Job Description
Job Title
Integration Coordinator
Location
Primarily based in Ballybane, Galway, with regular work across Galway City, including other Link Galway CLG premises and community-based locations.
Contract Type
Fixed-term until the end of November 2026 (subject to funding)
Hours
35hours per week which includes some weekend and/or evening work
Reporting To
Service Manager, Link Galway CLG
(With daily operational reporting and hospitality guidance from the Enterprise Manager)
About Link Galway CLG
Link Galway CLG is a not-for-profit social enterprise and community development organisation operating in Galway City since 1994. The organisation provides inclusive employment, training, and community participation opportunities, primarily for people with intellectual disabilities and others who experience barriers to employment and social inclusion.
Through its social enterprises, including the soon to open Cafe Link Ballybane, Link Galway CLG offers real-world training environments that support skills development, confidence building, and meaningful community engagement. Income generated through social enterprise activities is reinvested into services and supports that promote inclusion, independence, and wellbeing.
Role Purpose
The Integration Coordinator will lead, coordinate, and deliver a community integration programme supporting International Protection Applicants (IPAs), with priority given to people with disabilities. The role involves coordinating English language and workplace skills training, supported volunteering in Cafe Link Ballybane, employability preparation, and community engagement initiatives.
The Integration Coordinator will work with individuals who may experience mental health challenges, including anxiety, trauma, or stress-related difficulties associated with displacement, the international protection process, or social exclusion. The role requires a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, strong partnership working, and an ability to support participants while ensuring delivery within agreed budgets and organisational requirements.
Client Target Group
* Primary Priority Group:
* International Protection Applicants (IPAs) with a disability which may include mental health
* Secondary Target Group:
* Other IPAs, where recruitment targets cannot be met within the primary group
Programme Summary
The Integration Coordinator will coordinate, implement, and manage delivery of a multi-component integration programme, including the following strands:
English Language & Workplace Skills
* Coordinate and deliver English language classes focused on hospitality and workplace communication (e.g. café and kitchen settings)
* Maintain records.
* Ensure classroom-based learning includes:
* Food Safety
* Manual Handling
* Health & Safety at Work
Supported Volunteering
* Coordinate structured and supported volunteering opportunities within Cafe Link Ballybane
* Support participants to develop practical skills, confidence, routine, and work readiness
Employability & Progression
* Provide CV development support tailored to individual experience and goals
* Deliver interview preparation, including mock interviews and understanding workplace expectations
* Support progression to further training, volunteering, or employment where appropriate
Community Integration
* Coordinate a monthly Saturday multicultural lunch (when Cafe Link Ballybane is closed), where participants prepare and share multicultural food with members of the local community
* Promote inclusion, cultural exchange, and positive community connections
Partnership & Referral Collaboration
* Work collaboratively with community development organisations supporting the client group, including Galway City Partnership and similar agencies
* Support referrals, participant recruitment, and progression pathways through coordinated partnership working
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination & Delivery
* Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of all programme activities
* Ensure programme activities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to participant needs
* Work closely with the Enterprise Manager to align programme activities with Cafe Link Ballybane operations and ensure effective use of resources
* Provide the necessary administrative duties for the successful roll out of the project.
Participant Recruitment & Engagement
* Recruit participants in line with priority target groups
* Liaise with referral agencies and community partners to promote the programme
* Support participants throughout their engagement, using a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach
Trauma-Informed & Person-Centred Practice
* Support individuals who may experience mental health challenges linked to their experiences as IPAs
* Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment
* Recognise boundaries of the role and appropriately signpost to specialist mental health or support services where required
Partnership & Community Working
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with external organisations
* Collaborate to support integrated services, participant progression, and community inclusion
Budget Awareness, Monitoring & Reporting
* Deliver programme activities within agreed budgets and available resources
* Monitor participation, outcomes, and progression
* Prepare and submit monthly project overview reports to the Service Manager
* Ensure compliance with organisational policies and funder requirements
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
* Uphold Link Galway CLG's safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
* Promote participant wellbeing, dignity, and respect
* Respond appropriately to concerns, disclosures, or indicators of vulnerability, following organisational protocols
* Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for participants, staff, volunteers, and the wider community
This list of duties is not exhaustive and may include other duties as assigned by management in line with the delivery of this new project.
Person Specification
Essential
* Experience working in community development, social inclusion, integration, or employment support
* Experience supporting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and/or International Protection Applicants
* Ability to work in a trauma-informed and person-centred manner
* Strong organisational, coordination, and reporting skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
* Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding
Desirable
* Experience delivering or coordinating ESOL or adult learning programmes
* Qualification in Social Care, Education, Community Development, Adult Learning or other deemed suitable qualification. Significant experience in the sector can be considered.
* Experience supporting employability skills, including CV development and interview preparation
* Familiarity with social enterprise or hospitality-based training environments
* Experience working alongside mental health supports or referral services
* Knowledge of the International Protection system in Ireland
Supervision & Support
* The Integration Coordinator will report to the Service Manager
* Operational and hospitality guidance will be provided by the Enterprise Manager
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term, Specified-purpose
Contract length: 10 months
Pay: €16.25-€16.50 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Company events
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* Flexitime
* Food allowance
* On-site parking
* Store discount
* Wellness program
Application question(s):
* Do you own your own vehicle which can be used for work purposes?
Education:
* Advanced/Higher Certificate (required)
Experience:
* Community Development: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person