South Dublin County Partnership is a Local Development Company that develops projects and services to support sustainable and vibrant communities, where people realize their potential and experience a high quality of life. 

3Funding for our work comes from a variety of sources; our main funders are the Department of Community, Environment and Local Government, the Department of Social Protection, The HSE. South Dublin County Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

Job description

Background

The Employment Specialist (IPS) will work directly with employers to secure employment opportunities for jobseekers who have experienced mental health problems using an IPS model which emphasises individuals’ interest, experience, skills, and strengths. IPS training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage a caseload of a maximum of 20 people at any one time who have experienced mental health problems and wish to gain or return to work.
• Work as a member of the Community Mental Health team to build a multidisciplinary approach to the return to work. For example, involve clinical staff (where relevant) in managing symptoms at work, medication reviews and support rehabilitation needs e.g., social skill development, budgeting, travel, training etc.  
• To prepare individuals for a return to work through assessing each person’s individual employment needs through vocational profiling/assessment and through goal setting and action planning.
• Focus on rapid tailored job search with the service user and be knowledgeable of the labor market. 
• Be proactive in working with employers to source and secure employment opportunities for service users and in providing relevant information to employers while negotiating appropriate adjustments to support and sustain employment. 
• Develop networks with other organizations and government departments that will help individuals to achieve their employment goals, provide tailored support to individuals who have secured employment to assist them in sustaining that employment, establish the effectiveness of the IPS approach and provide the necessary data and information as required.
• To provide individualized, support to individuals once they have returned to work to assist them in sustaining employment.
• Establish a rapport with the client and develop a positive working relationship.
• Act as an advocate for the client where necessary
• Adhere to IPS administrative, data capture and policy protocols which record the progress of individuals, and to keep accurate and complete records of casework. 
• To meet and exceed the Fidelity Scale job outcome targets for individuals. 
• Participate in Fidelity reviews and support implementation of recommendations from these reviews.
• Work as part of a national network of Employment Specialists and attend training / meetings as required, support the realization of annual operating targets in respect of employment outcome.
• Participate in supervision, continuing personal and professional development, IPS and any other training and required. Provide guidance and education for community mental health team colleagues.
• Participate in mandatory IPS training and other personal and professional as required.

General 

• This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the employment specialist may be required to undertake other duties, in discussion with their coordinator.
• This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the employment specialist.
• The employment specialist is expected to comply with all relevant South Dublin County Partnership and HSE policies, procedures, and guidelines, including the principals of confidentiality, data protection legislation and Freedom of Information.
• Utilize agreed CRM system to manage IPS Programme data and reporting.
• The employment specialist is responsible for ensuring that the work that they undertake is conducted in a manner which is safe to themselves and others, and for adhering to the advice and instructions on Health and Safety matters given by Manager(s).  If employment specialists consider that a hazard to Health and Safety exists, it is their responsibility to report this to their manager(s).
• The employment specialist is expected to comply with the appropriate Code(s) of Conduct associated with this post.                                                                                                                              

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Special requirements for this position.

• Full clean driving licence and means of transport is essential for the position.
• Willingness to be flexible in working hours to meet organisation/client’s needs.

• Working some unsocial hours may be required.

Renumeration Package & Benefits: 

The starting salary for this position will be dependent on the successful individual’s qualification and experience. 

• Annual salary increment subject to satisfactory performance. 
• Training and development support 
• Excellent Pension of 10% employer’s contribution after successful probation period. 
• Access to HSF low-cost health insurance. 
• 35 Hour per week (full time) 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)