Integration Support Worker

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Integration 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 Wexford County Council for the advancement of the LAITs.

The ISW will report to the Integration Support Coordinator or any other officer as designated by the Chief Executive.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting 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, resident welfare and people with status teams.
• Acting as lead on IRPP integration projects, supported by grant agreements, put in place to support the integration of programme refugees.
• Supporting the Integration Support Coordinator to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council's operational plan.
• Supporting access to English language classes and courses.
• Supporting access to employment activation and volunteering.
• Supporting access to education, training, capacity-building courses and apprenticeships.
• Linking with other public services, including legal, childcare, healthcare, dental and optical services.
• Providing guidance through application processes for income supports, medical cards, child supports and any other applicable entitlements.
• Supporting access to local groups and activities such as sporting and music activities.
• 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 where required.
• Assisting in addressing issues, concerns, grievances or complaints that arise in interactions with public services.
• Developing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Compiling, preparing and presenting reports and presentations, and responding to correspondence as necessary.
• Representing the LAIT on committees or at meetings and providing progress reports as required.
• Providing support and assistance in the delivery of projects as required.
• Assisting with day-to-day issues while ensuring compliance with all Council policies and procedures.
• Deputising for the line manager or equivalent as required.
• Undertaking 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 conform to all policies and procedures of the Local Authority and are in line with the Corporate Governance Framework.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSTCHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character and references shall be sought.

HEALTH

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render an efficient service.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

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 the voluntary and public sectors.
• 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 appropriate support services.
• Have a strong understanding of the concept of cultural diversity and the ability to adapt working approaches 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 current clean full driving licence (minimum Class B) and have access to their own car.
• Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Desirable Requirements

It is desirable that each candidate shall:

• Hold a recognised qualification (at least Level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Community Development, Development Education or Social Science.
• Have fluency in English, Ukrainian, Arabic, Urdu and Dari or Pashto languages.
• Have good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have experience of report writing.
• Have the capacity to manage time efficiently and prioritise tasks as part of a demanding workload.
• Have the ability to negotiate and handle difficult situations.
• Have experience of financial administration and budgeting.
• Have experience of data management and IT.

Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK or Swiss citizen and has a Stamp 4 visa; or
• 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 who has a Stamp 4 visa; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA Member State, the UK or Switzerland and has a Stamp 4 visa.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICETenure

The post will be temporary, whole-time and pensionable.

Persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority and who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of:

• 1.5% of pensionable remuneration; plus
• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of Social Insurance Old Age Contributory Pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

All persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority will also be required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme, to contribute at the rate of 1.5% of their net pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from 1 January 2013, superannuation contributions are:

• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration; and
• 3% of pensionable remuneration.

Probation

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of Wexford County Council is appointed:

• There shall be a probationary period following appointment.
• The probationary period shall be 6 months, although the Chief Executive may, at his or her discretion, extend such period.
• The person shall cease to hold employment at the end of the probation period unless the Chief Executive certifies that the service of that person is satisfactory.

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.

Holders of the post shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their employment or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

Salary: €58,474 – €71,437 (2nd LSI) (from 1 June 2026)

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, successful candidates will, before appointment, be required to undergo, at their own expense, a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the Local Authority.

Upon taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate.

Retirement / SuperannuationSingle Public Service Pension Scheme

Effective from 1 January 2013, the Single Public Service Pension Scheme applies to:

• All first-time new entrants to the Public Service; and
• Former public servants returning to the Public Service after a break of more than 26 weeks.

All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1 January 2013 are, in general, members of the Single Scheme.

Pension Age:

• Minimum pension age: 66 years (rising to 67 and 68 in line with State Pension age changes).
• Scheme members must retire at age 70.

New Entrants Appointed on or After 1 April 2004

Retirement age will be determined by the terms of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

For new entrants:

• There is no compulsory retirement age.
• Age 65 is the earliest age at which retirement benefits can be paid.

In all other cases:

• Minimum retirement age is 60 years.
• Maximum retirement age is 70 years.

Hours of Work

The normal working hours are 35 hours per week.

The role will involve flexible working hours and may include evening and weekend work.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement for the grade is 30 days per annum.

Residence

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE