Integration Support Worker

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 ISC will support the Integration Support Worker, 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 Carlow County Council for the advancement of the LAITs. Integration Support Worker reports directly to the Integration Support Co-Ordinator, or to any other employee of Carlow County Council as the Chief Executive, Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose.

Duties and responsibilities shall 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 Carlow County Council 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 Co-Ordinator 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. • Be in compliance with health and safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work.

Reporting • Ensure compliance with all required local authority financial, management and governancereporting requirements. • Collect, maintain and update relevant data. • Work with project partners to ensure that they are aware of and fulfil their reportingrequirements.

Governance Ensure the LAITs conforms to all policies and procedures of the Local Authority and in line with the Governance Framework. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by the Council. The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract issued to the successful candidate.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST 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: Education: a) Desirable but not essential to hold an accredited third level or professional qualification in community development, developmental education or social science. Experience: a) Have at least 3 years’ experience working in a similar type role with diverse groups in a community development setting. b) 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. c) Have experience of providing individual support and outreach. d) Have experience of working with other external agencies and organisations including both voluntary and public sector. e) 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. f) Have a strong understanding of the concept of cultural diversity and the ability to adapt working approach to embrace many different nationalities and cultures. g) 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. h) Hold a clean, current Class B Driving Licence and have access to his/her own car. i) Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge. 4. Citizenship Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: (a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or (b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or (c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or (d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or (e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or (f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa. THE POST The post is a whole-time, permanent, and pensionable. The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee. A panel may be formed at interview stage from which future permanent or temporary vacancies may be filled.

HOURS OF WORK The working hours at present provide for a five (5) day, thirty-five(35) hours working week, hours may vary from time to time. Carlow County Council operate a Flexi Time Scheme with an earliest start time of 8.30 a.m. and a latest start time of 10.00 a.m. and earliest finishing time of 16.30 p.m. and a latest finishing time of 18.00 p.m. with a lunch break consisting of a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours which must be taken between 12.30 p.m. and 14.30 p.m. A copy of the Flexi Leave Scheme is available, on request. There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time for which Time in Lieu on a time for time basis will apply. Overtime does not apply to this post. All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001. The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evening and weekend work, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities.

PROBATION Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply: (a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such persons shall hold such position on probation, (b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period, (c) such persons shall cease to hold such position at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory, (d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one week’s notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, (e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

SALARY Salary scale: Analogous to Senior Staff Officer €53,345 - €65,172 per annum (EL 02/2023). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with circulars issued by the department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Remuneration is paid fortnightly directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.