Community Arts Inclusion Support Worker

Job Description:

• To work with Athlone Family Resource Centre, to support community groups and offer opportunities for such groups to collaborate on large scale community arts project that promote inclusion, integration, social justice and social cohesion.

Key Areas of Work

• Identifying the needs of a wide range of community groups and adapting projects to these needs
• Working with community groups to establish the most appropriate art form for each project.
• Designing relevant programmes for different communities
• Setting up, monitoring, and evaluating projects, including managing one-off events like family fun days and festivals.
• Compiling a database of professionals available to work on projects.
• Managing budgets as well as performing routine administrative duties
• Liaising with local authorities, schools and companies to encourage interest and support from possible funders, arts workers and community members, etc.
• Familiarise themselves with the relevant local supports and services to ensure they have knowledge of the local referral pathways to supports and services addressing complex need such as addiction, homelessness, child protection and mental health issues.
• Actively participate in regular support and supervision, planning, review and evaluation of work
• Ensure that the work of this role is in keeping with the ethos, aims and objectives of the Family Resource Centre Programme Specific areas of work.
• To work with the Athlone Family Resource Centre manager to ensure the successful delivery relevant community arts programmes.

General

• Document the work on an on-going basis and prepare regular work / progress reports for Manager and Board.
• Participate in relevant training
• Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Manager from time-to-time.

Other Relevant Information 

Hours of Work

• The post will be 14 hours per week, day, and evening work.
• Short Term Contract for 6 months from start date but may be extended subject to funding.

Place of Work

• This position is based in Athlone Family Resource Centre, 14 O Connell Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Accountability

• The Community Arts Inclusion Support Worker will be responsible to the Athlone FRC Manager and to the Voluntary Board of Directors.

Confidentiality

• The Inclusion Support Worker will observe confidentiality at all times in relation to Centre business. Garda Vetting

Salary

• The salary for this position will be €34,326.00 pro rata.

The position is subject to the completion of a satisfactory Garda Vetting process Annual Leave
27 days per annum pro rata which includes shut down period in August and Christmas.

Person Specification

Description of the skills, knowledge and experience required for this position:

• A relevant qualification in one of the following: Community Arts, Community Development, Youth Work, Family Support, Human Rights and Inclusion, Gender Studies, etc.
• Experience of working with people from different cultures and backgrounds and an understanding of cultural diversity.
• Knowledge and understanding of community work principles and practice.
• An understanding of the issues that can impact on new communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable or most severely affected.
• Experience of group development including group facilitation.
• Experience of planning, developing, and delivering community arts programmes and activities which meet the needs of local groups/communities.
• Ability to engage with target groups in identifying their needs and assisting in the development of appropriate responses.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with a range of groups and agencies.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, email, databases, and social media.
• Fluency in English both written and spoken.
• A full, clean driving licence and own transport

Personal Qualities.

• Confident in working ‘on the ground’ in the community.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Be self-motivated, flexible and able to work on own initiative.
• Passion for social inclusion and equality.

Application

Apply with cover letter and CV to manager@afrc.ie stating the position, you are applying for in the subject bar. Candidates who are successfully called for interview will be asked to showcase a portfolio of work that demonstrates examples of their community art and/or social engaged practice.

Closing date for applications is 1pm Saturday 31st August 2024
Interviews will be held week of 16th September 2024.

Canvasing of Athlone FRC Staff or VBOM members will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.