SECAD Graduate Position: Local Area Employment Service (LAES) Caseworkers ( East Cork)

2-year fixed term contract

This is a wonderful opportunity for qualified graduate(s) to work with SECAD Partnership CLG.  SECAD is a local development partnership, that delivers a range of local and community development programmes including the LEADER Programme, the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Rural Social Scheme, LAES, Tús among others.

This role is ideally suited to a person who is about to graduate or has recently graduated (in last 12 months) and is looking to gain experience in an organisation with a strong community focus. Third level or equivalent qualification(s) in areas such as HR, Recruitment, Community Development, Work & Organisational Behavioural Psychology or Coaching will be considered. Candidates with other subject disciplines which are considered relevant may also be considered. A vast wealth of experience is not necessary, but the applicant must be familiar with the principles of Community Development/Social inclusion and be eager to be trained and grow into the role.

Context of Post

SECAD is developing a team of SECAD LAES Case Workers that will provide a range of supports to those referred from the Department of Social Protection to the LAES in our catchment, including CV preparation, interview skills, career development, technology for work skills, social welfare supports and access to other public services that could assist the person’s return to employment and activation.

These LAES services are being developed in parallel with existing valuable and experienced services such as those developed as part of Local Development ‘SICAP’ employment supports. From a value added and person-centred perspective, it will be essential that these supports are offered and delivered in a logical, collaborative, and connected manner for each client.

SECAD is seeking to hire graduate(s) who are currently based in or will be based in the East Cork area. This role will involve working in one or more of our eastern outreach locations primarily Midleton and Cobh however there may also be a possibility of working in other outreach offices if needed.

Principal Duties

• Provide a practical but empathetic approach to engaging all referred clients.
• Ensure the effective completion of referral appointments made by Department of Social Protection (DSP) through the SECAD LAES Coordinator.
• Engage with referred clients using a three-tier approach encompassing: Initial assessment, Assessment of readiness to work and change. Interview and engagement.
• Identify client goals, aspirations, and barriers to employment, providing good customer service, including meeting and professionally greeting clients.
• Ensure all initial assessments focus on getting to know the participant, their motivation and exploring their aspirations and needs.
• Identify, clarify, and manage the client’s expectations of the process, including data protection, confidentiality, and ground rules of the LAES intervention and the relationships required to achieve buy-in.
• Manage a caseload efficiently and effectively in line with company and funders procedures & guidelines and against defined KPIs.
• Responsibility for arranging client appointments and efficiently managing overall work schedule.
• Identify the individual supports required for each client.
• Assist clients with job preparation, including curriculum vitae preparation, job seeking and interview skills.
• Prepare and maintain a Personal Progression Plan (PPP) for clients.
• Work with colleagues to liaise with employers on possible job opportunities for our clients.
• Assess and ensure clients are signposted both internally and externally, with the specific objective of ensuring labour market engagement.
• As necessary, liaise directly with ETB, SOLAS, DSP, and other public and private training providers and agencies.
• Present oral and written reports to the LAES Team Leads and others as required.

Person Specifications

ESSENTIAL

• The successful candidate must have a full clean driving licence and own transport that is fully insured.
• Be motivated to provide a professional service focusing on securing positive outcomes for our clients.
• Hold excellent active listening skills when working with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Have strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to navigate each unique client engagement.
• Demonstrate an adaptable communication approach to suit the individual need of each client.
• Have empathy for clients, with the ability to demonstrate an unconditionally positive and respectful approach.
• Ability to build rapport and trust as well as manage conflict and support de-escalation of challenging behaviour.
• Hold an appreciation for the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
• Possess good report writing skills, particularly a high degree of skill in producing quality well-presented written documents.
• Have strong ICT skills with the ability to learn ICT systems quickly and hold a strong general IT skillset in the use of MS Office suite in particular Word, Excel, SharePoint.
• Hold strong organisational, time management and administration skills (LAES Case Workers will need to manage their own administration duties including record keeping, appointment setting etc.)
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to apply resilience, deep focus, attention to detail and a capacity to strictly adhere to procedures within the context of a busy workload.
• Demonstrate an ability to take the initiative and actively problem-solve to improve performance and service delivery.
• Possess a general understanding of the barriers facing unemployed people in accessing progression options.
• Respect for confidentiality and a willingness to strictly adhere to data protection processes.
• Possess a willingness to learn and be open to taking on new duties and projects that will support the work of our service and most importantly serve to promote the progression of our clients.
• Excellent teamwork skills developing strong working relationships with individuals and co-workers.
• Be flexible in terms of availability and work location within the SECAD LAES Catchment

DESIRABLE

• Have previous relevant work experience (paid or voluntary) supporting those experiencing social exclusion or working in services to support the local community at large.
• Previous experience in information provision and signposting to services including awareness of referral pathways across education, training, and community services.
• Have a clear understanding of the effects of unemployment on the individual’s self-image, behaviour patterns and general well-being, particularly the effect on long-term unemployed people.
• Possess a knowledge of digital tools & information sources focused on education, training, career direction.
• Demonstrate an ability to support individuals to access opportunities.
• Previous experience in the use of online monitoring and reporting systems.
• Understand the principles of social inclusion / rural development.

Graduate Training Provision

Full training will be provided to successful candidates this will include:

• Case Management System training
• Education/Training/Community referral pathways & signposting process
• Employability/ Recruitment Theory
• General coaching models, tools, and questions.

Additional training opportunities are offered to team members via third parties when available in areas that have a direct impact on caseworkers’ duties/responsibilities.

Salary

Circa €30,000 per annum

How to Submit an Application

Please email your application (CV & Letter of Application) to: info@secad.ie

Subject box to be marked “Graduate LAES Caseworker ” by 12:00pm on Tuesday, 9^th April.

Shortlisted candidates must be available for interview on Thursday, 18^th April.

For more information about SECAD please contact us on 021 4613432.

SECAD is an equal opportunity employer and canvassing will disqualify.