Community Connector

WALK is seeking applications for the role of Community Connector to join our Day Opportunities team. The Community Connector will play an active role in the on-going development of person-centred practice and thinking within WALK and will be responsible for the day-to-day supports of individuals who use our service. A detailed role description is attached. Community Connectors are an integral part of the organization's efforts to ensure people supported have the best possible life. General Role Outline: The purpose of this role is to provide support to people taking part in WALKs Day support services to enable them to build a lifestyle and live their life as part of their chosen community. The roles are based on clear principles of supporting people to make and exercise choice and marks an innovative and forward-looking departure from the traditional Day Services models. The successful candidate will be an essential component of a support team. This team will be focused on delivering key outcomes for individuals specifically in the areas of employment, education/training and personal development. Reports To -Allocated Day Service Local Leader Key Relationships Internal - All staff and service users External - Families, employers, training bodies, local community members, clinical support services and other relevant partners. Job Overview The purpose of this role is to provide support to individuals who engage with WALKs Day support services to enable them to build a lifestyle and live their life as part of their chosen community. The role is based on clear principles of supporting people to make and exercise choice and marks an innovative and forward-looking departure from the traditional Day Services models in line with New Directions Policy frameworks. The successful candidate will be an integral component of a support team and WALKs mission to enhance the lives of the people supported. This team will be focused on delivering key outcomes for individuals specifically in the areas of employment, education/training and personal development. Your principal duties & responsibilities will be To act as keyworker to a cohort of participants supporting them to identify their individual goals and achieve their valued outcomes in relation to employment, education/training and personal development. Working with people to develop their skills, competencies and personal development needs to make positive contributions in their community. Leading andfacilitating planning with everyone to craft their own support arrangements. To establish, measure and develop everyones network of natural supports. Co-ordinating the individuals staff supports and services, including the involvement of mainstream services and natural supports. Working with people to build meaningful and supportive connections with their families and community through a range of interests and access to community activities, venues and services. Support individuals to become active citizens in the community of their choosing. Supporting families and other identified natural supports to build their capacity to offer each service user the optimum level of support with regard to achieving their desired outcomes. Identify possible assistive technology solutions to support individuals to maximise their independence. Service User Profile WALKs vision and mission is to provide support to people with intellectual disabilities and complex needs to live self-determined lives in their local communities. These complex needs may include mental health requirements and/or behaviours that challenge at times. Terms & Conditions Working Hours:39 hours per week including some weekends with flexibility required around working times. There is an expectation that community connections will be established during evenings and some weekends in line with the individuals goals & as required. Working hours will be decided and agreed upon based on the service users choice and facilitation of his/her goals. Location:Working with people currently living in WALKs catchment area and including any locations which will facilitate choice & goals (primarily Dublin) Roles & Responsibilities Outcomes The successful candidate will be responsible for achieving the following key* outcomes: 1: Encouraging and monitoring the progression of individuals towards their unique, individualised goals in conjunction with the individuals natural support network. The persons goals should be reviewed regularly, and the successful candidate will provide the necessary information for each individuals preferences. These areas should explore employment, education/training and personal development. 2: There is an identification of social roles and activities which are representative of the persons goals and enhance his/her contribution and active citizenship within their community of choice and an action plan is established and implemented to support the persons attain those roles. 3: Ensure each service users Natural Support Network will have been sufficiently developed to support them to maximize their opportunities for independence and to achieve their desired outcomes in the areas of employment, education/training and the development of the Personal Self. *Note: You will be responsible for delivery of other agreed outcomes as part of the Probation and Performance Development System Competencies Human Rights Based Approach Low Arousal Philosophy & Practice Resilience, Positive Attitude & Openness to Change Effective Communication & Working Relationships Planning, Organising & Prioritising Innovation, Creativity & Problem Solving Focus on Outcomes for People Leadership Personal Profile Values and beliefs that are aligned with those of the Organisation. Ability to develop positive relationships with people whose behaviour can challenge at times. Flexibility is essential to adapt your approach to meet individual service user needs. Be highly organised and enthusiastic with a hands on, professional approach. Uses good interpersonal and communication skills to influence and inspire others, build constructive relationships, and achieve outcomes. Excellent verbal and written communication skills Be motivated, resilient and patient. Ability to work flexibly as a member of a team. Good administration and IT skills. Confident to build partnership connections with local community providers in order to create and identify opportunities for the people we support. Desirable Criteria Third level qualification in Social Care or a related field Two years experience working with people with disabilities/ social care sector and assisting them to achieve valued social roles. Full clean drivers licence. This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in the light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities, as may be determined from time to time. If you do not meet all the requirements listed, but feel you have other relevant experience that would make you suited to the role, please still apply and highlight this in your cv. Skills: Human Rights Based Approach Low Arousal Philosophy & Practice Positive Attitude & Openness to Change Benefits: Access to our Employee Assistance Scheme; Performance Development System; Up to 25 days Annual Leave; Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver tickets)