Position Title: Community Connector – Saol Anois Day Services

Date: 13th January 2025

Reporting: Day Services Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time, 39 hours / week

Working Week: Monday to Friday

Working Hours: 8.00am – 4.30pm

Location: Bray, Co. Wicklow
The primary base for the position will be in Bray, Co. Wicklow.
The successful candidate will be required to travel and work across the organisation delivering relevant programmes. This will include our Dun Laoghaire base and two centres in Bray.

Purpose of the Role

The Community Connector will play a critical role in the following:

• The implementation of Person-Centred Plans for individuals accessing the services, including the setting, monitoring and facilitation of action plan meetings.
• To enable the service members and facilitate, a smooth transition into the community of Kilpeddar/ Newtownmountkennedy as part of our strategic plan.
• The development of the service provision based on the ever changing needs of the service members.
• The implementation of positive behaviour support plans to enhance the service delivery.
• The continuous development of service quality, through continuous evaluation and participation of stakeholders accessing the services and their circles of support.

Impact of the Role

The Community Connector will be instrumental in Festina Lentes with regards to;

• Implementation of the Festina Lente Strategic Plan: The Community Connector will ensure that the strategic vision is actively promoted and executed within the community, fostering alignment with broader organisational goals.
• Progression of Service Quality and Delivery: By building strong community relationships, the role will directly contribute to improving the quality of services and ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.
• Strengthening Partnerships and Engagement: The Community Connector will serve as a liaison, fostering collaboration between Festina Lente and external partners, ensuring the organisation's presence is impactful and well-received.

Key Responsibilities

Service Programme

• To support Service Members in accessing Education, Employment and Work Experience Opportunities,
• To support Service Members to have meaningful social roles in their communities with an emphasis on Supported Employment,
• To facilitate Person Centred Planning in conjunction with members and coordinate and evaluate the achievement of personal goals,
• To support Service Members to build up links in their communities,
• To deliver relevant programmes/classes with an emphasis on community inclusion.

Monitoring and Reporting

• To maintain and update records for Service Members in line with the Festina Lente Policy on Record Keeping,
• To implement and review individual Person-Centred Plans in line with New Directions Policy.

Collaboration and Coordination

• To liaise with Members family and /or support persons,
• To act as an advocate and keyworker for Service Members,
• To attend residential trips away with Members.
• Participate in weekly staff and planning meetings to ensure effective communication and project delivery.

Skills and Qualification

Education: 

• An appropriate third level qualification in a related field e.g. Social Care, Mental Health, Behavioural Analysis or Psychology.

Experience:

• Proven experience of working in disability services (a minimum of two years’ full-time experience),
• Proven experience designing, facilitating and implementing Person-Centred Plans in line with New Directions Policy (a minimum of two years’ full-time experience),
• Proven experience of delivering supportive and engaging service-related programmes,
• Proven experience of supporting people with disabilities to access employment opportunities,
• Experience of supervising and motivating people,
• Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
• Proficient in record management and IT systems,
• Commitment to fostering a culture of service and social inclusion.

Qualification:

• Full and clean Irish Driving Licence

Language: 

• Fluent English

Desired Qualifications:

• Certificate in Supported Employment,
• Knowledge of Multi Element Behaviour Support.

Benefits of Employment

Salary: €33,249.00 - €48,875.00 (13 point scale)

Benefits Include:

• Access to a PRSA Scheme
• Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
• Access to Educational Support
• 22 days’ annual leave pro rata
• Personal Mental Health Day
• Bike to work scheme
• On-site parking

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and motivation for this role by email to HR at HR@festinalente.ie by 7th February 2025.

FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION

Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.

The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document.

A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.