Social Inclusion And Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024-2028

 Job Description

Background Information

South Tipperary Development CLG (STDC) is a Community Led Local Development Company supporting communities, individuals, families, and small businesses in South Tipperary.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a national programme designed to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion through targeted supports for individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage. The programme works under two core goals: Goal 1: Supporting Communities and Goal 2: Supporting Individuals.

Purpose of the Role

The SICAP Development Officer will play a key role in the delivery of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) across South Tipperary. The postholder will work directly with individuals experiencing disadvantage to support progression in education, training, employment, self-employment, wellbeing and community participation, while also assisting local community groups and social enterprises to build capacity, strengthen governance and respond effectively to identified local needs.

Key Responsibilities

Individual Engagement, Outreach and Progression Support

• Engage proactively with individuals from SICAP target groups across South Tipperary.
• Assess participant needs and support the development, implementation and review of Personal Action Plans aligned to education, training, employment, wellbeing and social inclusion goals.
• Manage an active caseload of participants, ensuring supports are timely, responsive, person-centred and outcome-focused.
• Provide one-to-one guidance, mentoring and practical support to enable progression towards education, training, employment, self-employment and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Support participants to identify and overcome personal, social and structural barriers to participation and progression.
• Refer and signpost participants to appropriate statutory, community and voluntary services and supports.
• Maintain regular engagement with participants and accurately record progression outcomes.
• Contribute to the achievement of annual SICAP targets and key performance indicators relating to individual supports.

Education, Training and Lifelong Learning

• Identify learning, personal development and skills needs among SICAP participants and communities.
• Plan, coordinate and support the delivery of education, training, personal development and lifelong learning initiatives.
• Organise workshops, programmes, information sessions and events in line with local needs and SICAP priorities.
• Liaise with external tutors, facilitators and training providers to ensure high-quality programme delivery.
• Monitor participation and progression outcomes arising from educational and training interventions.

Employment, Enterprise and Progression Pathways

• Support individuals to access education, training, employment, enterprise and labour market opportunities.
• Assist participants with career planning, CV preparation, job applications, interview preparation and job-search skills.
• Support individuals exploring self-employment by providing information, guidance, referrals and assistance with enterprise planning.
• Promote awareness of relevant enterprise and employment supports, including the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and other progression pathways where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with employers, education providers, training agencies and relevant stakeholders to support participant progression.

 Community Development and Group Capacity Building

• Support the establishment, development and sustainability of Local Community Groups, particularly within disadvantaged, underrepresented and priority communities.
• Work collaboratively with groups to identify needs, develop priorities, and implement Community Support Plans aligned to SICAP objectives.
• Facilitate participation by marginalised and hard-to-reach groups in community development activities, education, training and local decision-making structures.
• Provide information, advice and practical support regarding governance, funding opportunities, community planning, networking and organisational development.
• Maintain an active portfolio of community groups and ensure all supports are planned, monitored and recorded in accordance with SICAP requirements.
• Promote inclusion, participation, leadership development and representation of SICAP target groups within local communities.
• Contribute to achieving annual SICAP targets.

Partnership, Interagency Working and Organisational Collaboration

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with community organisations, statutory agencies, service providers and local stakeholders.
• Participate in interagency networks, working groups, forums and partnership initiatives relevant to SICAP objectives.
• Support referrals and engagement between SICAP and other STDC initiatives, including Tús, Community Employment, the Special Drug Rehabilitation CE Scheme, RSS, Local Area Employment Services (LAES) and other relevant programmes.
• Contribute to cross-programme projects and strategic priorities of STDC.
• Represent STDC and SICAP professionally at meetings, events and public engagements.

6. Administration, Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with SICAP programme guidelines, operational requirements, governance standards and reporting deadlines.
• Maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date records in accordance with data protection legislation and organisational policies.
• Record all relevant activities on the IRIS CRM system and other required systems.
• Contribute to programme monitoring, reporting, audits, evaluations, annual planning.
• Ensure work is delivered to a high professional standard and in accordance with STDC policies, procedures and organisational values.

Team and Organisational Contribution

• Participate in annual planning, team meetings and review processes.
• Support public awareness, promotional campaigns, community engagement initiatives and information events.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as reasonably assigned by the Social Inclusion Programme Manager.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A relevant qualification in Community Development, Youth Work, Social Science, Education, Training, Social Policy or a related discipline.
• Relevant paid experience in community development, social inclusion, employment support, education, local development or a related field.
• A strong understanding of SICAP target groups, community development principles, social inclusion, equality, participation and empowerment.
• Experience engaging with individuals or communities experiencing disadvantage, marginalisation or barriers to participation.
• Ability to manage a caseload and work towards programme targets and outcomes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation, planning and networking skills.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience in using CRM or reporting systems.
• A full driving licence and access to own transport.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within SICAP or another publicly funded social inclusion, community development or local development programme.
• Experience working in a multi-programme local development environment and supporting participants across employment and social inclusion programmes.
• Experience supporting Local Community Groups and preparing Community Support Plans.
• Experience coordinating training programmes, workshops, tutors or external facilitators.
• Experience of engaging with established networks with community, voluntary or statutory organisations in South Tipperary.
• Experience preparing documentation for funder reviews, audits or programme evaluations.
• Ability to use social media and digital platforms to promote community activities and programme supports.

Working Hours

The post will be full-time, working 35 hours per week. Flexibility will be required from time to time, including occasional evening or out-of-hours work.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Annual Leave and Benefits

Annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum in addition to public holidays. Access to the Company’s Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme will apply, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme and applicable statutory requirements.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Completed application form, available to download from www.stdc.ie
• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria and relevant experience.

“‘The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Union.”

“Tá an Clár um Chuimsiú Sóisialta agus Gníomhachtú Pobail (SICAP) cómhaoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann, tríd an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta, agus an tAontas Eorpach.