Supported Employment Specialist

Position Description:
To provide a meaningful pathway into Employment/Work Experience opportunities for the members of the Festina Lente HSE funded Services.
Department Name:
HSE Vocational Training & Adult Day Services, Festina Lente
(herein referred to as 'Services')
Reporting to:
Vocational Training & Day Services Manager
Based at:
The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).
Contract Type:
Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday)
Position Goals:
To ensure the effective, efficient organisation and co-ordination of Festina Lente's Supported Employment Programme.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Provide one to one support for service members with additional needs in job finding, job training, job retention and career development,
Identify professional career pathways for service members,
Assist with Job search, Portfolio development, interview skills, workplace communications and on the job coaching,
Ensure work experience placements on scheme are in line with Supported Employment Model,
Ensure all programme files are maintained to a high standard and in compliance with HSE and data protection regulatory requirements,
Develop and maintain good working relationships with external agencies and key stakeholders across the community
Training and Development
Carry out an identification of learner needs with each Service Member as part of their Person-Centred plan.
Source and co-ordinate cost effective training and development opportunities as required to support and sustain meaningful Supported Employment.
Ensure access to recognised qualifications for Service Members, with a focus on the achievement of relevant qualifications including QQI Major Awards or industry related equivalent.
Maintain and update training and employment records as required
Plan and organise work placements – internal and external as required.
Supporting on the job induction and training.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement:
Maintain a strong working relationship with existing employers and source suitable opportunities with prospective employers.
Manage a comprehensive community database with existing employment data as well as network expansion,
Conduct work-site analysis to assess the working environment and suggest support/accommodations to further enhance the position for our individual service members,
Responsible for the marketing and community engagement to promote and expand the supported employment programme for our service members,
Work with other organisations to create networks and share resources,
Build strong relationships with Service Members, families, and caregivers, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction,
Ensure appropriate advocacy for the service members with an emphasis on employment rights.
Programme Monitoring and Evaluation
Conduct ongoing programme monitoring and evaluation including regular internal programme audits as well as contribute to a practice of continual improvement within your area of work,
Identify and collect data to measure outcomes, prepare reports as requested,
Contribute to the development of quality assurance systems and procedures,
Participate in committees as directed by Vocational Training and Day Services Manager.
Health & Safety
Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to service members' care or wellbeing,
Complete incident reporting and near miss events,
Complete and review risk assessments, including the development of a positive risk management plan for service members,
Adhere to all HSE policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Have a proven understanding of the role of the Supported Employment Specialist as it pertains to project management and programme delivery to individuals with Additional needs.
Display responsibility, commitment and motivation to implement the objectives of the Supported Employment.
Effective communication skills coupled with competent report writing skills.
Experience of directing, motivating, coaching individuals with additional needs.
Have a knowledge of current employment law and grants/resources available to employers.
Education and experience
Minimum: Level 6 Certificate in General Health and Social Care, QQI (NFQ) or equivalent level in Health Care, Intellectual Disability or Special Needs Assisting qualification or relevant field.
Desired: Certificate in Supported employment
Proven experience in supporting people in securing and sustaining employment, with at least 5 years' experience in disability setting or similar setting working directly within the HSE New Directions Quality Framework
Full and clean Irish driving licence, with own car.
Work Authorisation:
Ireland, required
Benefits of Employment:
Compensation: The salary will be commensurate with experience.
Benefits Include:
22 days' annual leave
Access to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) scheme
Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
Access to Educational Support
Bike to work scheme
On-site parking

Equal Opportunities Statement:
Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION
Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.
The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document.
A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
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