Invites applications for the full-time post of

Community Link Worker

County Wicklow Partnership (CWP) is a local development company delivering key government and EU-funded programmes in rural enterprise, social inclusion, and community development. As part of this work, we are seeking a Community Link Worker to support community cohesion and inclusion through the Community Connection Project (CCP), a national initiative funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD).

The CCP will take a proactive, community-led approach to support local communities in navigating the challenges and opportunities of demographic change. The project will focus on constructive engagement, countering misinformation, and fostering social cohesion.

This role is not about crisis response but instead about empowering communities to have meaningful, respectful discussions and to develop positive, community-led integration approaches.

Role overview:

The Community Link Worker will work on an outreach basis, engaging directly with communities to understand and address concerns around migration and integration in rural and urban areas in County Wicklow. The role will:

• Use a community development approach to build local capacity, address misinformation, and foster social cohesion to strengthen the capacity of the community to work together and with key voluntary and statutory organisations and structures, with a focus on establishing facts, counteracting misinformation, and engagement on community concerns and working to develop inclusive responses to migrant integration
• Work with local residents and organisations to explore concerns, facilitate conversations, and strengthen community resilience.
• Support the development of inclusive, sustainable responses to migrant integration that reflect the realities of communities and the needs of new arrivals.
• Contribute to national policy by documenting experiences, challenges, and solutions, in collaboration with the CCP Coordinator and stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement & Dialogue

• Build trust and relationships with residents, local organisations, and statutory agencies.
• Facilitate respectful and constructive community discussions on migration and integration.
• Provide accurate, evidence-based information about the International Protection System and migration in Ireland.

2. Building Resilience & Tackling Misinformation

• Deliver informal education and awareness-raising initiatives.
• Support communities in developing critical thinking skills to counter misinformation and disinformation.
• Develop resources, workshops, and materials to promote fact-based dialogue.

3. Capacity Building & Community-Led Solutions

• Support communities in developing constructive responses to change.
• Strengthen the capacity of local organisations and networks to engage meaningfully with migrant integration efforts.
• Work collaboratively with CWP’s SICAP programme, which supports female entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and marginalised communities including Traveller women and women returners to employment.

4. Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with the Community Engagement Team of the DCEDIY, Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs), and the Integration Forum.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the CCP Coordinator and DRCD.
• Contribute to the development of toolkits and best practice models for future community-led integration efforts.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased community understanding of migration, asylum, and integration.
• Strengthened resilience against misinformation, leading to more inclusive conversations.
• Enhanced community capacity to respond to demographic changes in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Sustainable structures to support long-term community integration efforts.

Key Competencies:

• Experience of delivering community development approaches, local needs analysis, planning and addressing social exclusion issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse groups and network with communities and agencies.
• Excellent group work and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of migrant integration, social inclusion, human rights, and equality issues.
• Experience mediating disputes and managing challenging conversations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community settings.
• Strong report writing and ability to document case studies and toolkits.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of local challenges in County Wicklow.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) and community project databases.
• Understanding and experience of working with statutory and local /community that they work in.
• Experience in project management and delivering projects with a defined timeline and work plan.
• Experience of designing and delivery of capacity building supports within the community sector.
• Be able to demonstrate leadership skills

Qualifications & Experience:

• A third-level qualification (or equivalent) in Community Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in community development, social inclusion, or advocacy roles.
• Experience of project management with defined timelines and work plans.
• Understanding of the Irish International Protection System (desirable).
• Full clean driving licence and access to a car for travel.

What We Offer:

• Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• 35-hour workweek with flexibility (some evenings/weekends required; Time Worked Up applies).
• Hybrid working may be considered.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Professional development opportunities.
• Free on-site parking.

This is a full-time position; the salary will be commensurate with experience within the context funding provision. The position will be based in County Wicklow Partnership Offices. Travel expenses will be paid where appropriate. The contract is fixed term and is subject to funding provision.

To apply for the position:

Please submit your CV and letter of application to: recruitment@wicklowpartnership.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Friday, 11th April 2025

Short listing will apply. A panel may be formed from which future temporary and permanent vacancies may be filled. Satisfactory references and Garda vetting will be required.