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 [email protected] : +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
