SECAD Strive Support Officer (focus on young people 18-29 years)

Supporting c. 15 young people with disabilities (and their families) to develop and implement a person-centred support plan over a 12 month period; where the focus, aims and ambitions of each support plan will be determined by the participants.

The objectives of The SEDAD Strive Initiative are to:

• Assist young people with disabilities to develop the confidence and independence required to participate in education, training, employment.
• Assist young people with disabilities at key transition points between education, training and employment.
• Support young people with disabilities who are not in education, employment or training to access and participate in education, training, and employment.
• Build the capacity of mainstream employment services, education and training providers to support the progression of young people with disabilities.
• Build the capacity of employers to recruit and retain young people with disabilities within their workforce.
• Promote employment prospects and meaningful social roles for young people with disabilities.
• Recognise the importance of an individual’s skills, competencies and experience when they are looking for work. Employability relates to the general skills a person needs to enter, stay in and progress in the world of work.

Roles and responsibilities of the employee

• Recruitment of project participants through liaison primarily through ‘Referral Agencies’ and via targeted promotional awareness campaigns and information sessions.
• Coordination and promotion of information sessions, in accessible settings, for the target participants to disseminate information on the programme and implementation of the follow on application, assessment and recruitment campaign.
• Liaison with referral agents as well as utilising existing linkages with local DEASP Case Officers for referrals.
• Provision of intensive and continuous client-focused and person centered, one to one supports and employability mentoring to improve the life chances of 15 (or more per year) young people aged 18-29 years with disabilities by supporting them to achieve their potential and improve their social and economic participation.
• Provision of a solution focused approach to the barriers which affect participation i.e. health, social, educational, employability.
• Establish realistic, measurable and motivating targets that are properly tracked including a timescale.
• Devise an Annual Action Plan – to be reviewed and approved formally with a SECAD Appointed Line Manager
• Operate within the agreed budget and provide agreed reports to project Steering Committee (established with the SECAD Line Manager)
• Identify and coordinate core and soft skills training for participating young people
• Employer and Employment Supports including:
  • a) Support disability awareness events targeted at employers, facilitate supported work placements (part-time or full-time dependent on the skills and abilities of individual);
  • b) Prepare Information pack for employers on providing work experience.
  • c) Provide ‘In work’ support to ensure job retention and career development.
• Work in a confidential and professional manner that ensures the welfare and safety of the young person is of paramount importance.
• Respond to sensitive issues in a confidential manner subject to child protection and vulnerable adult guidelines.
• Signposting to support services and activities on offer i.e. health services, youth services etc.
• Create and agree personal action and family support plans (where applicable) actions.
• Assist in implementing the personal action and family support plans and record outcomes when achieved.
• Effectively manage caseload and provide professional focused advice to both participants and their families referring to other agencies / organisations as required as part of family support plan.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with schools and relevant statutory, community and voluntary organisations.
• Work in an integrated manner with other team members and with other relevant service providers.
• Undertake ongoing evaluation of outcomes and impacts of both specific interventions as well as the programme overall in terms of progressing participants.
• Carry out risk assessments and manage risks.
• Maintain accurate records of work undertaken with young people that contain detailed up-to-date engagement notes, full details of specific interventions, evidence of positive outcomes
• Ensure all monitoring is carried out in line with requirements
• Ensure the accuracy and completion of all administrative forms, reports etc is provided in a timely manner.
• Review with line manager outcomes against performance targets and reflect on practice.
• Maintain and develop relevant skills and work to the highest professional standards.
• Comply with relevant policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety, Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures, Data Protection, Equal Status Acts 2000-2008, and the Disability Act 2005.
• Ensure consistency of quality of delivery and reporting issues as they arise.
• Attend and participate in Steering Group meetings.
• Any other reasonable duties assigned by the organisation.

Training, Experience ,Qualifications and Competencies

• A Level 8 degree or professional qualification or higher in one of the following disciplines: coaching, career coaching or guidance qualification is desirable.
• Proven and positive experience in managing resources, people, training and activities would all be important.
• Previous experience of working within disability sector or similar services is an advantage. Candidates from other sectors need to be able to demonstrate that they have relevant transferable skills
• Previous experience working with a project from inception.
• A full driving license and use of own car

Competencies

• Communicating and Influencing
• Motivating & Empowering
• Managing & Developing Performance
• Leadership
• Planning & Organising Skills

How to Submit an Application

Please email your application (CV & Letter of Application) to: info@secad.ie – subject box to be marked “Strive Support Officer” by 12 noon Monday 16th January 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed during week beginning 23rd January 2023, and candidates must be available for interview during weeks beginning Monday 30th January & Monday 6th February 2023.

For more information about SECAD and for job descriptions for all positions vacant within SECAD Partnership visit our website www.secad.ie

About SECAD

SECAD Partnership CLG is a local development company established in 1995. SECAD is a not for profit, community led organisation with charitable status. SECAD works with a range of different clients and stakeholders in rural areas including community and voluntary groups, disadvantaged target groups, job seekers, businesses, farmers, schools and the corporate sector.

We provide a range of innovative rural development and social inclusion supports to motivate and enable our communities to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive society, in partnership with public, private, academic and community partners.

SECAD currently delivers a number of major programmes along with other smaller schemes and initiatives including LEADER 2014-2020, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2018-2022, the Rural Social Scheme, Tus, PEIL 2014-2020, ERASMUS + and Ability.