Case Officer – Local Area Employment Service

ORGANISATION

Southside Partnership Dun Laoghaire Rathdown CLG. (“Southside Partnership”) is a local development company working towards an inclusive and just society, where each person is encouraged and enabled to reach their full potential and live with dignity in active, healthy, sustainable and safe communities. We provide a comprehensive range of supports and services to people and communities through several programmes and teams.

Our Local Area Employment Service (LAES), funded by the Department of Social Protection, supports unemployed individuals to re-enter the workforce. Clients are referred through Intreo offices, and we provide one-to-one career guidance, employment advice and job coaching to help them progress into work, training or education.

VALUES IN ACTION

At Southside Partnership, our work is guided by four core values:

• Integrity & Accountability – We act with honesty, reliability, and professionalism, taking responsibility for our actions and ensuring our work is consistent, trustworthy, and ethical.
• Community & Inclusion – We believe in the power of community and strive to foster diverse, inclusive, and cooperative spaces that ensure fairness, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.
• Growth & Learning Mindset – We are committed to continuous improvement, open mindedness, and innovative thinking, embracing curiosity, ambition, and creativity to adapt and lead in a changing world.
• Compassion & Wellbeing – We lead with empathy and care, nurturing environments where people feel valued, supported, and connected, promoting balance, health, and human dignity.

ROLE

The LAES Case Officer for Long-Term Unemployed will provide comprehensive support services to individuals who have been unemployed for an extended period in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Area. The role involves working closely with clients to identify barriers to employment, develop personalised action, and for clients to follow, and connect them with resources to aid their return to the workforce.

• This is a full-time position (35 hours a week) fixed term - 12 months. An extension depends on funding from The Department of Social Protection and work efficiency.
• Reporting to the Local Area Employment Service Manager
• Office locations are Dun Laoghaire, Ballyogan, Dundrum and Ballinteer.
• The salary scale is €30,931 to €47,514 annually depending on experience.
• This position is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (include but not limited to)

1. Client Service

Engage and Onboard

• Proactively engage with clients using a participative and diagnostic approach.
• Conduct initial assessments to explore goals, aspirations, motivation, and barriers to employment.
• Clearly explain the service offering, rights, and responsibilities, including confidentiality and complaints procedures.
• Register clients in line with contractual obligations and eligibility criteria.

Career Planning

• Develop personalised Personal Progression Plans with clear actions and required supports.
• Identify and signpost clients to relevant training, education, or work placement opportunities.

Job Readiness

• Deliver support in CV preparation, job search strategies, and interview skills (including mock interviews in person and via MS Teams).

2. Employer and External Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with local employers to match clients with suitable roles.
• Provide a job-matching service and support clients through application and interview.
• To liaise directly with ETB, Solas, Intreo, and other public and private training providers and agencies to create wrap-around support for clients.

3. Work planning, Compliance and Team Contribution

Case and Time Management

• Plan client appointments for effective time use and relationship building.
• Manage a caseload efficiently, meeting KPIs and adhering to governance, quality standards, and funder guidelines.

Collaboration and Support

• Provide cover for colleagues in outreach offices during leave or absence.
• Participate in internal working groups and contribute to service improvements.

Reporting and Compliance

• Maintain accurate client records in BOMI and other systems.
• Prepare written and oral reports for the line manager as required.
• Ensure compliance with all quality assurance standards, including Q Mark.
• Undertake additional tasks as required to support team and organisational goals.

REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant qualification in guidance, counselling, social work, community development, or employment services (Level 7 or higher).
• At least 3 years’ experience in employment services, career guidance, counselling, job coaching, or related roles. Experience supporting people facing barriers to work (long-term unemployed, vulnerable groups).
• Strong communication and liaison skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with clients, colleagues, employers, and other stakeholders, combined with a positive, empathetic, and flexible approach, careful listening, and the ability to influence and motivate to foster trust.
• Excellent organisational skills (the ability to prioritise tasks, plan efficiently, manage time effectively), and proactively identify and overcome obstacles. Proven experience in managing caseloads and delivering accurate reporting.
• Demonstrated passion for making a positive social impact and a genuine commitment to supporting people facing employment challenges.
• Strong I.T. skills, confident user of MS Office. Experience with BOMI is desirable.
• Full clean driving licence and access to transport preferred; public transport use acceptable
• Legal Permission to work in Ireland.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a Cover letter outlining why you believe you are suitable for this role by email to HumanResources@sspship.ie before close of business on 28 of August 2025. Please include “Case Officer - Application” as the email subject for your application. Alternatively, please apply online through the link provided on the Job Advertisement posted on Indeed.

It is proposed to hold interviews for this position on the 29 of August 2025 with the possibility of a second round interview the week after. Please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage and not without your prior permission.

Please note that:

• Southside Partnership DLR CLG. is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• Southside Partnership DLR CLG. does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
• No late applications will be accepted, and canvassing will lead to disqualification.
• Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references and Garda vetting as appropriate.
• All applicant data will be treated securely as per GDPR and the Data Protection Acts.