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

Carrick-on-Suir has experienced increasing levels of community participation and growing interest in the development of local community groups, resident associations, voluntary organisations and

community-led initiatives. Existing groups are seeking additional support to strengthen their capacity, governance, sustainability and ability to respond to local needs. There is also increasing interest among community groups in the areas of climate action and biodiversity.

The Support Worker will play a key role in supporting the continued development of Goal 1 work with Community groups in Carrick-on-Suir and the surrounding area through the delivery of SICAP. The postholder will work primarily with community groups, volunteers, residents and local stakeholders to strengthen local capacity, support community participation, facilitate community-led initiatives and assist groups to identify and respond to emerging local needs.

The role will focus on community engagement, volunteer support, partnership building, training and capacity building, and supporting communities and community groups to become more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.

Key Responsibilities

Community Development and Group Capacity Building

• Support the establishment of local community groups in Carrick-on-Suir and surrounding areas,

e.g. Resident’s Groups.

• Work collaboratively with community groups to identify needs, set priorities and develop Community Support Plans aligned to SICAP objectives.
• Provide information, advice and practical support to community groups on a range of topics e.g governance, leadership development and funding
• Maintain an active portfolio of community groups and ensure all supports are planned, monitored and recorded in accordance with SICAP requirements.
• Promote inclusion, participation and community empowerment throughout all aspects of the role.
• Contribute to achieving and recording annual SICAP targets and outcomes relating to Goal 1 group support.
• Identify, plan, coordinate and support the delivery of workshops, training programmes, information sessions and community development initiatives.
• Organise events and activities that build the capacity of community groups and volunteers.
• Liaise with external tutors, facilitators and training providers to ensure high-quality programme delivery.
• Monitor participation and outcomes arising from community education and training initiatives.

Climate Action, Biodiversity and Sustainable Communities

• Support community groups to identify and develop local climate action, biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.
• Promote awareness of environmental issues and opportunities for local action. Encourage participation in projects that promote biodiversity and sustainability.
• Support collaboration between community groups and other organisations working in climate action, biodiversity and sustainability.
• Support groups to embed sustainable practices into their activities and long-term planning.

Partnership, Interagency Working and Organisational Collaboration

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with community organisations, statutory agencies, service providers and local stakeholders.
• Facilitate networking opportunities between community groups and relevant stakeholders.
• Support referrals and engagement between SICAP and other STDC initiatives where appropriate.

Administration

• Keep records of Community Group activities up to date and in accordance with SICAP reporting requirements.

• Record all relevant activities, engagements and outcomes on the IRIS CRM system.
• Ensure work is delivered to a high professional standard and in accordance with STDC policies, procedures and organisational values.

Other

• 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.
• Collaborate with and support SICAP Development Officers to further Goal 1 Community Group work within SICAP.

Person Specification Essential Criteria

• A relevant qualification in Community Development, Youth Work, Social Science, Education, Social Policy, Adult Education or a related discipline.
• Relevant paid or voluntary experience in community development, social inclusion or the community and voluntary sector.
• Experience supporting community groups, volunteers, committees or community initiatives.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, community events or training programmes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience 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 or community development programme.
• Experience supporting community development, consultation and capacity building.
• Experience assisting groups with funding applications, grant programmes or project development.
• Knowledge of climate action, biodiversity and sustainable community development initiatives.
• Ability to use social media and digital platforms to promote community activities and programme supports.

Working Hours

The post will be part-time, working 3 days per week (21 hours). Flexibility will be required from time to time, including occasional evening or out-of-hours work for community meetings, training programmes, events or programme activities.

Salary

Commensurate with experience, pro rata.

Annual Leave and Benefits

Annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, based on the full-time entitlement of 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 below