Facilitation Training Panel

We are seeking and welcome expressions of interest for the Connections Arts Centre Facilitation Training Panel for the period of August 2025 - May 2027 from individuals who can demonstrate the relevant skills, knowledge, experience, or passion as outlined below. Our in-person programmes are currently based in Dublin, with plans to expand nationally in the very near future, starting in Galway and Kildare.

If you would like to apply to join our panel, please send your CV and cover letter with optional supporting documents (e.g. samples of facilitation work, references) to antoinette@connectionsartscentre.ie by the closing date: Friday May 30th.

If you have any questions about the Facilitation Panel/ nature of the work, we encourage you to get in touch, we’d be happy to provide more information.

CAC Facilitation Training Panel

Connections Arts Centre (CAC) is to develop a panel of contract facilitators to deliver our Creative TY Connections programme.

About Us

CAC is an award-winning pan disability social enterprise supporting a diverse group of adults with disabilities.

We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to express themselves creatively and access quality education.

Creativity and education are powerful tools for empowerment and societal change.

By nurturing these opportunities, we can dismantle barriers, and foster inclusivity, leading to a richer, more understanding society.

About the Creative TY Connections Programme (CTYC)

CTYC is an innovative community education programme designed to empower adults with disabilities by bridging a gap in community education.

The multi-modular programme provides creative-based learning opportunities and skill development, leading to greater community participation, further education, and employment opportunities.

TY students participate as volunteers, supporting the 1:1 learning needs of individuals with disabilities.

This peer support learning is key to the programme, it enhances accessibility, fosters connections, and strengthens engagement within the programme

Programme modules include (but not exclusive to)

• Money management
• Everyday IT
• Sustainable Steps
• Upskilling for Employment

See detailed information on each programme on our website https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/creative-ty-connections

About the role

Each session is attended by 10 members of the disability community and 10 Transition Year students (volunteers) and is co-facilitated by two facilitators: a drama facilitator & a subject facilitator. Sessions run for 5 hours inclusive of breaks and social time. There are five sessions in each Module. Sessions are supported by CAC staff.

Facilitators work together:

• Using CAC teaching resources to plan and co-facilitate five in person sessions
• Fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable
• Adapting facilitation style based on the group's needs, ensuring a positive and productive experience.
• Implementing session plans, including setting objectives, preparing materials, and organising creative activities tailored to the group's needs
• Ensuring all impact monitoring procedures are adhered to
• Providing feedback and recommendations to management

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to inclusion
• High emotional intelligence and ability to foster a positive group atmosphere
• High level of professional responsibility and integrity
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with learners, students and stakeholders in a constructive, respectful and approachable manner
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to plan and execute sessions effectively
• Adaptable, with the ability to tailor facilitation methods to suit and meet the diverse needs of learners

Essential and Desirable Criteria:

• Applicants will have an understanding of child protection and safeguarding of vulnerable adults, and will be asked to sign Connections Arts Centre’s safeguarding policy in relation to this
• Applicants will need to be successfully Garda Vetted before delivering any sessions
• Applicants should have experience in group facilitation, ideally in educational settings.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is an advantage, though not essential.
• A strong working knowledge of one or more of the following subject areas is required: Drama, Money Management, Life Skills, Employability, Sustainability, or Basic IT, in order to effectively deliver relevant modules.
• While a formal qualification in the relevant subject area is desirable, it is not a mandatory requirement.
• Applicants must be able to provide two professional references attesting to their work experience and character.

Facilitator rates are competitive and aligned with experience, qualifications, and the nature of the module delivered. Full details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Nature of Contract: Panel on a Self-Employed basis.

To apply

Please send your CV and cover letter with optional supporting documents (e.g. samples of facilitation work, references) to antoinette@connectionsartscentre.ie by the closing date: Friday May 30th.

Interviews of shortlisted applicants: On receipt of suitable applications