Irish Kidney Association: Peer Support Co-Ordinator
About us
Founded in 1978, the IKA is passionate about and dedicated to meeting the needs of renal patients, their families and carers. Kidney disease affects all age groups, both men and women. The reality of kidney disease is that it may impinge on many strands of a person’s life including: health, employment, education, social life and relationships, physical fitness and general well-being. As the only organisation representing the views of Irish kidney patients, the IKA continually lobbies on their behalf. By joining with other organisations, the IKA also helps in furthering the aims of all patients with chronic illness and improving their quality of life. The patient remains at the centre of the IKA — the patient’s needs are paramount.
About the role:
Contract type: 3 days a week, Three-year contract with a view to permanency.
Location: Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12 P5V6. Remote working considered.
About the Job: Peer Support Co-Ordinator
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate person looking to join a national charity led by patients and their families with a good working culture. The right candidate will be highly motivated, patient driven and hold 2+ years’ experience in a peer support role. (paid or unpaid)
This role requires excellent communication skills, leadership, attention to detail, and experience in building mutually beneficial relationships You will report directly to the National Coordinator of Counselling Services and you will be ambitious to expand the peer support service in future years. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate who is looking to take the next step in developing their career in peer support.
How can You Make a Difference?
Through its branch network and the good will of supporters, informal peer support has been a cornerstone of the IKA., since its foundation. This obviously ceased during COVID19. Thanks to funding from Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, a pilot online peer support scheme was put in place. This has been independently evaluated and proven to be very successful.
“I think that is what makes it different from going to a doctor or going to a counselling or someone even the best of doctors haven’t experienced it you know and any of the counsellors have never experienced it and the whole thing was the very, very best”…
A clear supportive framework for both peers and volunteers has now been established. We are currently seeking to make an appointment in Q2 2025 and this will be the first paid dedicated peer support role at the IKA. This person will cement the existing strength of the peer support service while also working with the team to expand the service.(Subject to funding)
The core function of this role is to run the peer support service. Therefore, it is essential that the successful candidate has previous lived peer support experience either in an unpaid or paid role. and the ability to connect with people to build long-term relationships.
Core Competencies of all IKA Staff:
- Commitment to providing the highest levels of person centered quality service to patients
- Relating with respect and compassion
- Promoting diversity and equality
- Communicating effectively
- Resilience, positive outlook, openness to change
- Maintaining a safe and secure environment
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Building working relationships in a friendly, collaborative manner
- Effective professional practice, planning, organising, and problem-solving.
Benefits to working with Irish Kidney Association:
- 23 days annual leave (pro rata 14 days)
- Flexible working
- Opportunity for remote working
- 5% employer contribution to your pension (employee contribution voluntary)
- Paid Sick Leave Policy
- Availability of one-to-one coaching
- Despite the IKA’s high profile we are a small, friendly and sociable team who are looking forward to working with a new colleague who will help deliver on a new very important service.
Salary
- €35k - €40k pro rata (21k to 24k) depending on experience.
Process
- Submit your CV with a cover letter tailored to this position to aoife@ika.ie
- Closing date for applications, Sunday 23rd of March
- Applications reviewed and shortlist agreed
- Round 1 interviews online, 1st Week of April
- Psychometric Personality test of those shortlisted (results made available to candidates prior to interview)
- Round 2 interview and presentation by candidate of a case study / project they have been asked to complete. 10th April in Donor House, Park West.
- Job offer, subject to reference checks 15th April