About Vision Ireland

Vision Ireland is Ireland's national sight loss agency. Our mission is to transform the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired. We aim to support and empower people and push for breakthroughs in public mindsets and structures to ensure people living with sight loss can live to their full potential. The Lochrann Resource Centre (LRC) in Wexford town provides day opportunities to support people with sight loss. LRC offers an individual programme on one of our 3 core strands: Skills4Stability, Skills4Life or Skills4Me.


We are currently recruiting for a part time, permanent Programme Coordinator: ID/Autism,
Working hours: 15 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work required at times. Flexibility surrounding days of work is required.
The successful candidate will report to the National Day and Hub Services Manager.

Closing date: 5pm at 4th November 2024.

Applicants must have valid, in-date permission to work within the EEA and a full, clean driving licence.


The Programme Coordinator will lead in the planning and delivery of the sessions available from LRC and community based activities. You will be a Keyworker in the service - a central role which is vital for the care and wellbeing of the service users within the service.
Our service provision will be delivered in a person-centred manner, with absolute engagement of the beneficiary and/or their significant others. For every section of this job description, it is implicit that this will be the starting point.

Principle Duties

To plan and lead sessions for groups of people who are blind or vision impaired, as part of the programme of activities at the resource centre
To contribute to the planning, development and implementation of activity programmes developed through the person centred planning process
To be responsible for an allocated area of the service to manage and develop. This will entail responsibility for creating and monitoring appropriate sessions in that area as well as relevant equipment and resources
To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes other day team members, service users and carers in order to ensure the delivery of a fully integrated service
To carry out assessments on individuals whom are blind or vision impaired, prepare reports, both orally and in writing, to the rest of the team, to other professionals / external agencies and families.
To attend meetings as required
To act as a keyworker for individuals with sight loss, taking a lead role in support planning
To actively promote the awareness of Vision Ireland procedures in all aspects of employment
To ensure that all individuals personal property and Vision Ireland's resources are respected and appropriately used
To contribute to the maintenance of the areas used in sessions
To ensure and maintain a safe and functional environment for both service users and staff
To act as a link person with other professionals, parents and carers involved in individuals support as necessary
To support and enable individuals with sight loss to participate in their activity programmes
To support the National Day & Hub Services Manager in implementing & achieving LRC Operational Plan
To support the National Day & Hub Services Manager in the implementation of the HSE New Direction Policy & ensuring compliance with a Person Centred service.


To carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by your line Manager or Senior Manager, relevant to the objectives of the post


Vision Ireland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of service users and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Selection Criteria - Mandatory

Education and Training
A positive attitude towards service users with disabilities and an appreciation of this role's responsibility in keeping them safe.
Training qualifications in working within the field of ID/Autism/Disabilities
Willingness to complete a QQI facilitator or social care qualification


Achievements and Experience
Minimum of 2 years' experience within the social care & health sector.
Experience of implementing activity programmes with a strong emphasis on progression of skills, in a variety of environments (including community based activities).
Experience of working with people with ID/autism.
Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to meet deadlines.
A positive attitude towards work, colleagues and service users.
Commitment to the implementation of Quality Assurance.


Skills & Abilities
Flexible working approach.
Good interpersonal skills.
Good working knowledge of the Microsoft suite (including Teams).
A clean, current driving license.
A progressive outlook and commitment to issues including disability and Equality & Diversity and the empowerment of service users.
Shared belief in Vision Ireland core values & ethos.

Desirable

Education and Training
A working knowledge of "A Total Communication Approach" & disability awareness & social care training.
A recognised QQI qualification in one of the following fields: autism, mental health, disabilities or social care & health.
First Aid Certificate.


Achievements and Experience
Minimum of 2 years' experience of working with a learning disability &/or sensory loss.
Experience in using MIS.
Experience of liaison with community groups and other service providers.


Skills & Abilities


Access to own vehicle and willingness to learn/drive the LRC minibus

Garda Vetting required:

Garda Vetting will be conducted for the recommended candidate(s) as part of the selection process for the post in accordance with the Vision Ireland Garda Vetting policy

Accessibility, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Vision Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisation's mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether devised from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.
We welcome, encourage, and embrace people of all backgrounds, to include those with disabilities, accessibility plays a huge part of ensuring that the needs of all our employees and service users, can access our systems and services, with ease and respect, in a supportive environment, enabling all to effectively engage our services and achieve our goals whether they are an applicant for employment or an employee requiring special facilitation.


Additional information:
Our Website:
Home Page - Vision Ireland


Our Services:
https://www.vi.ie/supporting-you/adults/services-available/


Accessibility:
https://www.vi.ie/about-us/accessibility-statement/


Informal Enquiries
Email: peoplefirst@vi.ie


Candidates must be eligible to work in the EEA
Vision Ireland is an equal opportunities & inclusive employer
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds