Employment Supports Officer
The role involves providing tailored employment support services to unemployed and under-employed individuals
Job Title:Employment Supports Officer Reporting To:Employment & Enterprise Team LeaderEmployer:Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC)Main Purpose of Role:
The Employment Supports Officer will deliver actions under Goal 2 of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which focuses on supporting individuals who experience barriers to employment, particularly those who are disadvantaged or socially excluded from the labour market. The post holder will be a key member of the SICAP Employment and Enterprise team.
The role involves providing tailored employment support services to unemployed and under-employed individuals. Working primarily on a one-to-one basis, the Employment Supports Officer will create a supportive and welcoming environment, offering practical guidance, information, and advice to help clients build confidence, develop skills, and progress from unemployment towards obtaining sustainable employment.
The Employment Supports Officer will work with all SICAP target groups, including New Arrivals, International Protection Applicants (IPA), and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP), with a strong focus on inclusion and integration. All supports and services will be delivered in line with SICAP objectives and priorities. This position is subject to the continued availability of funding to support New Arrivals.
In carrying out their duties, the Employment Supports Officer will consistently demonstrate DLDC's values of respect, community, collaboration, inclusion, and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, clients, and partner organisations. Top of FormBottom of Form
Salary:Project Officer entry salary €36,000Conditions of Work:
1. The Employment Support Officer will be based in Donegal Town - providing supports and services to individuals in the community, including those in accommodation settings across the catchment area.
2. A probationary period of 6 months will apply and performance and supports will be discussed and reviewed formally as part ongoing one -to-ones.
3. This is a fixed-term, full-time position (35 hours per week) subject to New Arrivals funding until 31/12/2026.
4. Benefits include: Eligibility for a 6% employer-contributed pension scheme; 25 days annual leave & other leave options; Flexible working arrangements are available; Hybrid working arrangements may be requested upon completion of probation; Travel and subsistence allowance; Learning and development opportunities; Employee Assistance Programme
Core Competencies/Skills & KnowledgeESSENTIAL/MINIMUMMain Duties
Programme Delivery:
5. Provide one to one support and guidance to all SICAP target groups, including New Arrivals, IPA, and BOTP and help them progress from unemployment to employment.
6. Prepare an Action Plan for each client and identify targeted supports and actions with input from the individual.
7. To update IRIS, Distance Travelled Tool and other systems in relation to client progression.
8. Identify employment opportunities for the unemployed in the region and make clients aware of the potential employment opportunity
9. Assist the clients with CV preparation and interview preparation.
10. Partner with the Employer Engagement Officer to liaise directly with employers on job matching activities.
11. Deliver 'Job Ready Training' to a wide range of target groups within the programme.
12. Maintain a database of clients/groups in DLDC's catchment area.
13. Liaise directly with ETB, Solas, DSP and other public and private training providers and agencies.
14. Proactively promote the SICAP strategy throughout the catchment area, through a variety of media including information sessions, local media, outreach, site visits etc.
15. Manage caseload efficiently and effectively in line with good governance and established company and funders procedures and guidelines
16. Provide oral and written reports to your line manager, and relevant Working Groups and the Board on progress and issues of relevance.
17. Ensure the delivery of quality initiatives.
18. Carry out administrative duties as required.
19. Be willing to work evenings and/or weekends as required.
20. To demonstrate a willingness to take on additional duties as and when required.
Other Duties:
21. Be responsible to your Line Manager in relation to programme delivery, including adherence to travel and subsistence guidelines.
22. Liaise with the Finance and Administration Department in relation to any queries which arise with regards to payments or general file administration.
23. Produce timely and relevant reports for management, Steering Committees, the Board, and other DLDC groups.
24. Manage special projects as required.
25. Represent the company in public specific issues.
26. Carry out any other duties as requested by Management
1
Experience in
employment,
enterprise, or career
guidance
The officer will have at least three years' experience in employment, enterprise, or career guidance, including one-to-one support for people facing barriers to employment. They will have strong knowledge of employment pathways, referral networks, and labour market supports, with a good understanding of community development principles and a clear commitment to equality, social inclusion, and anti-poverty practice.
2.
Interpersonal & Liaison Skills
The Officer will have excellent interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills. They will engage with clients empathetically, build trust, and liaise effectively with internal DLDC teams, and external agencies, groups, and training providers. The Officer will be required to act as a positive and contributing member of the wider staff team within DLDC.
3.
Project Management SkillsThey will have proven experience in planning, managing, and prioritising their own caseload and workload. Excellent time management, organisational, and administrative skills are essential, along with a strong working knowledge of standard business software and IT packages.
4.
Motivational SkillsThe Officer will be required to be a flexible, motivated self-starter who can communicate effectively. They will work well as part of a team and also on their own initiative. They will have good report writing and presentation skills.
5.
Communication Skills
The Officer will have experience building strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, organisations and communities. They will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, active listening skills, and strong one-to-one coaching skills.
6.
Problem Solving SkillsThe Officer will have the ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop effective solutions to overcome challenges or achieve goals.
7.
Qualification/ExperienceA recognised and relevant Third Level qualification and / OR previous demonstrated relevant experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment and coaching them towards outcomes, along with a commitment to integrating principles of equality, social inclusion, and anti-poverty measures into community development practice.
8.
'Other'
A full clean driving license with access to own mode of transport is required to service clients.
Permission to work in Ireland.
Core Competencies
Desirable
27. Familiarity with using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software.
28. Excellent knowledge of Goal 2 Employment Supports - SICAP
DLDC reserve the right to enhance criteria, depending on the response to the advertisement.