SICAP Project Officer

SICAP Project Officer (Part-time, Fixed-Term Contract)

The Position

Meath Partnership is seeking a dynamic professional to join our Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) team as a Project Officer, supporting individuals aged 16-25 from SICAP target groups to access and progress through education, training, lifelong learning and employment opportunities. This role aims to reduce barriers to education and employment by providing tailored, participant-centred support that builds confidence, soft skills and vocational skills.

Through one to one support and group based interventions, the Project Officer will support participants to identify educational and employment goals, navigate available education and training pathways and progress towards personal, educational and social outcomes. The role includes engagement with hard to reach individuals and the promotion of inclusive, community-based learning opportunities.

This role is central to the delivery of targeted SICAP supports under Goal 2, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged individuals, children and families to progress their formal education and participate in lifelong learning, to progress into employment or self-employment

and to improve their soft skills and wellbeing. Working through an interagency and community-led approach, this post requires excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible, solutions focused attitude.

Key Accountabilities

Reporting to the Social Inclusion Manager, the SICAP Project Officer will be responsible for:

1. Individual Mentoring and Progression Support

• Providing one to one mentoring and progression planning support to SICAP clients in setting and achieving goals across personal development, education, training and employment.
• Assisting with CV preparation, job search support, interview skills, career planning and progression.
• Supporting participants to identify educational and employment goals, learning pathways and progression opportunities.
• Establishing relationships with employers, training providers and community organisations to enhance education, training and employment opportunities.
• Supporting clients to access employment related grants, training schemes, employment activation initiatives and funding supports, including BTWEA, CE, Tús and INTREO programmes.
• Assisting learners to access further education, literacy, numeracy, digital skills and lifelong learning initiatives.
• Referring clients to appropriate support services relevant to their needs.
• Working collaboratively with SICAP colleagues, education and training providers, community organisations and statutory agencies to provide coordinated, holistic support for clients.

2. Training and Event Delivery

• Organising and delivering workshops, training events, community initiatives and networking opportunities to support client progression and promote social cohesion.
• Developing partnerships with educational providers, businesses and relevant agencies to enhance service provision and progression opportunities for clients.
• Designing and delivering unaccredited training programmes, providing one to one coaching, sourcing relevant accredited courses, and identifying funding pathways to support client progression and development.
• Addressing practical barriers to participation in education and employment, including transport and other support needs.

3. Administration, Reporting and Compliance

• Managing a personal caseload with accurate, timely updates to client files and records, both digital and paper based.
• Completing all administrative and reporting requirements in line with SICAP programme requirements.
• Supporting promotional and publicity initiatives and participating in community outreach activities.

This job description is intended to outline the key accountabilities and responsibilities attaching to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or activities to be attended to. SICAP operates in a fast changing environment, where staff may need to shift focus to respond to emerging social and economic needs. A flexible approach to programme or company related tasks which may arise and which are not specifically detailed in this job description will be required.

Educational Qualification or Professional Attainment·

Possession of educational or professional qualification/experience relevant to Community Development, Youth Work, Social Care or a related discipline.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Previous professional experience in community development or youth support services.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to advocate on behalf of SICAP clients.
• Demonstrated understanding of the societal challenges experienced by disadvantaged communities.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with experience of working in a fast paced environment and to monthly deadlines.
• IT literacy, including CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Self-motivated and capable of independently organising and delivering on comprehensive work plans and objectives.

Desirable Skills, Abilities and Experience

Practical understanding of working with disadvantaged communities and the challenges they experience.

Ability to interpret and implement operational plans and organisational policies.

Skilled in managing caseloads efficiently, while adhering to timelines, reporting requirements and budget constraints.

Previous experience in delivering training directly.

Strong commitment to the values of community participation, social inclusion and diversity.

Experience in the management of sensitive data and confidential information.

Knowledge and understanding of the range of social inclusion supports and services available in Co. Meath

Terms of Employment

One part time, fixed term position is available, working 22.5 hours (3 days) per week.

The role will require some evening and occasional weekend work. A full driving licence and access to own transport is essential due to the outreach services associated with the position. This post may be subject to Garda Vetting in line with Meath Partnerships policy.

Duration

This is a one year fixed term contract. Any extension to the contract of employment will be subject to the availability of funding and the continuation of SICAP programme services.

Location

Successful candidates will be based in Meath Partnership’s Head Offices, located at Units J & K, Kells Business Park, Cavan Road, Kells, County Meath.

Meath Partnership is committed to ensuring a satisfactory work-life balance for its employees. As such, hybrid-working and flexi-time arrangements will apply to this position.

Salary

This post is aligned to the Project Officer salary scale. The starting salary range for this appointment is €38,500.00 - €47,350.14 per annum (Points 1-8). Appointment will normally be made at Point 1 of the scale. Placement above Point 1 may be considered, in accordance with the Organisation’s Salary Scales Policy and having regard to directly relevant experience, specialist skills and qualifications.

Leave

The annual leave entitlement is twenty (20) days per annum, pro-rata for shorter periods. Entitlement to leave for Public Holidays is in accordance with the terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Meath Partnership closes for five (5) days at Christmas; this time is additional to the annual leave entitlement detailed above.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following to info@meathpartnership.ie:

A brief cover letter including personal statement demonstrating how you meet the above-mentioned requirements for the position (no more than 500 words) which must communicate your relevant experience

A curriculum vitae summarising your qualifications and work experience to date.

Applications should be clearly marked “SICAP Project Officer”.

Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of information provided in their application.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, 14th April 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

Meath Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We are an organisation that embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage these individuals to bring their experiences and perspectives to Meath Partnership. All information will be held in line with Meath Partnerships GDPR policies.