Employment Specialist Individual Placement and Support

South Dublin County Partnership is a Local Development Company that develops projects and services to support sustainable and vibrant communities, where people realize their potential and experience a high quality of life. Funding for our work comes from a variety of sources; our main funders are the Department of Community, Environment and Local Government, the Department of Social Protection, and The HSE. South Dublin County Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

Background

The Employment Specialist (IPS) will work directly with employers to secure employment opportunities for jobseekers who have experienced mental health problems using an IPS model which emphasizes individuals' interest, experience, skills, and strengths. IPS training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of a maximum of 20 people at any one time who have experienced mental health problems and wish to gain or return to work.
• Work as a member of the Community Mental Health team to build a multidisciplinary approach to the return to work.
• Prepare individuals for a return to work through assessing each person's individual employment needs through vocational profiling/assessment and through goal setting and action planning.
• Focus on rapid tailored job search with the service user and be knowledgeable of the labor market.
• Be proactive in working with employers to source and secure employment opportunities for service users and in providing relevant information to employers while negotiating appropriate adjustments to support and sustain employment.
• Develop networks with other organizations and government departments that will help individuals to achieve their employment goals.
• Provide tailored support to individuals who have secured employment to assist them in sustaining that employment.
• Establish a rapport with the client and develop a positive working relationship.
• Act as an advocate for the client where necessary.
• Adhere to IPS administrative, data capture and policy protocols which record the progress of individuals, and keep accurate and complete records of casework.
• Meet and exceed the Fidelity Scale job outcome targets for individuals.
• Participate in Fidelity reviews and support implementation of recommendations from these reviews.
• Work as part of a national network of Employment Specialists and attend training/meetings as required.
• Participate in supervision, continuing personal and professional development, IPS and any other training as required.
• Participate in mandatory IPS training and other personal and professional development as required.
• General
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the employment specialist may be required to undertake other duties, in discussion with their coordinator.
• This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the employment specialist.
• The employment specialist is expected to comply with all relevant South Dublin County Partnership and HSE policies, procedures, and guidelines, including the principles of confidentiality, data protection legislation and Freedom of Information.
• Utilize agreed CRM system to manage IPS Programme data and reporting.
• The employment specialist is responsible for ensuring that the work that they undertake is conducted in a manner which is safe to themselves and others, and for adhering to the advice and instructions on Health and Safety matters given by Manager(s).
• The employment specialist is expected to comply with the appropriate Code(s) of Conduct associated with this post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Relevant third level qualification
• Degree or Diploma in Supported Employment, Social Studies, Adult Guidance or Business-related studies such as HRM
• Business experience.
• Mental Health First Aid training

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working in a Business/HR/Social Care/Supported Employment related environment
• Track record of successfully helping people to obtain or keep education/work.
• Experience of employer related work
• Proven ability to achieve targets and to monitor and evaluate work practices
• Minimum of 2 years' working with and supporting people who have experienced mental health problems (or other unemployed disadvantaged groups) into and in employment within health, social services, or the voluntary sector.
• Experience of opening job opportunities with a range of employers
• Experience of partnership working negotiation and liaison work with other agencies

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Knowledge of interpretation of welfare benefits and disability/employment related benefits
• Knowledge of disability and special needs issues, policies and legislation in relation to employment/education
• An understanding of the issues of user involvement in mental health services
• An ability to negotiate diplomatically and effectively with staff at all levels and users of mental health services.
• Understanding of relevant disability and employment policy and legislation
• Knowledge of government and local funding regarding learning and employment opportunities
• Knowledge of Employment law
• Knowledge of IPS principles and approach
• Good numeracy, financial and information management skills

Communication/Interpersonal Skills

• Strong coaching and active listening skills
• Strong people skills and the ability to network with a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to manage personal boundaries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively.
• Ability to show sensitivity towards job seekers needs and empower them to succeed in the workplace.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• An innovative approach to reaching solutions and solving problems.
• Computer Literacy
• Respond positively to challenges and translate it into valuable learning experience
• Good influencing skills

Good PR and Marketing Skills

• Full clean driving licence and means of transport is essential for the position.
• Willingness to be flexible in working hours to meet organisation/client's needs.
• Working some unsocial hours may be required.

Special requirements for this position.

• Full clean driving licence and means of transport is essential for the position.
• Willingness to be flexible in working hours to meet organisation/client's needs.
• Working some unsocial hours may be required.
• * The starting salary for this position will be dependent on the successful individual's qualification and experience.
• * Annual salary increment subject to satisfactory performance. Training and development support.
• * Excellent Pension of 10% employer's contribution after successful probation period.
• * Access to HSF low-cost health insurance.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the essential and desirable criteria in the job description, your suitability and why you are the best candidate for this post in question.

Please send your up-to-date detailed CV (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter accompanied with completed confidential form marked:

Employment Specialist Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Ref: 186/2025 to:

Administration & Operations Department, South Dublin County Partnership, Unit D1, Nangor Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12

OR alternatively email your application to jobs@sdcpartnership.ie – subject box to be markedEmployment Specialist Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Ref: 186/2025

Closing date for receipt of applications:12pm Thursday, 24 April 2025.

Note no late applications will be accepted.

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