Volunteer & Student Placement Co-Ordinator

ETHOS

The core values of our services have always been the dignity and humanity of each person. How these are expressed has evolved over time with our greater understanding of the rights of all people with a disability, with the changing hopes and expectations of the individuals and families with whom we work, and with the growing expertise of all associated with our services.

DUTIES

The person appointed to the post will:

To develop, coordinate, and oversee a high quality volunteer programme and student placement system that enhances the lives of people supported by the organisation. The role ensures that all volunteers and students are appropriately recruited, vetted, inducted, supported, and integrated within services while upholding organisational ethos, policy, safeguarding standards, and regulatory requirements.

The person appointed to the post should be flexible in their approach to service delivery and should have the ability to participate proactively as a member of a team and contribute positively to the ongoing development of effective teamwork. In addition, a high level of flexibility will be required around starting and finishing times due to the nature of the post.

The post holder will be required to take an active part in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the Service reflect the ethos and vision of Corlann and that all co-workers are meeting the needs of the people who use services therein.

Subject to the agreed policies and procedures of the Corlann, the person appointed shall: -

Advocacy & Rights

1. Respect each individual supported as an equal citizen.

2. Uphold and respect the human, legal and constitutional rights of individuals supported by the Services, recognising their individuality and equality, and empowering them to grow, thereby achieving the highest possible level of personal autonomy

3. Facilitate, encourage and develop the choice and decision making skills of the individuals supported by the services.

4. Facilitate, encourage and develop the self-advocacy skills of and opportunities for involvement in advocacy for the individuals supported.

Volunteer Co-Ordinator duties:

1. Implement and maintain the organisation’s Volunteer Policy, ensuring compliance with procedures including application, Garda Vetting, induction, supervision, review, and exit processes

2. Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers.

3. Manage volunteer recruitment campaigns in collaboration with HR, community networks, and volunteer agencies.

4. Match volunteers to suitable roles based on interests, skills, and service needs.

5. Maintain accurate volunteer records, documentation, vetting status, and activity logs.

6. Provide ongoing support and supervision to volunteers, including six monthly reviews where required.

7. Organise training, information sessions, and recognition events.

8. Monitor volunteer placements to ensure positive experiences for both volunteers and people using the service.

Student Placement Coordination

1. Develop and maintain partnerships with colleges and universities offering social care, nursing, psychology, and allied health programmes.

2. Coordinate student placement requests, agreements, and schedules.

3. Ensure all required documentation is completed, including Garda Vetting and placement contracts.

4. Provide or coordinate induction for all students.

5. Support staff supervising students, ensuring they understand responsibilities and assessment requirements

6. Maintain placement records and feedback information to educational institutions

7. Ensure all volunteer and student placements meet safeguarding, risk, health, and safety standards.

8. Adhere to organisational ethos and the principle of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities

9. Report any concerns following organisational procedures.

10. Contribute to audits, policy reviews, and quality improvement initiatives. Maintain accurate databases and ensure documentation is secure and compliant with GDPR.

Communication

1. Prepare reports on volunteer and student activity for management teams.

2. Liaise with staff across services to coordinate needs and respond to issues.

3. Contribute to service planning, promoting volunteering as an integral part of the service model.

4. Attend and participate fully in regular staff meetings where all aspects of the support service are discussed with a view to maintaining high standards, open communication among staff and good levels of staff morale.

5. Co-operate and develop effective working relationships with:

6. Individuals supported by the services and their families.

7. Staff involved in the provision of both residential and day services or supports

8. Families, visitors, students, volunteers and other such personnel who you may meet in your work.

9. Community bodies and other agencies involved in the provision of services to the community.

10. Liaise with external agencies and individuals as required. Link person for students.

Training and Development

1. Promote good public relations with the local community and volunteers.

2. Attend and contribute appropriately at lectures, courses and meetings as required and share information and knowledge gained with colleagues.

3. Be responsible for identifying personal training and development needs and communicating them to the line manager.

4. Attend mandatory training courses and achieve required standard.

Health and Safety

1. Be conscious of health and safety matters in the work place and in particular to comply with employees’ obligations as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and to ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times.

2. Be involved in carrying out regular safety audits and fire drills as required.

3. Be conversant with existing fire regulations and emergency procedures and participate in the implementation of same and to make individuals support aware, in so far as possible, of Fire Drill procedures in areas where they are being supported.

4. Report accidents/irregularities or other matters of concern to the Team Leader or in her/his absence to the Services Manager or such person as the Employing Authority may designate.

5. Identify risk, assess and document appropriately.

Flexibility

Employees are expected to have a high level of flexibility and a willingness and ability to develop new approaches to their work. Duties and responsibilities of any post in Corlann are likely to change with the ongoing needs and developments of the Services. Employees will therefore be required to carry out such other duties appropriate to their employment as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Confidentiality

In the course of the employment the post holder may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of individuals supported and/or staff, or other health service business.

Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning individuals supported, staff, or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

Essential

QUALIFICATION / EDUCATION

• A relevant third level qualification at QQI Level 7 or higher in Social Care, Community Development, Humanities, Social Sciences, or related field

EXPERIENCE

• Relevant experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities/autism

• Experience supporting or coordinating volunteers or students.

• Experience maintaining records, trackers, compliance documentation, or similar administrative systems.

• Proven track record in coordination of volunteers

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of needs of adults with intellectual disabilities

• Knowledge of best practice in the recruitment and management of Volunteers

• Understanding of Health & Safety

• Knowledge of the Corlann Ethos

• Good understanding of socialisation and recreational needs of people who use the services.

• Knowledge of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team

• Knowledge of how to support people who use services to achieve personal outcomes

Competencies/Skills

• To work effectively as part of a team

• Ability to listen and respond to the needs of people who use services

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and independently manage workload.

Attributes

• Flexible, adaptable to change

• Appreciation of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities

• Competent, positive, mature manner

• Willing and available to attend further training

• Ability to create social capital

• Excellent understanding of Confidentiality

• A full Clean Driving Licence which qualifies you to drive on Irish Roads

• Willingness to take responsibility when necessary