Dementia Inclusive Project Worker

(Part Time 21 hours per week) Required

Location: West Cork (Bantry & Clonakilty)
Project: West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project
Contract Type: Part-Time (21 hours, 3-year project)
Salary: Based on ‘Social Care Worker with Qualification’ on the HSE Salary Scale. Point on scale can be negotiated at offer stage dependant on experience and qualifications. 
Reports to: Local Link Manager for Employment related issues, such as annual leave, travel expenses etc.
Reports to: Steering Group (including HSE South West, Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, Local Link, and other local stakeholders) for work related issues such as work planning, work progress and challenges.

Overview:

The West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project is a 3-year initiative aimed at making West Cork a dementia-inclusive community, initially focussed on Bantry and Clonakilty. We are seeking a committed and compassionate part-time worker to support the project’s goals, working with local community groups, services, businesses, and other stakeholders to engage the entire community in creating an environment where people living with dementia feel understood, valued, and supported. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about dementia awareness, community development, and working collaboratively to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by dementia.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support the development of West Cork becoming Dementia-Inclusive, using a community development approach:

• Support the further development of the Bantry Dementia Alliance and facilitate the implementation and development of the Bantry Dementia Inclusive Plan.
• Support the creation of a Clonakilty dementia alliance (or similar structure) by engaging local stakeholders and identifying actions to increase dementia inclusion.
• Serve as a resource for towns and villages across West Cork, supporting them in becoming more dementia-inclusive.
• Ensure that people with dementia and their families are included as key participants in all of the work to develop dementia inclusive communities
• Coordinate a model of dementia awareness training to be available in West Cork, including further developing current offerings, assessing the need for alternative models and working with others to enable them to progress, and promoting other training options available. This will include ensuring that data management, as well as bookings and communications are organised and delivered in a cohesive way.
• Signpost individuals with dementia and their families to appropriate resources (e.g. Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, Bantry Hospital, Primary Care, Carer Support Services).

2. Management of the work

• Develop and agree a work plan with the steering group and report on progress and challenges to the steering group
• Identify dementia service gaps and bring these issues to the attention of local stakeholders, including the steering group.
• Regularly link with nominated representative from the steering group to discuss any issues arising with the development work

3. Communication & information management:

• Track and monitor the progress of dementia-inclusive initiatives in Bantry, Clonakilty, and other areas of West Cork, collecting feedback from participants and stakeholders.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with the steering group, alliance members, and the general public about project developments, success stories, and upcoming events, using tools such as a monthly e-newsletter, press releases and social media

4. Sustainability and Future Planning:

• Review the project at the end of Year 2, including writing a report on its effectiveness, successes, and challenges, along with recommendations for future actions.
• Support the development of a long-term sustainability plan for the project, working with stakeholders over year 3 to ensure an organised end to the project or transition to the next phase.
• Help build strong partnerships and networks to ensure ongoing support and knowledge exchange for dementia-inclusive initiatives in West Cork.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of Level 7 qualification in community development, social care, health promotion, or a related field & 2 years post qualification experience.
• Previous experience working with people with dementia, older adults, or vulnerable groups
• Experience in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, or partnership building.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals living with dementia, their families, community leaders, and service providers.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks in a part-time role.
• Knowledge of dementia and a commitment to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding dementia.
• Experience in project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Essential Skills:

• Familiarity with dementia-inclusive frameworks and best practices.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their families.
• Ability to facilitate presentations and share information on dementia awareness and inclusion.
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes or similar and social media platforms.

Personal Attributes:

• Compassionate, empathetic, and understanding of the challenges faced by people with dementia and their families.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a passion for working with diverse community groups.
• Able to maintain a positive, professional approach while dealing with sensitive issues related to dementia.
• Committed to the principles of inclusion, equality, and diversity.

Working Conditions:

• This is a part-time position (21 hours per week) with flexible working arrangements, including some evening or weekend work.
• The role will be based in West Cork, primarily Bantry and Clonakilty with office space to be agreed in each location.
• Regular travel within the West Cork area and occasional wider travel will be required.

Informal Enquiries:

Please contact Evie Finlay, Cork South Community Work Department, HSE South, on Evie.Finlay@hse.ie for any further information about the role or the project.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role by post to Local Link Cork.

Closing date 5.00pm Thursday 19th June.

Please mark your application with Dementia Inclusive Project Worker Post and post to Local Link Cork, 12 Barrack Street, Bantry, Co. Cork.

Interviews will be held on Friday 27th June. Shortlisting may apply.

Local Link Cork is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing automatically disqualifies