South Dublin County Partnership (SDC Partnership) is a well-established and currently expanding Local Development Company primarily funded by the Irish Government to bring together local communities and state agencies to tackle the problems of unemployment and social exclusion. SDC Partnership has circa 100 employees, we operate in 12 locations across the South Dublin County area and are also responsible for circa 300 placement/ support staff. SDC Partnership has been awarded funding to deliver 2 Workability Projects in South Dublin. 

The WorkAbility: 

Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a Programme co-financed by the EU Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme (EIST) and the Department of Social Protection (DSP). The aim of the WorkAbility Programme is to ensure people with disabilities are fully supported to find and maintain employment and organization’s which employ Programme participants are supported to ensure that their employment is successful. 

The Programme will support people with disabilities aged 16 years and over who are currently not work ready and/or are distant from the labor market to gain access to employment. To support the delivery of the Workability Programme in South Dublin County, SDC Partnership wishes to recruit a Workability Employment Specialist. 

Job Purpose 

The post holder will report to the Workability Programme Co Ordinator and is required to support people with disabilities access employment including self-employment through engagement with the South Dublin County Workability Programme 

Main Responsibilities: 

Service Delivery 

• Recruit an agreed case load of Programme participants.
• Work with each participant to agree an Action Plan to help them gain and sustain paid employment.
• Identify training and other additional support needs of individual Programme participants.
• Work collaboratively with Employment Services within SDC Partnership, identify and develop a network of employer partners to provide sustainable pathways into employment for Programme participants.  
• Use person-centered approaches that support participants.
• Provide transitional support to Programme participants to assist in sustaining employment.
• Promote collaboration among service providers and stakeholders, to increase employment outcomes and career progression opportunities in a coordinated manner.
• Proactively engage and work with employers in South Dublin County to retain employment opportunities for Programme participants.  
• Raise awareness for the WorkAbility Programme within South Dublin County with Employers and other stakeholders.  
• Offer education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, agreeing a return-to-work strategy, or providing on-going contact with the employer to help support job retention.
• Assess individual support needs relating to employment which might typically include help with benefits, travel to work, graded return to work or adjustments at work. 

Administration and reporting 

• Ensure all Programme activities and supports delivered are recorded on SDC Partnership’s CRM system.  
• Complete documentation in line with Programme/funder requirements and maintain accurate and up to date data records both paper based, and electronic format as required.
• Ensure that all work is carried out within agreed budgets. 

Health & Safety 

Adhere to safety, health and welfare at policies and procedures and all relevant legislation. 

Learning and Development 

As required attend continuous training/upskilling and events that are in line with the Workability service.

Person Specification 

• Hold a third level qualification in relevant area, or equivalent career experience. Have experience of working with people with disabilities, or similar groups and show a passion for making a difference to peoples’ lives.
• Have a, understanding of social exclusion and be able to work effectively with marginalized groups.
• Resilience is required along with empathy and sensitivity when dealing with individuals regarding their needs and life circumstances.  
• Have a proven ability to build good relationships with a range of different people, from employers to programme participants.  
• Be organised and efficient in your work.
• Demonstrate that you can deliver agreed programme targets and outcomes while delivering a high-quality personalised service to each programme participant.  
• Possess strong administration, report writing and IT skills,
• Be flexible and adapt quickly and efficiently to a changing work environment. Enjoy working collaboratively in a team focused work environment.
• Full clean driving license and access to a car is essential for this role. Knowledge of trauma informed practice would be advantageous. 

Renumeration Package & Benefits: 

• Starting salary €40k to €44k depending on level of relevant experience and qualifications, incremental salary scale applies to this role.
• Access to low-cost HSF private health insurance.  
• 35 Hour per week (full time).
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and Learning and Development supports.  
• Role is based at the WorkAbility office in Clondalkin village, but travel across South Dublin County is a requirement of the role, mileage is reimbursed at agreed company mileage rates. Fixed term contract to 31 December 2028