We’re Hiring: IPA Support Officer

Role Purpose/Description:

The International Protection Applicants (IPA) Support Officer will work on the Welcoming and Including New Communities (WIN) Mayo programme. 

This programme is funded under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027 and is supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). 

You will work as part of the wider social inclusion team in South West Mayo Development Company CLG. 

This role is to support the International Protection Applicant (IPA) communities living in congregated accommodation settings in County Mayo. 

Reporting To:

Social Inclusion Coordinator & AMIF Project Steering Group. 

Key Responsibilities:

As part of this role, you will: 

• Host information, advocacy and support clinics for IPAs living in congregated accommodation settings. 

• Provide individual supports to IPAs on their rights, entitlements, access and referrals to services, communicating with agencies and services on their behalf, where needed. 

• Develop and deliver a programme of cultural, wellbeing and sports activities for IPAs in association with other agencies and groups (e.g. Mayo Sports Partnership, FAI, Mayo Arts Office, amongst others).  

• Set up and coordinate Fáilte Isteach English classes for the IPAs. 

• Contribute to the delivery of other WIN Mayo project activities. 

• Contribute to reporting on quarterly and annual basis, including on budgets and spending, to the AMIF Steering Group and funder. 

• Collaborate with relevant partners working to support IPAs living in Mayo and Ireland. 

• Record, monitor and evaluate the services delivered to IPAs as required. 

This list is not exhaustive, and you may be assigned other duties as assigned by the Social Inclusion Coordinator to support the aims and objectives of SWMDC’s social inclusion remit. 

Desirable Experience:

• Ideally, three years’ experience in similar role. 

• Must understand and know the local development sector, local authority, HSE, ETB, other local agencies and service providers, government departments and local community structures. 

• Experience of working with people from third countries.  

• Must have an understanding and knowledge of the rights and entitlements of persons dependent on social welfare support and those on low income.  

• Experience in designing and delivery of training is highly desirable.   

• Must have the ability to coordinate the capacity building programme for the third country nationals.  

• Must be able to work within strict administration systems and have a working knowledge of Microsoft applications. 

Qualifications:

Third-level degree in relevant areas (e.g. Community Development, Development Education, or a Social Science discipline). 

Other Relevant Information:

• The successful candidate will possess: 

• Strong communication skills, including proficiency in IT. 

• Self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative within a team structure. 

• Excellent strategic planning, organisational and advocacy skills. 

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and processes of community development and their applicability to work with people from outside Ireland.  

Terms & Conditions of Employment :

1. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
2. Duration of Contract: This is a full-time fixed-term contract for 12 months subject to probation and satisfactory performance.
3. Probation: Probation period of six months will apply.
4. Working Hours: 9am – 5pm five days a week (35 hours per week).#
5. Annual Leave: For new staff appointments, annual leave is 25 days per annum.
6. Travel & Subsistence: Travel and subsistence will be paid at public sector rates. 
7. Location of the position: SWMDC Offices, IPI Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo 
8. Driving Licence: A full driving licence and access to own transport is essential. 
9. Garda Vetting: Garda vetting is required. 

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. 

How to Apply:

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

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

IMPORTANT: Please check your junk and spam folders throughout this recruitment campaign, as SWMDC does not accept any responsibility for missed communication. 

The closing date for applications for this role is 12 noon on Monday, 12 August 2024. Late applications are not accepted.