The Board of County Carlow Development Partnership invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following position: Education Support Worker, Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)

The aim of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through community development, local engagement and collaboration

The Purpose of the Job: The role of the SICAP Education Support Worker is to work with individuals/groups in their relevant communities to promote educational attainment and improve the educational achievements for children, young persons and their families, as well as supporting adults in their return to education. This is part of the overall aim of the SICAP programme which focuses on training and capacity building for individuals and groups, building and consolidating a strong community ethos and creating opportunities for communities to respond to the challenges which face them.

Main duties and responsibilities:

As part of the SICAP team, to deliver the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme including the delivery of Goal Two actions.  To work in an integrated way with the staff team to deliver on the SICAP goals. The following actions areas will be the primary focus of work for the SICAP Programme:.

Reporting to the Social Inclusion Manager, the day to day duties of the Education Support Worker will include:

Ongoing development and implementation of the company’s SICAP strategy as a structured series of intervention with diverse target groups.
Develop and maintain the relationship of CCDP with local schools, educational personnel and relevant education and training providers, the School Completion Programme and community organisations
Overseeing training that promotes educational achievement for children and young people in line with SICAP objectives, including preparation and delivery of individual sessions.
Developing delivery schedules in line with overall SICAP targets.
Replicating and applying  the learning and innovation which has been proven successful, both locally and nationally,  in response to educational disadvantage and other areas of community development
Liaising with relevant statutory bodies and other agencies as required.
Establishing strategic links and referrals with other programmes and schemes operating within the company.
To keep up to date with policy and legislation in relation to early school leaving, disadvantaged families and communities and other aspects of social exclusion that may affect County Carlow, as well as developing and maintaining links with research institutes.
To work with the Social Inclusion Manager to access funding as appropriate and supporting the development and delivery of programmes and training as to different groups as appropriate.
To maintaining accurate records and inputting and maintaining the required reporting mechanisms on IRIS and other systems.
Carry out all duties in accordance with the agreed company policies and procedures.
Carry out any other relevant tasks as may be required within the context of the project or other duties as assigned by the Social Inclusion Manager and/or Chief Executive Officer.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Qualifications/Education:

Third level primary degree from a recognised third level institution.
Qualification in the areas of Education, Training, social policy, Coaching or psychology would be advantageous.
Strong computer skills including WORD, EXCEL and Power point.
Full clean drivers licence.

Knowledge of:

Community development methodologies and ethos
The issues underpinning social exclusion, poverty and inequality, particularly around education disadvantage and Early school leaving and education issues affecting families.
The Irish primary and secondary education system
The difficulties associated with being long term unemployed or living in disadvantaged families or communities.

Proven experience in:

Working with one or more of the SICAP target groups, in particular lone parents, disadvantaged youth, educational disadvantage, disadvantaged families
Presenting training sessions, leading group discussions and coaching individuals.
The ability to motivate others and provide effective one to one support.
The capacity to network effectively and liaise with different stakeholders.
Strategic researching or  effective collating of social policy information and knowledge of evaluation  methodologies.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and deliver initiatives from conception to completion.
Supervisory/management tasks in the private or community sector
Organisation and administrative skills, including report writing, record keeping and production of reports and statistics.
Counselling/Vocational Guidance/coaching experience.
Managing sensitive personal information and ensuring compliance with data protection legislation

Term of the Appointment: This is a fixed term contract from April 2015 to the 31st of December 2015 and thereafter to run concurrently with SICAP funding

The salary will be €37,000

Hours 35 per week, over five days Monday-Friday with some level of work flexibility expected

Application Process:

Please submit CV’s, with  a detailed cover letter to the Social Inclusion Manager Carlow County Development  Partnership Company Ltd, Main Street Bagenalstown or email to reception@carlowdevelopment.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is the 23rd of April 2015 at 5.00p.m. (no late applications will be accepted)
Interviews will be held week commencing the 27th of April 2015 and the successful candidate will be required to start on the 4th of May.
CCDP is an equal opportunities employer.

This post if funded under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, supported by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government, The Local and Community Development Committee and the European Social Fund.