Supported Employment Specialist

Position Title: Supported Employment Specialist

Position Description: To provide a meaningful pathway into Employment/Work Experience opportunities for the members of the Festina Lente HSE funded Services.

Department Name: HSE Vocational Training & Adult Day Services, Festina Lente (herein referred to as ‘Services’)

Reporting to: Vocational Training & Day Services Manager

Based at: The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday)

Position Goals: To ensure the effective, efficient organisation and co-ordination of Festina Lente’s Supported Employment Programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Supported Employment Management:

• Provide one to one support forservice members with additional needs in job finding, job training, job retention and career development,
• Identify professional career pathways for service members,
• Assist with Job search, Portfolio development, interview skills, workplace communications and on the job coaching,
• Ensure work experience placements on scheme are in line with Supported Employment Model,
• Ensure all programme files are maintained to a high standard and in compliance with HSE and data protection regulatory requirements,
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with external agencies and key stakeholders across the community

Training and Development

• Carry out an identification of learner needs with each Service Member as part of their Person-Centred plan.
• Source and co-ordinate cost effective training and development opportunities as required to support and sustain meaningful Supported Employment.
• Ensure access to recognised qualifications for Service Members, with a focus on the achievement of relevant qualifications including QQI Major Awards or industry related equivalent.
• Maintain and update training and employment records as required
• Plan and organise work placements – internal and external as required.
• Supporting on the job induction and training.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement:

• Maintain a strong working relationship with existing employers and source suitable opportunities with prospective employers.
• Manage a comprehensive community database with existing employment data as well as network expansion,
• Conduct work-site analysis to assess the working environment and suggest support/accommodations to further enhance the position for our individual service members,
• Responsible for the marketing and community engagement to promote and expand the supported employment programme for our service members,
• Work with other organisations to create networks and share resources,
• Build strong relationships with Service Members, families, and caregivers, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction,
• Ensure appropriate advocacy for the service members with an emphasis on employment rights.

Programme Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct ongoing programme monitoring and evaluation including regular internal programme audits as well as contribute to a practice of continual improvement within your area of work,
• Identify and collect data to measure outcomes, prepare reports as requested,
• Contribute to the development of quality assurance systems and procedures,
• Participate in committees as directed by Vocational Training and Day Services Manager.

Health & Safety

• Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to service members’ care or wellbeing,
• Complete incident reporting and near miss events,
• Complete and review risk assessments, including the development of a positive risk management plan for service members,
• Adhere to all HSE policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Have a proven understanding of the role of the Supported Employment Specialist as it pertains to project management and programme delivery to individuals with Additional needs.
• Display responsibility, commitment and motivation to implement the objectives of the Supported Employment.
• Effective communication skills coupled with competent report writing skills.
• Experience of directing, motivating, coaching individuals with additional needs.
• Have a knowledge of current employment law and grants/resources available to employers.

Education and experience

• Minimum: Level 6 Certificate in General Health and Social Care, QQI (NFQ) or equivalent level in Health Care, Intellectual Disability or Special Needs Assisting qualification or relevant field.
• Desired: Certificate in Supported employment
• Proven experience in supporting people in securing and sustaining employment, with at least 5 years’ experience in disability setting or similar setting working directly within the HSE New Directions Quality Framework
• Full and clean Irish driving licence, with own car.

Language: Fluent English

Work Authorisation: Ireland, required

Benefits of Employment:

Compensation: The salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits Include:

• 22 days’ annual leave
• Access to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) scheme
• Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
• Access to Educational Support
• Bike to work scheme
• On-site parking

Closing date: 18th Jul 2025

Email CV plus cover letter to hr@festinalente.ieTel : +353879633348

https://www.festinalente.ie

Equal Opportunities Statement: Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.

FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time. The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document. A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, CO. Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Advanced/Higher Certificate (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/07/2025