South Dublin County Partnership

WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme

Workability Employment Specialist x 2

South Dublin County Partnership (SDC Partnership) is a well-established and currently expanding Local Development Company primarily funded by the Irish Government to bring together local communities and state agencies to tackle the problems of unemployment and social exclusion. SDC Partnership has circa 100 employees, we operate in 12 locations across the South Dublin County area and are also responsible for circa 300 placement/ support staff.

SDC Partnership has recently been awarded funding to deliver 2 Workability Projects in South Dublin. The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a new Programme co-financed by the EU Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme (EIST) and the Department of Social Protection (DSP).

The aim of the WorkAbility Programme is to ensure people with disabilities are fully supported to find and maintain employment and organization’s which employ Programme participants are supported to ensure that their employment is successful. The Programme will support people with disabilities aged 16 years and over who are currently not work ready and/or are distant from the labor market to gain access to employment.

To support the delivery of the new Workability Programme in South Dublin County, SDC Partnership wishes to recruit 2 x Workability Employment Specialists (one Clondalkin Based and one Tallaght Based), these new posts will report to the Senior Manager – Enterprise and Employment

Job Purpose

To support people with disabilities access employment including self-employment through engagement with the South Dublin County Workability Programme

Main Responsibilities:

Service Delivery

• Recruit an agreed case load of Programme participants.
• Work with each participant to agree an Action Plan to help them gain and sustain paid employment
• Identify training and other additional support needs of individual Programme participants.
• Work collaboratively with Employment Services within SDC Partnership, identify and develop a network of employer partners to provide sustainable pathways into employment for Programme participants.
• Use person-centered approaches that support participants.
• Provide transitional support to Programme participants to assist in sustaining employment.
• Promote collaboration among service providers and stakeholders, to increase employment outcomes and career progression opportunities in a coordinated manner.
• Proactively engage and work with employers in South Dublin County to retain employment opportunities for Programme participants.
• Raise awareness for the WorkAbility Programme within South Dublin County with Employers and other stakeholders.
• Offer education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, agreeing a return-to-work strategy, or providing on-going contact with the employer to help support job retention.
• Assess individual support needs relating to employment which might typically include help with benefits, travel to work, graded return to work or adjustments at work.

Administration and reporting

• Ensure all Programme activities and supports delivered are recorded on SDC Partnership’s CRM system.
• Complete documentation in line with Programme/funder requirements and maintain accurate and up to date data records both paper based, and electronic format as required.
• Ensure that all work is carried out within agreed budgets.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to safety, health and welfare at policies and procedures and all relevant legislation.

Person Specification

• Hold a third level qualification in relevant area, or equivalent career experience.
• Have experience of working with people with disabilities, or similar groups and show a passion for making a difference to peoples’ lives.
• Show empathy and sensitivity towards Programme participant needs and empower them to succeed.
• Have a proven ability to build good relationships with a range of different people, from employers to programme participants.
• Be organised and efficient in your work
• Demonstrate that you can deliver agreed programme targets and outcomes while delivering a high quality personalised service to each programme participant.
• Possess strong administration, report writing and IT skills,
• Be flexible and adapt quickly and efficiently to a changing work environment.
• Enjoy working collaboratively in a team focused work environment.

Renumeration Package & Benefits:

• Starting salary €40k to €44k depending on level of relevant experience and qualifications, incremental salary scale applies to this role.
• Excellent pension of 10% employer’s contribution after successful probation period.
• Access to low-cost HSF private health insurance.
• 35 Hour per week (full time).
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and Learning and Development supports.

Fixed term contract to 31 December 2028

Application Process:

By Post: Applications marked Workability Employment Specialist Job Ref: 119/2023

Please include a cover letter (1page max.) outlining your relevant experience / suitability for this position along with an up-to-date CV (no more than 2 pages) and an application form including details of referees. Referees will not be contacted without prior permission, and to be sent to:

Administration & Operations Department, South Dublin County Partnership, Unit D1, Nangor Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12. Or by email to jobs@sdcpartnership.ie – subject box to be marked: Workability Employment Specialist Ref. 119/2023

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon, Friday 10th May 2024

• South Dublin County Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• No late applications will be accepted, and canvassing will lead to disqualification.
• Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references and verification of qualifications.
• This position requires a full clean driving license and access to own transport.
• Garda vetting will apply.

South Dublin County Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.