Wicklow Dementia Support CLG is registered charity, established in 2010 with the main objective of: providing support to people with dementia in Co Wicklow to enable them maintain their identity, interests and independence, living life to the fullest in their own home and community, while also meeting the needs of family carers for social engagement, information and respite.

With the help of volunteers, it provides a number of programmes to support people with dementia living in east Co Wicklow including the AlzPals befriending programme, Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Memory groups, Musical Memories singing group and the Family Carer Support Group.

WDS currently provides weekly two-hour long Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) based groups for people with mild to moderate dementia in Bray, Wicklow town and Carnew. Group members take part in meaningful and stimulating activities e.g. quizzes, word games, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new friendships.

Therapeutic and Clinical Facilitator Wicklow Dementia Support Services

The Role: 

This is an exciting opportunity for Occupational Therapist/ Clinical or Counselling Psychologist/ Speech and Language Therapist /Social Worker/ Community Nurse/ Mental Health Nurse/ other Health and Social Care Professional, who meets the role criteria, to provide clinical/therapeutic leadership and play an integral role in the provision of Wicklow Dementia Support (WDS) CLG services to persons with dementia in east Co Wicklow. Predominantly remote based role, with MCST sessions requiring on site attendance.

Location: Community based East County Wicklow. 

Hours: 122 hours per month (on average 28 hours per week flexible).

Renumeration: €39,000 (inclusive of VAT, travel and subsistence) over the term of the 12 months service led agreement (stage payments of €3,250 per month invoiced to Wicklow Dementia Support).

Other Conditions: self-employed basis. You will be contracted by WDS to complete this role in a self-employed capacity.

Contract: 12 months with scope for extension contingent on funding

Qualification: Level 8 and professional qualification in relevant disciplines e.g. Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Nursing or other related disciple.

Role Specifications

• Provide day to day clinical oversight of support services provided by Wicklow Dementia Support
• Undertake assessments of person with dementia applying for WDS services including the AlzPal Programme and the MCST groups.
• Plan and facilitate the weekly MCST group sessions (training provided).
• Set up clients with AlzPals
• Ensure services are person centred and delivered in an enabling and empowering way, taking into account the needs, preferences and interests of each individual.
• Provide support and advice to service users and carers
• Provide expert guidance and support to volunteers and leadership to address frontline performance / service delivery issues.
• Collaborate with the Programme Manager on training and education to ensure the development and delivery of appropriate volunteer training to ensure f WDS provides quality services.
• Work in close collaboration with the Programme Manager to ensure alignment of all services to meet best-practice models for people living with dementia and their identified needs and expectations.
• Work with the Programme Manager to evolve the scope of services.
• Collaborate with the Programme Manager in establishing and maintaining performance standards, frameworks and processes for services.
• Collaborate with the Programme Manager to support demand-capacity planning and volunteer recruitment in order to deliver on the WDS Annual Planned Service strategy.
• Working with the Chair and Board of WDS be accountable for the development and implementation of WDS Vision, strategy and annual plan.
• Ensure WDS services adhere to WDS policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines and external standards / statutory requirements

The above is a guide to the nature of the work required, it is not exhaustive.

We are looking for someone who:

• Shares the Vision and Values of Wicklow Dementia Support.
• Has person-centred attitudes, an empathetic and a compassionate approach.
• Has an understanding and/or experience of supporting people to live well with dementia and maintain a sense of self and purpose in life.
• Has some knowledge of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and be willing to participate in further training in this area.
• Possess excellent listening, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Is agile, flexible and proactive with an ability to work independently, plan, prioritise and implement.
• Ability to contribute to developing and growing Wicklow Dementia Support services.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies e.g. Assisted Decision Making, General Data Protection Regulation, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
• Registered with Professional body/ regulator e.g. CORU, Irish Nursing and Midwifery Board
• Have access to their own car and full clean driving licence
• Garda vetting and reference will be required

Please submit a covering letter accompanied by your Curriculum Vitae to
Dr Marita O’Brien, chair@wicklowdementiasupport.org by 5pm, 29th April 2024.

For informal enquiries:
Kate O'Hanrahan, Programme Manager, Wicklow Dementia Support Company Limited by Guarantee

E: info@wicklowdementiasupport.org; T: 085 1345128

Interviews shortly after closing date