BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND, CLARE REGION

Community Facilitator – Scariff, Co. Clare
The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Clare Region, provide services throughout the county to people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our supports stretch to many rural towns and villages in Clare. As a service we strive to encourage independence where possible and real-life learning, through work, leisure and community involvement.
We provide the following services in these areas: Day Support, Support to live in the community, Respite Supports for Adults and Children, Advocacy Supports, Homeshare Services, Multi D Supports. Please visit our website (careers-bocsi.azurewebsites.net/Home/Benefits) to see our list of benefits and reward.

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and committed person who has experience of working with persons who have Autism, and also the experience and capacity to direct and supervise other staff within the team.
The role will encompass the development and support for a young man (school leaver) to transition into adulthood, living a full and inclusive life.
It will require initiative, commitment and strong team work skills. Motivation and interest in the area of autism and community work will strongly influence the decision-making process and success of the candidate.

Role: Community Facilitator

Location: Scariff, Co. Clare

Contract Available: 31.2/78

Remuneration Salary Scale (Pro Rata):
Basic Instructor Salary Grade: €33,249 - €48,875 (pro rata)
All new entrants to the Public Service will start at the first point of the above salary scale.

Qualifications/Experience:
A relevant third level qualification to a minimum of Degree Level.
Applications will be considered from candidates holding other qualifications e.g. Nursing (RNID), Teaching, Youth and Community Studies, Psychology, Social Work.
Applicants must possess the competencies and skills appropriate to working with persons with an intellectual disability.
The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Clare reserves the right to determine relevant qualifications for the post.

Closing Date: Tuesday, 17th September 2024
Role Description:The position requires a high degree of understanding and commitment to the individual service users and to the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Clare. The prime consideration at all times must be the interests and well-being of the individuals availing of our service.

A positive attitude towards working with persons with an intellectual disability is a prerequisite, thus enabling them to have a positive fulfilling lifestyle. Each person with an intellectual disability must be treated as an individual, at all times acknowledging their personal dignity, according them their full rights and privileges. Confidentiality with regard to individuals is extremely important.

The Community Facilitator must have the desire and the belief that the person with an intellectual disability has something unique and important to offer society.

The Community Facilitator in co-operation with the Team Leader/Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the person/s we support have good, meaningful and inclusive lives.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities of the Post will be:

• Assist in the co-ordination, development and implementation of individual plans in order to meet the aspirations and goals of each person you support. These plans must be reviewed on a regular basis and a minimum of twice a year.
• Assist in the co-ordination of the day to day operations and deliver supports for a number of individuals in your area.
• Engage the community in the services we provide and have an inclusive approach to all aspects of service delivery.
• Assist in the co-ordination of the support staff in all aspects of the individual they support daily work. Highlighting the importance of meaningful relationship and what is needed to help people be included as equal citizens wherever they are.
• Ensure the one to one reviews are completed annually. Optimise the review so as to have a good work plan process for continual improvement and growth.
• Support individuals to have valued roles which facilitate them to contribute in a positive way in their local community.
• Ensure new concepts, innovations and ideas are developed in consultation with the team and Management and to take on board the necessary changes in line with these.
• Encourage and support community inclusion and foster positive links with other agencies and services
• Ensure that the team works to provide supports that complements and helps build natural relationships and community networks.
• Facilitate and support others on your team to develop their skills in the area of support worker.
• Ensure the welfare and well-being of all individuals who avail of our service.
• Facilitate and implement a Person Centred service appropriate to the needs, wishes and requirements of the individual. The multidisciplinary team may be consulted where required.
• Foster a good relationship with the individual, parents of the individual, staff, volunteers and visitors, by at all times behaving in a professional manner.
• Assist in recruitment, induction, training and ongoing review of staff.
• Carry out staff rota scheduling and administration work as requested by your manager.
• Carry out driving duties as required in Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Clare vehicles.

Supporting the Individual:

• Work with individuals in a way that promotes their equality, dignity, diversity and rights.
• Provide personal assistance in all aspects of personal development, personal care while adhering to safe practices at all times.
• Assist the individual in the selection and preparation of meals to ensure a healthy nutritional balance.
• Support individuals to identify their future aspirations and current support needs and consider how these can be met.
• Assist each individual in reaching their maximum potential in independence, communication and personal development.
• To help people contribute to others and be valued through positive social roles such as friend, worker, volunteer, club member, woodworker, astronomer, member of the community etc.
• Promote advocacy through listening to the individuals wishes and assist them by advocating on their behalf and to access the self-advocacy groups and the Independent Advocacy Service.
• Identify any vulnerabilities for the person and safeguards that need to be put in place.
• Be aware of the person’s ongoing health needs and assisting with them where required
• Actively search for opportunities for the person to make personally satisfying contributions and to build positive relationships.
• To ensure that all matters relating to individuals availing of our service are confidential.
• Engage with families proactively around the type of supports that are important to the person we support.
• Be proactive in identifying solutions and innovations in your area of work.
• Work with your manager to ensure the service you are providing is working well and within budget.
• Design volunteer roles and assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers ensuring they are welcomed and supported in their role.
• Hold individual planning meetings and circles of support meetings to ensure that decisions are arrived at in a spirit of co-operation and to ensure that each individual’s voice is heard in the decision making process.
• Ensure that the working file is kept in line with the Files and Record Keeping Policy.
• Celebrate social occasions and other events that occur during the year.
• Ensure that supports are utilised in a way that facilitates individuals to participate in educational, training, lifelong learning and recreational activities of their choice.
• As required assist individuals with budgeting, banking and management of their personal finances, ensuring individuals monies are accounted for and recorded as appropriate.
• To comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Brothers of Charity Services.

Working Relationships and Communication:

• Understand and operate all relevant local and organisational procedures, directives and general information made available through the Manager.
• Develop and contribute to good working relationships in the Organisation and with all other relevant personnel.
• Report to and inform you Manager (or designate) of all work related issues and difficulties.
• Maintain strict confidentiality relating to matters regarding personnel and services.
• Prepare agenda items and ensure minutes are recorded for the team meetings that you hold for your staff. In other meetings that you are required to attend by your Manager, please ensure you are prepared and actively participate in these meetings.
• Provide supervision for your staff always ensuring agendas are set and that both you and your staff members are prepared for these meetings.
• Prepare for and attend your own supervision meetings with your Manager.
• In the organisation there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and it is therefore essential to foster good working relationships with all members of the team and other colleagues in the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Clare.
• Ensure there is regular communication within your team and with your Manager.

Overall Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the general condition of the workplace / garden / surrounding area is kept to a high standard and that all maintenance, internally and externally is carried out in a timely manner.
• Attend all training that is offered to you, so that you fully understand and work with all the procedures and guidelines within the organisation.
• It is your duty to report any concerns you have for the safety and welfare of the clients of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Clare to your Manager immediately in line with Trust in Care. You are also legally obliged to comply with the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, 2012.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Regional Manager (or Designate).
• An essential requirement of the position is a commitment to deal with any emergencies, which may arise outside normal working hours.
• Ensure that the vision statement of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland is promoted and actively implemented.
• As the duties and responsibilities of any post in the Services are likely to change with the ongoing needs of the Service, staff are expected to have a high level of flexibility, and a willingness and an ability to develop new approaches to their work, which may also involve working in different geographical areas. The context of this post may change as the organisation grows.

This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position, it is subject to regular review and amendment as necessary

Short listing of applications may apply. Canvassing will disqualify. Panels may be formed as a result of the interview process. Candidates who are placed on a panel will be considered for subsequent vacancies, for a period of up to one year for this grade.
- The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer -