IASIO: Community Support Scheme Coordinator Castlerea Prison

IASIO (the Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities), is a national organisation that works with State agencies in the development and delivery of services to marginalised groups, enabling communities to become more socially inclusive through best practice service provision. IASIO’s current operational scope includes three national Services and two smaller projects: The Linkage Service, the Gate Service, the Resettlement Service; and The Community Support Scheme and The Supported Employment Service. In particular, it is the only national organisation for adult offenders in the community and voluntary sector with a specific focus on alternatives to both offending and re-imprisonment. This is achieved through the provision of direct services to offenders in the community and to prisoners, services which range from 1-to-1 guidance and placement into training, education, employment, group work, psychometric assessment, resettlement planning & support and placement in the community. IASIO’s core mission is the social inclusion of people marginalised from mainstream opportunity.

Community Support Scheme Coordinator

The aim of the Community Support Scheme is the structured release of people from prisons with each individual being supported and case managed to include appropriate referrals to community-based programmes. The Community Support Scheme Coordinator provides support to short term prisoners in response to overcrowding problems and in an attempt to address the recidivism levels of those serving sentences of under 18 months. The primary aim is to reduce the current recidivism rates by arranging for additional support structures and provide for a more structured form of temporary release.

Contract Type:

• Temporary Cover Role (Specified Purpose Contract): Castlerea Prison (5-days/35 hours per week).

Job Summary:

• A relevant third level qualification, while not essential, is desirable (see a detailed job description below).
• A thorough understanding of the Target Groups needs and issues.
• A good understanding of the Irish Prison Service and the Resettlement and Reintegration process.
• Must meet the security and health and safety requirements for working within a prison environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an excellent communicator with empathy for client needs.
• Community and prison-based role.
• Specified purpose contract.
• The pro-rata starting salary point is € 32,200.
• Full driving licence and access to transport for business is desirable but not essential.
• Full-time role, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office application.
• Proficient in the use of Salesforce CRM System desirable but not essential.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• The appointment will be made subject to two satisfactory references, a pre-employment medical and prison access / full national security clearance and garda vetting.
• One years’ experience of working with the Target Group.
• Teamwork experience.
• Applications are welcome from candidates with exceptional experience but who do not possess formal qualifications.
• Applicants should refer to the detailed job description, including the necessary competencies required in the attachment below.

The ideal candidate will have a good general knowledge of:

• IASIO and its range of services.
• The Irish Criminal Justice system.
• Prisoner Resettlement Work.
• Desistance Processes.
• Community based Addiction Services.
• Homeless Services.
• Primary Needs.
• Department of Social Protection schemes.
• Community and Voluntary Groups.
• The Irish employment market and training & education opportunities.
• Semi-state and other agencies, including services providing support and/or training and educational services for marginalised groups.

Benefits offered:

• Pension contributions.
• Death in Service Insurance.
• Paid sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid Volunteer Days.
• Paid Annual Health Check leave.
• CPD opportunities.
• Flexible start/finish time.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please send your CV and cover note via email to recruitment@iasio.ie before or on the closing date: Monday, 22nd July 2024. Interviews will be conducted by Zoom video call shortly after the closing date.