Jobs in Kilkenny
Sort by: relevance | dateSelf-Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer
The Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national organisation providing support, services and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. With a National Office and 25 volunteer operational branches nationwide, DSI delivers information, education, therapy, employability and advocacy services, alongside fundraising and community engagement activities that are vital to our mission. Job Title: Self-Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer Reports to: Head of Adult Education, Self-Advocacy and Community Engagement Location: National Office with frequent nationwide travel to branch Contract :12 months fixed-term, subject to funding Salary: €40k - €45,500k pro-rota and depending on experience Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends for member meetings and events, with time off in lieu. This role may also be on a job share basis, 2 to 3 days per week each. Overview of Role This role is two-fold. The self-advocacy aspect of this role involves the development and coordination of self-advocacy groups within Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), empowering adults with Down syndrome to voice their priorities, contributing to DSI strategy and national policy on topics such as rights, independent living, employment, education, housing and inclusion. The community engagement aspect of this role involves supporting the coordination, and delivery of inclusive, person-centred programmes and initiatives for people with Down syndrome. It involves empowering individuals, strengthening community connections, and promoting access to social, community and education opportunities across Ireland. Key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Person specification Essential Level 8 qualification in a relevant field such as social work, community development, education or disability studies Proven experience working alongside people with intellectual disabilities in advocacy, facilitation, community development or education roles Excellent communication skills Experience supporting self-advocates Demonstrated group facilitation skills for inclusive, accessible meetings and activities Strong organisational abilities to manage a full-time workload, prioritise tasks and deliver projects on time Strong administration skills with competent in IT tools (MS Office/365, video platforms) for hybrid work, reporting and virtual facilitation Desirable Level 9 qualification in a relevant field such as social work, community development, education or disability studies Experience with advisory councils, policy consultations or stakeholder engagement in the disability sector Experience developing Easy Read materials Knowledge of Irish disability policy, entitlements and independent living supports. Other requirements Full clean driving licence and own transport for nationwide travel (travel expenses reimbursed per DSI policy) Garda vetting clearance required (standard for DSI roles working with vulnerable groups) Willingness to adhere to DSI’s data protection, safeguarding and equality policies niches, hybrid working in line with DSI policy CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Customer Engagement Advisor
Are you driven by great conversations, meaningful customer interactions, and achieving results? Do you enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment where no two days are the same—and where your development genuinely matters? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Vhi are hiring talented individuals to join our Consumer Sales and Customer Care teams, supporting customers with their private health insurance needs. From day one, you’ll be at the heart of the customer experience—handling inbound calls from new and existing customers and providing expert guidance across a broad range of health insurance products. Once you’ve completed onboarding, you’ll unlock exciting opportunities to expand your skillset across Sales, Email, and Live Chat, giving you variety, growth, and long‑term career potential. 📍 Training: Fully on‑site 🏠 After training: Flexible hybrid and on‑site working model What we offer As a member of the Vhi team, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes: Competitive salary with an annual bonus Membership of DC pension scheme Health insurance for you and your family Income protection in the event of illness Hybrid working model Ongoing training and development Onsite restaurant and free parking Sports and social club APA Qualifications paid for along with support and training provided during the exam cycle. What will you do Answer inbound calls from new and existing customers Provide high‑quality sales and customer service support Build trust, rapport, and engaging customer relationships Identify customer needs and recommend suitable health insurance options Manage inbound sales enquiries, including new business and policy renewals Meet individual targets while maintaining excellent service standards Accurately use multiple IT systems in a fast‑paced environment Work collaboratively with team members and internal departments Work one Saturday in every four, across a range of shift patterns What will you need to be successful 🎓 Education & Experience A third‑level qualification or 1–2 years’ experience in a sales or customer service role APA (CIP or Dip PMI) qualification, or willingness to complete it Strong IT skills and confidence working across multiple systems 🤝 Skills & Attributes Customer‑focused with a passion for sales and service excellence Comfortable working in a target‑driven, fast‑paced environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Resilient and confident when handling complex customer queries Strong attention to detail and accuracy Self‑motivated, flexible, and a team player Demonstrated alignment with Vhi Values Ready to start your journey? Apply now. This is a CF3, CF4 & CF5 role in line with central bank requirements. Sustainability At Vhi, we believe that the health of people and the health of the planet are interconnected. That’s why we’re on a journey towards an integrated model of healthcare that puts people and the planet at its heart. Our Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility At Vhi, we are on a continuous journey to build an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations at every stage of the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities, neurodivergence, or medical conditions. If you require an accommodation, please contact recruitment@vhi.ie, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch via email. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially within the recruitment team and used solely for the purpose of determining and providing appropriate accommodations during the application and recruitment process. Vhi is an equal opportunities employer
