Integration Support Worker

 

Administrative

Grade 6

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€52,557 - €64,209

Advertised Date: 19 Jun 2023

Annual Salary

Waterford

Permanent Wholetime

Closing Date: 13 Jul 2023, 04:00 PM

Job Summary

The Position:

The primary role of the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) is to provide ongoing integration supports to IP applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP to enable them to live independently in the community.
This will involve linking these cohorts with local service providers appropriate to their needs. The LAITs will also act as the direct point of contact, providing information, guidance and advice, answering queries as they arise and ensuring that they are in receipt of applicable benefits and entitlements. The Integration Support Worker will support the Integration Support Coordinator in the delivery of services including support in accessing employment and developing English language proficiency, childcare, healthcare services and linkages to sporting and other local / community activities .
The LAITs will engage with the Irish Refugee Protection Programme during the period of resettlement. Grant agreements, put in place to support this process through integration projects, will set out the relationship including a referral process to provide integration supports to programme refugees.
The LAITs are not intended to replace mainstream service provision but to support IP applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP in accessing mainstream services.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Integrated Support Worker (ISW) will perform such duties as may be assigned from time to time which will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of Waterford City & County Council for the advancement of the LAITs.
The ISW worker will report to the Integration Support Co-Ordinator or any other officer as designated by the Chief Executive.
Such duties include inter alia:
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• the social inclusion of IP applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP into local communities through effective use of community development principles and practices and local integration supports;

• Hosting clinics in local areas and using community development principles to support those in attendance;

• Collaborating and working with teams in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) including the customer service, the resident welfare and the people with status teams;

• Implementing and promoting WCCC strategies/policies relevant to those in receipt of integration support services

• Acting as lead on IRPP integration projects, supported by grant agreements, put in place to support the integration of programme refugees;

• To support the Integration Support Coordinator to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s operational plan;

• Support with accessing English language classes / courses;

• Support with accessing employment activation / volunteering;

• Support with accessing education and / or training, capacity building courses and apprenticeships;

• Linking with other public services including legal, childcare, healthcare, and dental and optical services;

• Providing guidance through application processes for income supports, medical cards, child supports, and any other applicable entitlements;

• Support with accessing local groups and activities e.g. sporting, music;

• Supporting IP applicants to transition out of the system once they have received a decision from the Department of Justice including guidance on accessing mainstream and NGO supports;

• Making appropriate provisions for vulnerable persons, including working with mainstream service providers to facilitate access to additional services if required;

• Assisting in addressing any issues / concerns / grievances / complaints that arise in interactions with public services;

• To develop and maintain productive working relationships;

• To compile, prepare and present reports, presentations and respond to correspondence as necessary;

• To represent the office on committees or at meetings and give progress reports as required;

• To provide support and assistance in the delivery of projects as required;

• To assist the handling day to day issues, ensuring compliance with all council policies and procedures;

• To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required;

• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time;

• Preparing interim and annual reports, including data on budgets and expenditure as required.

Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all required local authority financial, management and governance reporting requirements;

• Collect, maintain and update relevant data;

• Work with project partners to ensure that they are aware of and fulfil their reporting requirements.

Governance

Ensure the LAITs conforms to all policies and procedures of the Local Authority and in line with the Governance Framework.

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Integration Support Worker
Qualifications
1. Character
Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health
Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, experience, etc.
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:-

• Have at least 3 years’ experience working in a similar type role with diverse groups in a community development setting;

• Possess a good working knowledge of the mainstream model of integration and the policies which govern Ireland’s International Protection system, Irish Refugee Protection programme and Temporary Protection programme;

• Have experience of providing individual support and outreach;

• Have experience of working with other external agencies and organisations including both voluntary and public sector;

• Possess a good working knowledge of the youth sector and the ability to connect International Protection (IP) applicants, Programme Refugees and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) aged 15-24 years with the appropriate support services;

• Have a strong understanding of the concept of cultural diversity and the ability to adapt working approach to embrace many different nationalities and cultures;

• Have a thorough knowledge of the principles and processes of community development with expertise in a broad range of development models, particularly those appropriate to minority ethnic groups;

• Hold a clean, current Class B Driving Licence and have access to his/her own car;

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

In exercise of the functions conferred on the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, by section 160 of the Local Government Act, 2001 (No. 37 of 2001), which said functions have been delegated to me by the said Minister by virtue of section 236(7) of the said Act, I, Carol Baxter, Assistant Secretary, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, hereby declare the foregoing to be the Qualifications for Integration Support Coordinator.

Dated this day of 17 th May 2023



Assistant Secretary

Human Resources Department

Contact Details

Waterford City & County Council
2nd Floor, Civic Offices
Dungarvan
X35Y326

05822037

recruitment@waterfordcouncil.ie

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