This is a unique opportunity to engage with young people (aged 10-24), develop exciting youth programmes, and create positive change in local communities.

KCYS (Kerry Children and Youth Services) is a youth-focused organisation committed to providing meaningful support to young people aged 10 to 24. The UBU – Your Place Your Space project is funded by the Department of Education and Youth through Kerry Education & Training Board (KETB). Our goal is to reach and support young people facing challenges, helping them to develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. As a UBU Project Worker, you will be at the heart of this mission, delivering engaging youth programmes, fostering positive relationships, and making a real difference in young people’s lives.

What You’ll Do:

Engage with and support young people who need it most
Develop and deliver creative, fun, and needs-based youth work programmes
Provide a safe and inclusive space for personal growth and development
Advocate for young people and support them in overcoming challenges
Work alongside a passionate and supportive team

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work – Make a real impact on young lives! – Professional Development – Training & career growth opportunities – Supportive Team – Work in an environment that values creativity & collaboration – Competitive Benefits – Salary, enhanced annual leave, paid sick leave scheme & more

If you’re motivated, passionate, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us & experience a quality & inclusive work environment, job satisfaction, flexible working, & more………..

Job Description and post requirements available to download 👉 HERE

www.KCYS.ie, or by request to: humanresources@kcys.ie

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie on or before:

12 noon, 7^th April 2026

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies across KCYS may be filled.

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers. Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible.

An Opportunity to Make a Difference: KCYS Welcomes New Board Members

Jan 15, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) Board is expanding to recruit new non-Executive Directors

ABOUT KCYS:

This is an exciting time to join KCYS, and to guide and steward our further strategic development over the coming years. In 2026 this will include contributing to the articulation of our next Strategic Plan in collaboration with our new incoming CEO.

Founded in 1971 as Kerry Diocesan Youth Service, we are a voluntary youth work organisation providing a range of programmes and services to young people and communities across the entire county of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula and the North West Cork region of Duhallow.

Following extensive consultation with young people, volunteers, stakeholders and the local community, in 2024 we changed our name to Kerry Community Youth Service.

KCYS is a registered charity and operates in accordance with the Charity Regulator guidance. KCYS is Governance Code Compliant and was awarded Triple Lock status in January 2024.

Our vision is for all young people to be valued and supported to achieve their full potential as participating members of the community.

Our mission is that KCYS is a community-based youth work organisation committed to serving all young people in a safe, fun and positive environment, through the provision of youth spaces, services, mentoring, training and ongoing opportunities for their holistic development, and by advocating for their needs.

Our strategic goals for 2023 to 2026 are:

Support young people in Kerry to achieve their full potential
Provide targeted and integrated supports to meet the needs of young people in Kerry and their families
Be recognised as a centre of excellence for youth work
Establish ourselves as an independent young person-centred charity
Strengthen our governance, management and internal coordination
Be an organisation that enables staff and volunteers to deliver and develop

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In recent years, KCYS has taken great steps to strengthen our governance, management and internal coordination.

In that spirit, we are looking to recruit additional new Non-Executive Directors. We are particularly interested in hearing from interested applicants with one or more the following skills or lived experience:

Human Resources & Industrial Relations.
Legal
Fundraising
Social enterprise and mission-led commercial development
Youth work
Marketing and PR
Charity governance

New Board members will also be expected to Chair or participate in subcommittees of the Board as required.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must have the capacity to be an active member of the Board. See information below about time commitment.

Candidates with local knowledge, previous Board experience and a background working with young people and in the voluntary sector are preferred.

Willingness to work with the KCYS Youth Advisory Group and to take the wishes and views of young people in line with our commitment to youth participation is also a priority for KCYS Board members.

Our goal is to maintain a gender balance on the Board.

Candidates would thus ideally be based in Kerry or the neighbouring counties or at least willing to commit to attending a number of in-person meetings per year. Whilst most Board and committee meetings are held online, the Board meets in person twice a year at one of its centres. Trustees are also invited to attend various local events including the AGM and training days.

TIME COMMITMENT & OTHER INFORMATION

You will be expected to attend regular KCYS Board meetings (approx. 10 per year) and the AGM.

You will be expected to actively contribute to one of the Board’s sub-committees.

Most KCYS governance meetings are held virtually on weekday evenings. The full Board meets in person at least twice a year.

(Note that we are in the process of reviewing and strengthening our Board meetings and workings with sub-committees which may impact meeting cadence. More information can be discussed with candidates during the application process.)

KCYS Board may also call single item/specific purpose meetings and working groups on occasion as needed.

You will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time in advance of meetings to read through papers and related documents.

You may also be invited to attend occasional briefings or educational sessions and/or meetings or conferences with staff and volunteers of KCYS.

KCYS will provide new Board members induction training and on-going Board development.

The term of office is three years with an option to be reappointed for a second and third term.

This is a Trustee role. In accordance with Regulatory requirements this role is not remunerated. Necessary and vouched expenses are reimbursed following approval by the Board Chairperson

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While this role as a Non-Executive Director of KCYS CLG is on a voluntary basis, members have the same legal duties and responsibilities as any Director. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of these duties and responsibilities. If you would like further information about these roles and responsibilities, please contact us.

The CEO is responsible for the day-to day management of the organisation and for implementing the strategy and policies approved by the Board. The CEO is accountable to the Board and will report to the Board regularly on the organisation’s performance.

Board members will be required to sign KCYS’s Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees in order to confirm your intention to comply with its provisions during your term of office.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a brief CV and cover letter to the following email address:

boardrecruitment@kcys.ie

This recruitment will remain open until we have filled the vacancies on the Board. For further information please contact: boardrecruitment@kcys.ie

Now Hiring: Centre Manager for KCYS Killarney – Lead with Purpose, Drive Social Impact!

Apr 25, 2025 | Current Vacancies

Are you an exceptional leader driven to empower people and strengthen communities? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where social impact meets entrepreneurial spirit? If so, KCYS Killarney has an exciting opportunity for you!

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS), a deeply rooted and impactful non-profit organisation in County Kerry, is seeking a dedicated

Centre Manager

Killarney based, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, 35 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme.

As Centre Manager you will lead the strategic development of KCYS Killarney, with an initial focus on growing our 47-bed accommodation enterprise. This role involves driving income generation, delivering business and marketing plans, and contributing to the wider strategic goals of the organisation. You will oversee daily operations in our established busy youth and community hub , ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment, while maintaining full compliance with all relevant policies and legislation. A key aspect of the role is team leadership—supporting staff, building a positive team culture, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.

At KCYS, you’ll be part of a passionate and dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young people and families. We’re guided by our core values: Young Person Centred, Inclusive, Respectful, Non-Judgemental, Rights Based, and Empowering. If you’re someone who leads with integrity and strives for excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work – Make a real impact on young lives & local community! – Professional Development – Training & career growth opportunities – Supportive Team – Work in an environment that values creativity & collaboration – Competitive Benefits – Salary, enhanced annual leave, paid sick leave scheme & more

Job Description and post requirements available to download here:

KCYS Centre Manager Job Description

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies across KCYS may be filled.

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.

Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible.

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Make a Difference Where It Matters Most – Join KCYS Youth Diversion Project