Social Outreach Development Worker (Grade IV)

The Outreach Worker will be based within the community and will form part of the wider Community Team within Cork City Council. The role will involve working collaboratively with local communities to support engagement, build relationships, develop community-based work programmes, and assist in the establishment of residents’ groups within new housing estates delivered through the regeneration programme.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced community worker with a strong background in community development work, including demonstrable experience of working with marginalised communities. They will have excellent interpersonal, leadership, and team-working skills.

The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting individuals and communities to reach their full potential and will be motivated by the opportunity to contribute positively to community development and regeneration initiatives.

DUTIES

The duties of the Outreach Worker (Grade IV) shall include:

• Engaging in outreach work to assess local needs and develop relationships, including door-to-door engagement and broader street work.
• Empowering and strengthening the capacity of the local community and individuals to participate in community planning and decision-making structures.
• Supporting community groups to engage with the Social, Economic and Environmental Plan (SEEP).
• Supporting local communities in collective action to address local issues and develop community initiatives, including supporting the establishment and delivery of activities such as "sports on the green", local clean-ups, summer programmes, and other community events.
• Liaising with key stakeholders engaging with disadvantaged communities, including service providers, state agencies, existing community and voluntary groups, and public representatives.
• Undertaking outreach, promotional activity, and collaborative networking to build engagement and participation within the local community and to identify appropriate supports and resources.
• Organising initiatives to engage both young people and older residents in community activities.
• Assisting community groups in carrying out local needs assessments and preparing action plans.
• Supporting community groups in the recruitment and retention of volunteers.
• Preparing activity reports, progress reports, and case studies to ensure learning from the programme is captured and shared appropriately.
• Linking individuals and groups to relevant resources within the community and wider city structures, including the Public Participation Network (PPN) and SICAP.
• Linking and working collaboratively across relevant Cork City Council sections, including the Local Area Integration Team, Health, Social Inclusion, Regeneration Team, and Local Area Housing Team, to support coordinated and effective service delivery for the community.
• Promoting social inclusion within local communities through the application of community development principles and practice.
• Recording and collating daily activities, including areas covered, issues encountered, actions taken, and anticipated resolution timelines.
• Producing reports, recording data, and attending meetings as required to represent the service.
• Attending liaison meetings with other organisations as required.
• Complying with all Cork City Council policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines, including ensuring relevant risk assessments and control measures are adhered to when undertaking duties.
• Carrying out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved. The post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the role and to contribute to the ongoing development of the post as required.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSTCharacter

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

• A relevant qualification (QQI Level 6 or above).
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with communities.
• Have excellent communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• An enthusiasm for working with people.
• An ability to build and develop positive relationships with others internally and externally to achieve goals.
• Ability to engage and work sensitively, and in an empowering way.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as ability to work alone and on own initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills.
• Ability to maintain professional and personal boundaries.
• Professional level of communication and literacy: verbal, written, and computer IT skills.

Driving Licence

Holders of the office will be required to drive a vehicle in the course of their duties and must therefore hold a full, current Class B driving licence, free from disqualification.

Desirable Skills

The key competencies for this post are as follows. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence of competence under each of these within their application form. Applicants should take particular note of these requirements, as shortlisting and interview processes will be based on the information provided.

• Delivering Quality Work and Services
• Maintaining Positive Working Relationships
• Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions

Please refer to the Competency Framework on page 8 for further information.

Additional Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to anti-racism, social inclusion, and equity.
• A non-judgemental approach in all aspects of their work.
• Commitment to working using a strengths-based, capacity-building approach.
• Resilience, flexibility, and adaptability.
• An openness to learning and continuous professional development.
• Motivation to develop and facilitate groups in community-based settings.
• The ability to identify community priorities and challenges.
• Experience in the planning and delivery of community events, programmes, and/or workshops.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€36,474 - €38,622 - €41,672 - €43,673 - €45,425 - €47,120 - €49,406 - €51,063 - €52,761 - €54,367 (LSI 1) - €56,015 (LSI 2)

As this is a part-time position (28 hours per week), the above salary scale will apply on a pro rata basis.

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

• The standard working week is 28 hours per week. However, flexibility is required, as the position may involve occasional evening and weekend work.
• Overtime rates will not apply to additional hours worked outside the normal working schedule; however, time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted in accordance with Council policy.
• Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to vary working hours as required, depending on operational needs.
• All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.