Schoolleavers Ability Programme Team Leader
Location:New Ross area, Co. Wexford
Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week
Closing date:Tuesday, 6 January 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter.
Please note that applications received without a cover letter cannot be progressed.
Join an Organisation You Can Be Proud Of
Since 1975, Cumas New Ross has empowered adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities to fully participate in their communities. Externally recognised for excellence we uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism, ensuring every individual's rights, preferences, and goals are at the heart of all we do.
About the Role
You will lead the Ability Programme, ensuring high-quality, person-centred supports for young people transitioning from school to adult life.
You will oversee team performance, service delivery, and stakeholder relationships in line with organisational standards.
Role Requirements
* A minimum of a Level 7 on the QQI Framework – BA in Social Care, Social Studies, Training and Development, Nursing, Youth and Community Studies, Community Development, or other relevant qualification at degree level
* A minimum of 5 years' work experience working with individuals with intellectual disability
* Demonstrated leadership experience in a disability setting.
* Strong knowledge of national guidelines related to disability services, supports, and transition planning.
* Experience in delivering training and assessing training and development needs
* Excellent IT and report writing skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to individuals with disabilities
* Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
* Must hold a full clean driving licence and be willing to drive company vehicle
* Proficient in both oral and written English language
* Have the legal right to work in Ireland and currently hold valid work authorisation for Ireland
What We Offer:
* Competitive pay
* Permanent, 35 hours per week role
* Company pension & employee assistance program
* Attractive annual leave & sick pay arrangements
* Access to the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) healthcare cash plan
* Bike to work scheme
* Opportunities for training, development & career growth
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Schoolleavers Ability Programme Team Lead will:
Programme Leadership & Operational Management
* Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and coordination of the Schoolleavers Ability Programme to ensure high-quality delivery aligned with organisational values and funder requirements.
* Develop annual and quarterly work plans, ensuring timelines, project milestones, and KPIs are met.
* Lead team meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary planning sessions.
* Monitor programme performance, identifying risks or gaps in delivery and implementing corrective actions.
* Ensure all activities comply with national guidelines (where applicable), safeguarding rules, and internal policies.
* Oversee participant intake processes, eligibility checks, and programme onboarding.
Team Supervision & Staff Development
* Provide line management to programme team members
* Conduct regular one-to-one supervision sessions and annual performance reviews.
* Support staff in case management, solution-focused practice, and inclusive support planning.
* Identify staff training needs and coordinate relevant training
* Foster a collaborative, respectful, and empowering team culture.
* Manage staff scheduling, leave coordination, and workload distribution.
Participant Support & Case Management Oversight
* Ensure all participants receive high-quality assessment, planning, coaching, and progression support.
* Approve and review person-centred plans, ensuring they reflect individual goals, strengths, and reasonable accommodations.
* Support team members in complex case management involving multiple agencies
* Escalate safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate protective actions are taken.
* Ensure appropriate accessibility supports, universal design principles, and disability-informed practices are in place.
* Track participant engagement, attendance, progression, and outcomes.
Programme Delivery & Quality Assurance
* Maintain oversight of service standards, ensuring consistent and high-quality delivery across assessment, coaching, skills training, and employer engagement.
* Lead ongoing evaluation and improvement of programme delivery methods.
* Develop and update programme SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and related documentation.
* Implement quality audits, internal checks, and continuous improvement actions.
* Facilitate group sessions, workshops, and employer-led events as required.
Employer Engagement & Community Partnerships
* Support the development of inclusive employment, training, and work experience opportunities in collaboration with internal teams and relevant external stakeholders, as appropriate.
* Promote disability inclusion and contribute to discussions on reasonable accommodations in line with organisational policy and best practice.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to create inclusive employment, training, and work experience opportunities.
* Advocate for disability inclusion and provide guidance to employers on reasonable accommodations.
* Collaborate with local education providers, training centres, community partners, and disability organisations.
* Represent the organisation at community networks, events, and relevant steering committees.
* Promote the Schooleavers Ability Programme externally, raising awareness of its impact and opportunities.
Data Management, Reporting & Compliance
* Ensure accurate and timely collection, entry, and maintenance of all participant data and documentation.
* Lead on compliance with GDPR, data protection standards, and funder-specific recording systems.
* Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders.
* Oversee financial monitoring of programme budgets, including tracking spend, resource allocation, and procurement compliance.
* Support external audits, evaluations, and site inspections by funders.
* Ensure KPI tracking systems are updated and that targets are met or exceeded.
Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management
* Act as the primary point of contact for funders, community partners, and organisational leadership regarding programme matters.
* Provide clear communication to parents, caregivers, advocates, and participants about programme structure and expectations.
* Handle queries, issues, or complaints in a professional, timely, and confidential manner.
* Prepare presentations and updates for management, boards, networks, and evaluation bodies.
Health, Safety & Safeguarding
* Oversee risk assessments for participants, staff activities, and programme environments.
* Ensure staff follow safeguarding policies and participate in mandatory training.
* Identify and mitigate risks associated with programme delivery, events, and work placements.
* Maintain incident reporting logs and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
Strategic Development & Innovation
* Contribute to organisational strategy on inclusive employment and disability support services.
* Identify new opportunities for programme expansion, funding, partnerships, and service innovation.
* Support development of pilot initiatives or additions to the Schooleavers Ability Programme (e.g., job-readiness workshops, employer training modules).
* Participate in writing funding applications, tenders, and renewal proposals as needed.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
* Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and high ethical standards.
* Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and attend mandatory and specific skills training courses as scheduled.
* Represent the organisation positively at all times.
* Attend and participate fully in regular staff meetings where all aspects of the service area are discussed with a view to maintaining high standards.
* Carry out other duties relevant to the post as required by management.
* Manage the resources available to the service in a planned and efficient manner.
* Provide cover as required.
* To perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Services Manager
This is not an exhaustive list of all duties but is rather a guide to the role, the organisation may add other duties over time.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work in an agile, creative, innovative, high-standard service where your skills and values will make a measurable difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive, professional team committed to continuous improvement and genuine inclusion.
Additional information
Position is based in New Ross area, Co. Wexford.
A six-month probationary period will apply. Garda Clearance and reference checks will be required for all prospective employees.
Description and Person Specification are available upon request.
Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter
Cumas New Ross is an Equal Opportunities Employer.