Position: Community Health Worker

Organisation: Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM)

Location: Longford (Longford Traveller Primary Healthcare Programme)

About Us

Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) is a Traveller-led community development organisation working to achieve full equality for the Traveller community throughout County Offaly.

With a team of 35 staff, comprising Travellers and non-Travellers, we offer programmes and services in health promotion, mental health, accommodation, youth, and education.

Our mission is to:

• Empower Travellers to develop their skills and knowledge.
• Work in partnership with service providers to address the needs of Travellers and improve outcomes.
• Tackle poverty, social exclusion, disadvantage, and discrimination.
• Contribute to the development of local and national policies for positive changes in the lives of Travellers.

Purpose of the Role:

• To address the key areas of Traveller Health as outlined in the OTM Strategic Plan 2023-2025 and the All-Ireland Traveller Health Status Study (2010)
• To work as part of the Longford Primary Health Care Programme team delivering information, advocacy, health promotion and referral pathways for Travellers in Longford
• To work alongside other specialist programmes, and relevant partners in the county, region and nationally
• To represent the issues of Traveller Health on a range of forums as relevant

Nature of the post

• Type: Part-time, 12 hours per week
• Salary: €10,688.43

Direction & Accountability

Reports to Longford Health Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Directed by and reporting to the Longford Health Manager, the Community Health Worker will work with the Longford Primary Health Care Programme, other staff and relevant partners. The main duties and responsibilities will include:

• To obtain the consent of Travellers for their inclusion in the Primary Health Care Programme, for which they can access to health information and support
• To access and disseminate health information to the Traveller community and contribute to the promotion of health in a culturally appropriate way.
• To support the Traveller community, the PHCP and our partners in improving access to and delivery of health services to Travellers.
• To represent the PHCP at meetings, seminars, committees and workshops at local, regional and national levels as required.
• To contribute to and respond to policy initiatives and to promote Traveller participation in health-related issues.
• To identify the health needs of Travellers and facilitate dialogue between health service providers and the Traveller community.
• To promote knowledge and understanding among health authorities on Traveller culture and provision of services appropriate to their needs.
• To participate in training and education as required, improving and updating skills as Community Health Workers.
• To contribute to the development of health education materials appropriate to the Traveller community.
• To ensure the specific health needs of the Traveller community are addressed.
• To liaise and work with relevant statutory, community and voluntary agencies as appropriate.
• To undertake training and skills development as appropriate to the role
• To be responsible and accountable to the HSE Health Manager.
• To carry out any other duties deemed necessary as requested by the HSE Health Manager and the CEO.

Additional Duties:

• Carry out any other duties deemed necessary as requested by the CEO or Board of Directors.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be compassionate, client-focused, proactive, and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of services for vulnerable clients. They will champion excellence by ensuring our clients are central to our services, fostering successful individual outcomes.

The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. They will possess the following essential and desirable attributes:

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Qualification in community development, social care, or experience working in a community setting - Essential
• A thorough understanding of the Traveller Community, particularly in relation to Traveller health - Essential

Experience

• Membership of the Traveller Community or experience of engaging/working with the Traveller Community - Essential
• Proven track record of effective advocacy and support work - Essential

Skills and Competencies

• A demonstrable commitment to human rights and social justice and a commitment to work from an anti-racist and equality work perspective - Essential
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team - Essential
• Be prepared to travel as part of your work
• Excellent communication, group facilitation and interpersonal skills - Essential
• Excellent IT; including word and excel - Desirable

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and patient, with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others - Essential
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively - Essential
• Proactive and motivated, with a strong sense of initiative - Essential
• Access to own transport with a full driving license, up to date NCT, motor tax and insurance - Essential

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a CV and detailed cover letter outlining qualifications, experience and skills specific to the position to the CEO at: info@otm.ie

Note: This position is subject to Garda Vetting and full reference checks.

Closing Date: Thursday 17th April at 5pm
Applications by email only and by the date and time above. Late applications will not be accepted.

Additional support/training will be available to the right candidate

This post is funded by the HSE Traveller Health Unit.