ROLE PURPOSE / DESCRIPTION:

Ready to Work is the local name for WorkAbility: Pathway to Employment Programme in south and west Mayo.

In delivering the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme, SWMDC aims to bring disabled people closer to the labour market through a range of supports and interventions. We will implement a supported-employment model of delivery, where we work intensively with small groups of people to achieve the best and most meaningful outcomes.

REPORTING TO:

Programme Lead

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

The role will primarily involve the following:

• Build trusting, strengths-based relationships with participants and provide ongoing 1:1 mentoring to support career planning, personal development, and progression.
• Co-develop person-centred progression plans with participants and relevant stakeholders, identifying goals, strengths, support needs, and any barriers to employment.
• Empower participants to lead their own progression journey, promoting choice, independence, self-advocacy, and informed decision-making.
• Identify and coordinate reasonable accommodations, supports, training, upskilling, and development opportunities that enhance employability and participation.
• Support participants with CV development, job applications, interview preparation, and other recruitment processes.
• Assist participants to access work experience, job-shadowing, volunteering, and employment opportunities aligned with their aspirations.
• Advocate for equality, inclusion, accessibility, and positive employment practices.
• Provide ongoing workplace support, using a phased approach that promotes sustainable employment, workplace integration, and increasing independence.
• Maintain accurate records, CRM data, and reports, while monitoring and reporting on participant progression, employer engagement activities, and programme outcomes in line with programme and organisational requirements.
• Maintain professional standards, ethical practice, and confidentiality at all times.
• Participate in training, continuous professional development, and reflective practice.
• Work collaboratively with partner organisations and stakeholders to enhance participant outcomes and respond to labour market needs.

Employer Engagement

• Lead the achievement of employer engagement targets and outcomes across the WorkAbility Programme.
• Develop and maintain strong employer and stakeholder relationships to create inclusive employment opportunities for participants.
• Promote disability inclusion by providing employers with information, advice, mentoring, awareness raising, and practical support on inclusive recruitment and retention practices.
• Lead tailored employer initiatives, networking events, information sessions, and recruitment activities.
• Support employers to access workplace supports, including the Work and Access Programme, Wage Subsidy Scheme, and other relevant supports and funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with employers to secure employment, work placement, job-shadowing, and volunteering opportunities, while supporting the implementation of reasonable accommodations and inclusive workplace practices.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role of Supported Employment Worker.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two years’ relevant experience in supported employment, peer support, mentoring, community development, disability services, or a related field.
• Experience supporting disabled people to identify their strengths, skills, interests, aspirations, and support requirements in order to achieve employment, education, training, or personal progression goals.
• Ability to develop positive, trusting, and collaborative relationships that empower individuals to make informed choices and actively shape their own progression journey.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social, environmental, and systemic barriers that can impact participation in employment, education, and community life, together with a commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Ability to provide person-centred support that promotes independence, self-determination, and progression, while maintaining professional boundaries and working within programme frameworks and timelines.
• Knowledge of navigating and researching employment supports, social welfare schemes, government initiatives, employment legislation, and recruitment practices that enable disabled people to access and sustain employment opportunities.
• Relevant lived experience, employment, and/or voluntary experience that demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and supporting people to achieve their goals would be an advantage.
• Experience managing a varied caseload and maintaining accurate records and reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Degree or Level 7) in an area such as Social Care, Disability Studies, Community Development, Social Sciences, Occupational Therapy or a related discipline
• Equivalent professional experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and competencies will also be considered.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

The successful candidate will need:

• Commitment to empowering disabled people to achieve their employment, education, training, and personal development goals.
• Strong organisational, communication, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands effectively.
• Proficient IT skills, including experience maintaining accurate records, using CRM systems, and producing reports in line with programme requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with participants, employers, colleagues, and partner organisations to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.
• Commitment to professional standards, confidentiality, continuous learning, and reflective practice.
• A positive and proactive approach to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1.Salary

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be no less than €37,000 per annum.

2.Duration of Contract

This full-time fixed-term contract is available for an initial period of one year subject to satisfactory performance. This may be reviewed with the intention to extend to 31 December 2028, subject to satisfactory performance and continued Ready to Work (WorkAbility) funding.

3.Probation

Minimum probation period of six months will apply.

4.Working Hours

Full-time 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

5.Annual Leave

For new staff appointments, annual leave will be 25 days per annum increasing by one day per two years served to a maximum of 30 days per annum (pro rata for part-time employees).

6.Travel & Subsistence

Travel and subsistence will be paid at public sector rates.

7.Location of the position

SWMDC Offices, IPI Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo.

8.Garda Vetting

The successful candidates will be required to be Garda vetted.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection will involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description and person specification.

A panel may be formed for vacancies that arise during the programme period.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter by email to jobs@southmayo.com quoting Supported Employment Worker_YOURNAME in the subject line.

Please save your CV as YOURNAME_CV and your cover letter as YOURNAME_CoverLetter.

To make sure that you do not miss any important communication regarding your application, please check your junk and spam folders during this recruitment campaign.

SWMDC accepts no responsibility for missed communication. SWMDC is an equal opportunities employer, and we particularly welcome applications from, for example, lone parents, Travellers, and people with disabilities.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 30^th September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.