Roscommon LEADER Partnership in partnership with Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites applications for the full-time post of

Community Engagement Coordinator

Roscommon LEADER Partnership is an organisation that brings together key development projects including rural enterprise, development and social inclusion that work for the betterment of the people of Co. Roscommon.

Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) aims to help families identify the challenges, issues and barriers they experience and to reduce these barriers by creating individual and family support plans. Support plans will include, but are not limited to, supporting individuals and families impacted by a range of social, personal, economic and educational issues such as:

• Health & wellbeing
• Employment
• Education & training
• Parenting & family
• Social & community
• Substance misuse & addiction
• Domestic abuse
• Anti-social behaviour

Roscommon LEADER Partnership (RLP) in partnership with Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is now recruiting for a Community Engagement Coordinator who will co-ordinate and deliver the activities of this programme, including direct support to families and individuals facing exclusion and marginalisation from mainstream services and opportunities. Needs will be addressed by providing referrals to mainstream service providers, the creation of targeted bespoke activities developed by RLP to address gaps in service provision and working collaboratively with relevant Government and non-Governmental agencies and service providers.

Role overview:

Key Areas of work:

• To coordinate the Empowering Communities Programme.
• To manage other staff appointed to work on the Empowering Communities Programme.
• To identify and link with marginalised individuals and families in the community.
• To plan and coordinate the assessments of marginalised individuals and family’s needs and identify relevant solutions, including referrals to relevant stakeholders.
• To create, implement and monitor individual and family support plans.
• To coach, mentor and encourage marginalised individuals and families to engage with RLP outlining the benefits of engagement with all stakeholders involved in providing supports.
• To advocate, represent and at times accompany marginalised individuals and families throughout their engagement with external stakeholders when necessary.
• To visit marginalised individuals and families on an ongoing basis to review their needs and promote their participation in achieving the goals of their support plans.
• To network, engage and build good relationships with state agencies and local service providers/voluntary groups providing expertise in the areas outlined above.
• To work with existing and new Local Community Groups promoting services and identifying individuals and families most in need of support.
• To provide reports and briefings to local and national programme structures in a timely manner and as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualification [QQI level 8] in social sciences/social care/community & health or other related field of study.
• 3 years minimum experience working with marginalised individuals or families.
• Extensive experience in mentoring, advocacy, problem solving and supporting individuals and families.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the issues, barriers and problems families from disadvantaged and marginalised communities face.
• Experience in project management and delivering projects within a defined timeline and work plan.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to advocate and represent family’s needs with state and local service providers.
• Confident self-starter with excellent administration and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain a rapport with families, individuals and work with a calm caring and confident approach when dealing with challenging situations.
• Ability to be resilient and cope with emotional and at times difficult situations.
• Have a non-judgemental, empathetic and sensitive approach and manner in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to work professionally with service providers and engage effectively with multiple agencies at the one time.
• Ability to maintain accurate up to date records of all caseloads including a record of all interactions with your caseload.
• Ability to write reports, deliver presentations and adhere to professional standards and legislation including confidentiality, equality, safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Proficient in MS packages e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, programme databases, SharePoint portals.
• Car owner with a full clean driving license.

Conditions of Work:

• This is a Full-time position - 35 hours per week with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. An unpaid hour-long break is included each day. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary based on project demands.
• Fixed Term Contract until the 31st July 2027 (extension may apply)
• Annual Leave of 21 days per annum plus 3 Company Allocated Leave days.
• The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the context funding provision.
• The role will be based in Roscommon LEADER Partnership's Castlerea office & other assigned bases in Castlerea, with the incumbent expected to travel as necessary for the position (work related travel expenses will be paid).
• A probationary period of six months will apply

To apply for the above position, please submit your CV and letter of application - clearly stating which position you are applying for to recruitment@ridc.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Monday the 30th of September 2024

Satisfactory references, evidence of qualifications and Garda vetting will be required.
Short listing will apply. Interviews will be held on Thursday the 10th of October 2024.
A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Roscommon LEADER Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer