Young Adult Support Officer

We would like to invite applications for the following full-time, fixed term contract

Young Adult Support Officer

Carrick-on-Shannon

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment.

As the Young Adult Support Officer, you will support both the School Leaver Service Coordinator and Service Support Officer to deliver young adult day services with a strong person-centred focus in IWA’s Carrick-on-Shannon Community Centre. 

This will include facilitating personal goals work & planning with young adult service users to ensure that each person is making regular progress towards their chosen goals. You will also support young adults (and staff members) to link with relevant external services and organisations, and to identify circles of support and resources for service users.

You will also support Service Coordinator and Service Support Officer to implement programmes and initiatives that ensure a person-centred focus to young adult services.

You will be required to undertake other duties as deemed necessary to the successful implementation of young adult services, including duties consistent with a regular Young Adult Support Worker role, when needed. Close liaison is required with the School Leaver Service Coordinator, Service Support Officer and CSD Service Manager, as well as with other staff working directly with young adults in the School Leaver Service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support the SLS Coordinator and Service Support Officer in delivering person centred planning in line with the HSE’s National Framework for Person Centred Planning in Services for Persons with Disabilities and New Directions Interim Standards

Hold monthly one-to-one personal goals meetings with all School Leaver service users.

Facilitate service users to identify and make SMART plans towards their personal goals, including identifying circles of support and community resources.

Build young adults’ capacity for self-advocacy, independence and making informed choices about their futures.

Develop connections between young adults and external organisations and services who can support them to achieve their personal goals.

Identify opportunities for young adults to engage in meaningful social roles in their communities, including work experience and volunteering.

Document personal goals and general records in line with IWA’s Single Operations Manual

Support with the delivery of SLS educational and social programmes as required.

Provide support to service users in areas such as personal care, transport and mealtimes when needed.

Undertake training as directed by the SLS Coordinator and Service Support Officer.

Actively ensure that standards and practices regarding health and safety are fully adhered to in all activities, and in the centre itself. Record and report all hazards or accidents to the SLS Coordinator/Service Support Officer

Support the fundraising function.

Carry out other duties and/or responsibilities which may be assigned to you from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

Qualification at Level 6 or higher such as BA in Social Care or equivalent (Occupational Therapist / Community Work / General Management) is required.

Training and experience in the delivery of services to people with physical disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would be an advantage

Experience of Positive Approaches to Behavioural Supports

Some previous experience in the areas of training or facilitation is required.

Knowledge and Skills

Previous experience of supporting young people with disabilities with person goals work is essential.

Previous experience of developing and delivering projects or programmes is desirable.

Good record-keeping and organisational skills

Knowledge of HSE’s New Directions Interim Standards and Person-Centred Planning Framework is an advantage.

Previous experience of driving on IWA transport runs and knowledge of health & safety is important.

Behaviours

Ability to build strong relationships with young adult service users.

Ability to facilitate, encourage and motivate people.

Creative thinking and problem-solving skills

Be of good character

Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

Motivating and Empowering

Innovation and Creativity

Planning and Organising

Adaptability, Drive and Resilience

Remuneration & Benefits

Salary range for this position is €32,270 to €49,299 DOE

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave

PRSA Pension scheme and group VHI & HSF Health Cash Plans

Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 9th October 2024

Please note - ACADEMIC AND/OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: - Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.