Employment Supports Officer

Details

Job Type
Other
Employer
Donegal Local Development CLG
Region
Donegal
Hours
Full-time
Position
Paid
Closes:
DLDC Logo

Employment Supports Officer

The role involves providing tailored employment support services to unemployed and under-employed individuals

 

Job Title:Employment Supports Officer 
Reporting To:Employment & Enterprise Team Leader
Employer:Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC)
Main Purpose of Role:

The Employment Supports Officer will deliver actions under Goal 2 of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which focuses on supporting individuals who experience barriers to employment, particularly those who are disadvantaged or socially excluded from the labour market. The post holder will be a key member of the SICAP Employment and Enterprise team.

The role involves providing tailored employment support services to unemployed and under-employed individuals. Working primarily on a one-to-one basis, the Employment Supports Officer will create a supportive and welcoming environment, offering practical guidance, information, and advice to help clients build confidence, develop skills, and progress from unemployment towards obtaining sustainable employment.

The Employment Supports Officer will work with all SICAP target groups, including New Arrivals, International Protection Applicants (IPA), and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP), with a strong focus on inclusion and integration. All supports and services will be delivered in line with SICAP objectives and priorities. This position is subject to the continued availability of funding to support New Arrivals.

In carrying out their duties, the Employment Supports Officer will consistently demonstrate DLDC’s values of respect, community, collaboration, inclusion, and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, clients, and partner organisations. Top of FormBottom of Form

Salary:Project Officer entry salary €36,000
Conditions of Work:
  • The Employment Support Officer will be based in Donegal Town - providing supports and services to individuals in the community, including those in accommodation settings across the catchment area.
  • A probationary period of 6 months will apply and performance and supports will be discussed and reviewed formally as part ongoing one -to-ones.
  • This is a fixed-term, full-time position (35 hours per week) subject to New Arrivals funding until 31/12/2026.
  • Benefits include: Eligibility for a 6% employer-contributed pension scheme; 25 days annual leave & other leave options; Flexible working arrangements are available; Hybrid working arrangements may be requested upon completion of probation; Travel and subsistence allowance; Learning and development opportunities; Employee Assistance Programme

 

    Core Competencies/Skills & KnowledgeESSENTIAL/MINIMUM
Main Duties

Programme Delivery:

  • Provide one to one support and guidance to all SICAP target groups, including New Arrivals, IPA, and BOTP and help them progress from unemployment to employment.
  • Prepare an Action Plan for each client and identify targeted supports and actions with input from the individual.
  • To update IRIS, Distance Travelled Tool and other systems in relation to client progression.
  • Identify employment opportunities for the unemployed in the region and make clients aware of the potential employment opportunity
  • Assist the clients with CV preparation and interview preparation.
  • Partner with the Employer Engagement Officer to liaise directly with employers on job matching activities.
  • Deliver ‘Job Ready Training’ to a wide range of target groups within the programme.
  • Maintain a database of clients/groups in DLDC’s catchment area.
  • Liaise directly with ETB, Solas, DSP and other public and private training providers and agencies.
  • Proactively promote the SICAP strategy throughout the catchment area, through a variety of media including information sessions, local media, outreach, site visits etc.
  • Manage caseload efficiently and effectively in line with good governance and established company and funders procedures and guidelines
  • Provide oral and written reports to your line manager, and relevant Working Groups and the Board on progress and issues of relevance.
  • Ensure the delivery of quality initiatives.
  • Carry out administrative duties as required.
  • Be willing to work evenings and/or weekends as required.
  • To demonstrate a willingness to take on additional duties as and when required.

Other Duties:

  • Be responsible to your Line Manager in relation to programme delivery, including adherence to travel and subsistence guidelines.
  • Liaise with the Finance and Administration Department in relation to any queries which arise with regards to payments or general file administration.
  • Produce timely and relevant reports for management, Steering Committees, the Board, and other DLDC groups.
  • Manage special projects as required.
  • Represent the company in public specific issues.
  • Carry out any other duties as requested by Management

1

Experience in

employment,

enterprise, or career

guidance

The officer will have at least three years’ experience in employment, enterprise, or career guidance, including one-to-one support for people facing barriers to employment. They will have strong knowledge of employment pathways, referral networks, and labour market supports, with a good understanding of community development principles and a clear commitment to equality, social inclusion, and anti-poverty practice.

2.

Interpersonal & Liaison Skills

The Officer will have excellent interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills. They will engage with clients empathetically, build trust, and liaise effectively with internal DLDC teams, and external agencies, groups, and training providers. The Officer will be required to act as a positive and contributing member of the wider staff team within DLDC. 

3.

Project Management SkillsThey will have proven experience in planning, managing, and prioritising their own caseload and workload. Excellent time management, organisational, and administrative skills are essential, along with a strong working knowledge of standard business software and IT packages. 

4.

Motivational SkillsThe Officer will be required to be a flexible, motivated self-starter who can communicate effectively. They will work well as part of a team and also on their own initiative. They will have good report writing and presentation skills.

5.

Communication Skills

 

The Officer will have experience building strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, organisations and communities. They will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, active listening skills, and strong one-to-one coaching skills.

6.

Problem Solving SkillsThe Officer will have the ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop effective solutions to overcome challenges or achieve goals. 

7.

Qualification/ExperienceA recognised and relevant Third Level qualification and / OR previous demonstrated relevant experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment and coaching them towards outcomes, along with a commitment to integrating principles of equality, social inclusion, and anti-poverty measures into community development practice.

8.

‘Other’

A full clean driving license with access to own mode of transport is required to service clients.

Permission to work in Ireland. 

  Core Competencies

  Desirable
  • Familiarity with using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software.
  • Excellent knowledge of Goal 2 Employment Supports   -  SICAP

DLDC reserve the right to enhance criteria, depending on the response to the advertisement.

Application Details

To apply for this position, please submit by email, a Letter of Application together with current Curriculum Vitae and clearly outline how you meet the criteria for the role, to:  vacancies@dldc.org

  • Applications arrive no later than 5pm, Friday 16th January 2026.
  • Shortlisting will be based on information provided on application; therefore it is essential to outline how you meet the required criteria. No applications will be accepted post deadline.
  • Competency based selection interview & presentation will take place on the week of 26th January 2026

We reserve the right to amend the shortlisting criteria. A panel may be formed from which similar vacancies could be filled. Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants. 

 

DLDC is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that no applicant is treated less favourably on the grounds of race, gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or membership of the Traveller Community. Please contact HR if you require accommodations during the recruitment process. Examples of accommodations we can provide include: Adjustments to interview/format (e.g., information on accessibility to the office, virtual interview); Extra time for assessment; Use of assistive technologies or materials in alternative formats; Flexible scheduling or breaks during interviews, etc.

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