Job Opportunities

FORUM Connemara CLG. is accepting applications for the following job opportunities

FORUM Connemara is recruiting for the following roles for the new Working Together / Ag Obair Lé Chéile Programme

Closing Date:

Applicants should forward their cover letter and C.V by Wednesday 1st May 2024 12 noon to: Job Opportunities, FORUM Connemara CLG, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, Co. Galway or e-mail info@forumconnemara.ie.

Aims of the ‘Working Together’ Programme/Ag Obair Lé Chéile

The programme will increase the capacity of people with disabilities and mental health conditions in Connemara to participate and be retained in the labour market, using job coaching principles to support the participant’s progression. A core part of the work will take place with local and regional employers to increase people with disabilities participation in the labour market. This programme is funded by WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.

The Programme:

The programme will support the progression of people, aged 16+, with physical/sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, acquired disabilities, intellectual disabilities, hidden disabilities & people on the autistic spectrum living in the Connemara Municipal district.

The programme will promote progressive pathways into training, education and employment (including self-employment) for participants, with a focus on key transition points between training, education and employment. The programme will promote independence, increase self-confidence, and skills levels amongst participants who, because of their rural isolation have limited access to employment, education/training, & social, information and support opportunities.

JOB DETAILS

Job Description: Employer Liaison and Outreach Worker (ELOW) for the Working Together / Ag Obair Lé Chéile Programme

Probationary Period: 3 months

Salary: The salary will have a starting point of €42,525 gross p.a. on a pro-rata basis.

Hours: 4 days per week

Duration: Annual Contract

Reporting to: Programme Co-coordinator, CEO and Board of FORUM Connemara CLG

Location: Oughterard, Co. Galway

Holidays: 21 days annual leave per annum (pro-rata).

Confidentiality: The post holder will always observe confidentiality in relation to project business.

Travel Expenses: Travel expenses will be paid at government rates for milage and subsistence is vouched up to government rates on production of receipts and in accordance with Forum Connemara CLG policy.

Background: FORUM Connemara is a rural development partnership of voluntary, community and statutory bodies based in Connemara, with the objective of putting in place strategies and programmes to tackle the problem of rural decline and peripherality. FORUM Connemara was established to tackle disadvantage through increasing the capacity of groups and individuals within the project area. This work has continued over the last thirty-four years, implementing all its programmes using the principles of community development.

Key Areas of Work:

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post-holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to the duties which may have to be varied (after discussion with the post-holder) subject to the needs of the programme.

Strategic and Operational Plan

  • In line with the Project Plan support the delivery of the Working Together/ Obair Lé Chéile to address needs of people with disabilities, families, employers, and the wider Connemara Community.

  • Work with stakeholders to ensure an authentic response to their needs and to tap into skills, strengths, and energy of people themselves.

  • Direct work with employers with particular reference to objective 2 of the operational project plan.

Project Delivery & Support

  • Liaise with local and regional employers to promote the WorkAbility Programme

  • Offer employment support resources and information.

  • Coordinate project placements and oversee employment assistance in conjunction with the team.

  • Contribute to planning, reviewing, and evaluating the Working Together/Ag Obair Lé Chéile initiative.

  • Work with the Working Together team, employers, participants, steering committee, key stakeholders, and wider community to progress participants into training, education, employment and self-employment.

  • Work with the co-coordinators to establish, maintain, and progress the work of the Local Groups. 

  • Work closely with key referral agencies for the best outcomes.

Project Team

  • Assist the team with organising, communications and reporting on all programme requirements to Pobal.

Reporting and Records

  • Document the work on an on-going basis and prepare regular work / progress reports / monthly reports for co-ordinator and steering group and Board.

  • Assist the team with communications tasks.

Other

  • Complete any other tasks required that are in line with the Project Plan.

  • Participate in relevant training.

  • Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time-to-time.

Essential

  • Ability to work collaboratively and develop effective networks with employers, work placement providers, community organisations, educators etc.

  • Experience of working with people with disabilities / vulnerable groups and their families and carers.

  • Relevant qualification in Business/ Community Development/Social Care or related field. 

  • Experience of working in business/ working with employers.

  • Good motivation, commitment and enthusiasm and capable of working both on own initiative and as part of a team.

  • Commitment to the values of inclusion and empowerment.

  • Strong organisational, communication, ICT (word, excel), financial and report writing skills.

  • Access to own transport with full driving licence.

Desirable

  • Understanding of working in a rural operating environment.

  • Ability to converse through the medium of Irish would be an advantage.

  • Knowledge and experience of the Disability Support Programme such as Ability Programme.

  • Knowledge of employers supports grants and employment legislation. 

This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications for the post. Specific duties and requirements may be adjusted based on the needs of the organisation and the community.

Following the advertised closing date, the selection process for the post will consist of short-listing, structured interviews and reference checks and vetting through the National Vetting Bureau.


Job Description: Part-time Project Support Worker

Duration: Annual Contract

Probationary Period: 3 months

Salary: The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and funding allocation. Grade 2 point 1 of the Pobal Pay Scales (version October 2020) €37,436 on a pro-rata basis p.a.

Hours: Part-time (3 days per week)

Reporting to: Programme Co-ordinator, CEO and Board of FORUM Connemara CLG

Location: Clifden, Co. Galway

Key Areas of Work: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post-holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to the duties which may have to be varied (after discussion with the post-holder) subject to the needs of the programme.

Support Project Team

  • Working to support the WorkAbility team, programme participants, the steering committee, key stakeholders and wider community to progress participants into training, education, employment and self employment.

  • Assist the team with organising, communications and reporting on all programme requirements to Pobal.

  • Input data on the CRM system on a weekly basis.

  • Provide support to participants in preparing for work, participating in work, and maintaining retention and creating progression pathways.

  • Support the development of the project activities in response to community needs.

  • Deliver the projects’s key-working system and ensure best practice in line with relevant legislation.

  • Work closely with key referral agencies for the best outcomes for participants and families.

Project Delivery

  • Promote local target group involvement in the Project – both participants and employers.

  • Provide general support and information to individuals and groups experiencing social exclusion i.e. participants, families, employers and the wider community.

  • Participate in planning, review, and evaluation of the work of the Working Together/Ag Obair Lé Chéile

Financial Administration

  • Undertaking procurement in line with Pobal guidelines

  • Organising invoices, TCANs, bank details for programme suppliers

  • Assisting with cheque book journals, SAGE date input

  • Responsibility for filing all participant and programme data and handling information in line with GDPR and confidentiality.

  • Data entry for the Pobal reporting CRM

  • Assist in maintaining financial records and budgets.

  • Provide administration, organisation and support for meetings, events and training.

Other

  • Complete any other tasks required that are in line with the Project Plan.

General

  • Document the work on an on-going basis and prepare regular work / progress reports for co-ordinator and steering group.

  • Participate in relevant training.

  • Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time-to-time.

 

FORUM is an equal opportunities employer.

Applicants should forward their cover letter and CV by Wednesday 1st May 2024 12 noon to:
Job Opportunities,
FORUM Connemara,
Ellis Hall,
Letterfrack,
H91 CD45
or email your CV to info@forumconnemara.ie to apply for this position.

A panel may be formed from which existing and future similar vacancies may be filled. You may opt to join such a panel, subject to the outcome of this recruitment process.