We would like to invite applications for the following full-time, Specified purpose contract based on funding, ending 31st December 2028

Career Coach – Ability Programme
Dublin and Surrounding areas.

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining, and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment and would encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

As Ability Career Coach, you will be responsible for the delivery of Irish Wheelchair Association’s national Ability project. This project aims to provide people with physical disabilities with holistic, person-centered coaching that will support each person to become an independent jobseeker, or employee, with a clearly developed career plan. Coaching sessions will take place both virtually and face to face with both individuals and groups of programme participants.

You will deliver job-seeking and employment skills training via one-to-one coaching sessions and group workshops to participants that will support each person to develop the relevant life skills, confidence and decision-making skills needed to become independent jobseekers or employees.

A key feature of this role will be to form partnerships with local employers who can provide suitable work experience and/or paid internship opportunities in line with everyone’s person-centered plan. The Ability programme will also provide disability awareness training and access supports to employers as required. You will work with the Ability Programme Coordinator and will be responsible for a caseload of participants. This role will require some travel across the Eastern Region. Close liaison is required with the Ability Programme Project Coordinator, local IWA Service Coordinators, Finance and IT departments and a range of external stakeholders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Coaching participants in supporting them identifying their skills, interests, and aspirations.
• Identifying suitable employment where participant’s skills, interests and talents match the requirements of the job.
• Helping participants to develop the technical and social skills required to do the job.
• Examining the various tasks involved in the job and planning the various supports which will be required.
• Ensure that a person-centered ethos and participant-led planning approach is central to all aspects of the programme, using effective career guidance and training methods and tools.
• Facilitate participants to develop common skills-sets and competencies and to create peer support networks.
• Provide support after the start of employment, liaising with the person and his or her employer.
• Collect and maintain accurate project data and information on key performance indicators to meet the regular reporting requirements of both Irish Wheelchair Association and POBAL.
• Make available information and resources to Irish Wheelchair Association staff and service users that will promote employment, education, and independence.
• Liaise with employers, further education & training providers, State agencies, and other relevant support services and create a database of same to support project implementation.
• Source and support work experience and paid internship opportunities for people with physical disabilities.
• Actively participate in creating awareness of the Ability programme in a variety of channels including social media.
• Liaise with relevant local IWA Service Coordinators regionally to identify potential project participants, and to form local partnerships where IWA resources can support individuals engaging in the programme.
• A positive attitude and flexible approach are a requirement of the role.

Person Specification

Training, Experience and Qualifications

• A QQI Level 7 qualification in a relevant discipline is required.
• Coaching or Career counselling qualification or equivalent would be a distinct advantage.
• Previous experience of working within the disability sector or similar services is an advantage. Candidates from other sectors need to be able to demonstrate that they have relevant transferable skills.
• A full driving license and use of own car.

Competencies

• Communicating & Influencing
• Motivating & Empowering
• Coaching
• Managing & Developing Performance
• Leadership
• Planning & Organising

Remuneration & Benefits

• *Salary between €29,821 and €45,558 (DOE)
• Paid expenses and mileage
• Excellent working conditions
• Working from Home opportunities available.
• Training & development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave
• Bike to work scheme.
• PRSA Pension scheme and group VHI & HSF Health Cash Plans
• Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is Friday 26th April 2024.

Click here to apply

Interviews will take place in person at our Clontarf campus on Wednesday 1st May 2024

Please note - ACADEMIC AND/OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: - Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.

*The current pay scale is subject to an 8% salary rate increase in 2024, aligning with the recent WRC interim agreement aimed at enhancing pay adjustments within Section 39 organizations.