Jobs in Co. Down
Sort by: relevance | dateGrounds Maintenance Skilled Operative
Undertake horticulture, gardening, ‘heavy’ plant operation and general grounds maintenance works in Council facilities, public parks, sports grounds and similar open spaces, to the standards required. To present a courteous attitude at all times by assisting with the promotion of good working relationships between Council staff and members of the public. If and as required, deal with on-site complaints and queries or refer to your line manager as necessary. Ensure that the department complies with all statutory and legislative requirements by adhering to these requirements and working in accordance with good governance and health and safety requirements. Ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all areas relating to the work of the Council. PLEASE NOTE: Only application forms containing all the information which has been sought will be considered. The shortlisting panel will base shortlisting decisions on the information contained within the Essential Criteria narrative sections of the application form, however Desirable Criteria may be used. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient relevant information including dates in this section of the form for each criteria. A reserve list may be established in order to fill future permanent and temporary posts that may arise for another similar vacancy within the following 18 months. Should a similar post become available within this time period, the post may be offered to those candidates on the reserve list, in order of merit, without the requirement for a further interview. The post may be offered on a full-time, part-time, permanent, temporary or fixed-term basis.
Administrative Assistant
Full time, 36 hours per week £25,583 - £25,989 per annum Downpatrick Campus ABOUT US Northern Ireland’s Further Education sector is a key driver of both economic and social inclusion. SERC as a college is a hub of innovation, collaboration and industry partnerships along with a strong community focus. We pride ourselves on delivering internationally recognised high-quality, industry-relevant courses, which equip our students with the skills necessary to grow and shape our economy and to transform their own lives in doing so. We are committed to continuous improvement and to fostering a supportive culture of creativity and inclusivity as a catalyst for success. If you are interested in being part of a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that helps benefit society and creates transformational opportunities for learners, SERC may have a role for you. The College offers a wide range of employee benefits, rewards and recognitions: 23 days annual leave + 12 public holidays (plus 7 additional annual leave days after 5 years’ service) Additional leave to supplement closures during Easter, July & Christmas. NILGOSC defined benefiter CARE pension scheme with employer contribution rate of 15.5%. Corporate healthcare cash plan scheme. Annual free health checks onsite. Access to College gym facilities free of charge along with reduced rate membership with a range of gyms. Mind Yourself health & wellbeing initiatives. Cycle to Work scheme. Teachers Credit Union. Access to hair, nail & beauty salons onsite. Continuous Professional Development opportunities via our dedicated Learning Academy We currently have a vacancy for an Administrative Assistant. JOB PURPOSE To provide a quality administrative support service for the efficient and effective delivery of Training and Apprenticeship programmes. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA 1. One year’s administrative / customer services experience within an office environment. 2. Hold 5 GCSE’s, grade A-C or equivalent, including English Language and Maths. 3. Demonstrate experience in the use of Management Information Systems, Microsoft Packages or other specialist software for record keeping and data collection. 4. Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
Community Access Facilitators
THE ROLE The Community Access Facilitator will take a lead role in supporting people within the framework of New Directions. The Community Access Facilitator will work autonomously under the general supervision of their manager. The Community Access Facilitator will: 1) Empower people to live full and meaningful lives. To build their confidence and autonomy and explore/progress their career and life goals. 2) Enable adults with a disability to gain and maintain valued social roles (student, employee, volunteer, neighbour, friend) and to be recognised as equal citizens. 3) Work with adults with a disability, key staff, their nominated circles of support, and multidisciplinary team members through a person-centred approach towards the values of New Directions: person centred; community inclusion; active citizenship and quality services. 4) Provide supports within the framework of New Directions, guided by Human Rights Based Approach principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment, legality and an outcomes-based individualised approach to services for adults with disabilities. 5) Promote input and co-production of how their Day Services are planned and delivered so as to ensure that adults with disabilities shape policies and supports that affect them. 6) Support participation in decision-making at both the individual and the service design/ delivery level, addressing barriers to inclusion and advocating for structural change where required. 7) Respect the dignity and autonomy of the person, ensuring rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and equality legislation are central to all actions. 8) Work in both group and individual settings in the community with adults with disabilities and their nominated circle of support, promoting equality of opportunity to access a wide range of community-based services and mainstream opportunities (education, work, leisure, civic participation) on the same basis as the general population to meet their individual needs. 9) Promote positive risk taking, supporting individuals to make their own decisions and learn from new experiences. As a community facilitator in a day service, you will support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, through a person centred approach, in achieving their full potential by facilitating them to engage in meaningful day activities based on their will and preference. The service will be in a day service environment, you will work as a member of a team under the supervision of senior staff in line with the principles of New Directions, promoting independence, choice, inclusion and meaningful community participation. You will work as part of the team and provide support on a planned basis. Networking and developing strong links within the community is an integral part of this role. Principal Duties and Responsibilities The Community Access Facilitator will: • Work collaboratively with the person supported, their nominated circle of support to co-produce person-centred plans with ambition and possibility. • Support the person to access mainstream opportunities (education, work, civic life) on the same basis as others, and to challenge structural barriers where they arise. • Promote advocacy and self-direction, ensuring the person’s voice is central to all planning and decision-making by supporting adults with a disability to speak up for themselves and make their own choices, making sure their views guide all planning and decisions. • Include people with a disability directly in identifying and managing risk, respecting their right to make informed choices even when those choices involve some level of risk. • Support social and community inclusion, recognising the diverse identities of people with disabilities who are supported (e.g. gender, Traveller identity, ethnicity, sexuality). • Provide respectful and dignified personal support, which may include assistance with eating, showering, dressing and toileting, when required. • Support the person with developing their skills in the areas of o Creating and maintaining valued social roles o Communication o Activities of daily living o Social Integration and the use of community facilities • Support the person to establish a circle of support and wider community connections. • Support the person to focus on outcomes/goals aligned with their person-centred plans. • Support the person to identify their strengths and areas of interest to enable active citizenship and community participation. • Support the person to identify who is best placed to support them to access valued roles in community. • Ensure that all activities and supports are monitored, maintained/reduced at an appropriate pace to ensure adults with a disability can sustain their valued social roles. • Introduce new experiences at a pace that enables the person to achieve success, addressing obstacles and other issues that may compromise achievement of agreed goals. • Seek out opportunities for the person to participate in social, work or training roles of their choice which are in socially inclusive settings and typical for a person of a similar age. • Assist the person to develop a full range of social relationships and valued social roles including developing friendships and social networks. • Empower the person to be a valued citizen in their local community, make choices and have ordinary life experiences. • Seek out opportunities for the person to experience a range of activities as a means of discovering their areas of interest, strength and conditions that will enable inclusion and citizenship. • Promote advocacy and self-direction through listening to the person’s wishes, supporting the person to make decisions and advocating on their behalf where required. • Explore and encourage the use of natural community supports by building interpersonal relationships in community with others. • Provide onsite support and mentoring to people who are accessing work experience in the local community. • Assist the person to identify and develop opportunities to experience volunteering, work experience, supported employment and pathways to full employment. • Promote and provide practical road safety awareness and travel training as required. • Facilitate the person to access mainstream educational programmes. • Identify and support the development of skills for self-directed living, including the delivery of training modules. • Assist with administration of medication, carrying out therapeutic interventions as prescribed by multi-disciplinary team /medical professionals, working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team. • Support the person to develop and maintain money management skills and ensure that petty cash used and any personal monies of individuals supported are properly accounted for. • Drive service vehicles as part of the role. Administration The Community Access Facilitator will: • Establish and maintain partnerships with organisations, including advocacy groups, to strengthen systemic change for inclusion. • Attend and participate in staff meetings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, planning and review meetings as deemed appropriate. • Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the person whilst acknowledging the needs for professional sharing of information within the relevant staff team. • Ensure records and documentation are maintained to a high standard and storage of files is in line with data protection policy at all times. • Develop and maintain good relationships with the nominated circle of support of the person supported, their support circle and uphold and support their role in the person’s life. • Work with other organisations to create networks and share resources. • Contribute to the development of quality assurance systems and procedures. • Identify and collect data to measure outcomes, prepare reports as requested. Record not only outcomes but also barriers experienced by people supported, ensuring these inform service improvement and policy advocacy • Report on rights-related indicators (access to services, discrimination experienced, progress on autonomy and inclusion • Cover for other staff as required. Education & Training The Community Access Facilitator will: • Attend and participate in all staff training as deemed relevant by organisational policy and service manager. • Undertake relevant training and be informed of current developments in services for people with disabilities e.g. Person-Centred Planning, Personal Outcome Measures, Human Rights and Citizenship, “New Directions- Review of day services and implementation Plan 2012-2016”, Supported Self Directed Living. • Participate in committees and agency forums as directed by service manager. • Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with Line Manager and staff as appropriate. Health & Safety / Risk Management The Community Access Facilitator will: • Stay informed of current Human Rights Based Approach developments, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities implementation, and national/international disability rights frameworks • Engage in training on anti-discrimination, cultural competence, trauma-informed practice, and intersectionality • Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to the person’s supported care or wellbeing. • Adhere to all HSE policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation. • Enable positive risk taking and ensure this is documented in line with the person’s rights under United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and service policies. • Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility. • Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. • Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service. The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 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 the Services 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 Qualifications, Knowledge & Awareness • Possess a qualification in General Health and Social Care or Community and/or Youth Work, as recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), formerly FETAC, at a minimum of QQI Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (see Appendix 1 for list of qualifications) Or • Possess a relevant healthcare qualification at a minimum of QQI Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Or • Hold an equivalent healthcare qualification from another jurisdiction • A good awareness of the ethos of Corlann South is essential. • An understanding and respect for working with people with an intellectual disability. • A willingness to learn new ideas, develop new skills and attend appropriate training with a view to always striving to improve the quality of service being provided is essential. • Be computer literate including proficiency in Microsoft Office with knowledge and proficiency of using information systems. • A full clean manual Irish Driver’s licence which qualifies you to drive on Irish roads and must drive service vehicles. Experience • 6 month’s experience of working with people with an intellectual disability. • Experience in completing effective reports • Experience of working as part of a team in service provision • Experience of supporting adults with varying degrees of intellectual disability • Knowledge of needs of adults with intellectual disabilities • Understanding of Health & Safety • Knowledge of the Ethos of Corlann • Good understanding of socialisation and recreational needs of people who use the services • Knowledge of working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team • Knowledge of how to support people who use the services to achieve personal outcomes • Knowledge of HIQA Regulations and responsibilities • Knowledge of current trends in intellectual disabilities services e.g. Rights based approach to Service Provision Skills & Abilities • The ability to work as a member of a team. • The ability to follow and take instructions. • The ability to use initiative, be flexible and adapt to change. • Good time-management skills and an organised approach to work are essential. • Good communication and inter-personal skills. • Demonstrate the ability to maintain professional relationships. • The ability to facilitate people to participate in local activities such as music, drama or sport/athletics is essential. Personal Attributes ▪ Personal commitment to the vision and ethos of Corlann South (formerly Brothers of Charity) with particular reference to respecting the dignity of the person, the principles of social inclusion and community integration. A high level of confidence, interest and enthusiasm and a positive attitude to people with an intellectual disability/autism is essential. Respect for the confidential nature of the services being provided. A willingness to learn new ideas, develop new skills and attend appropriate training with a view to always striving to improve the quality of service being provided.
Grounds Maintenance Team Lead
MAIN PURPOSE OF POST 1. Supervise the small works team in horticulture, gardening and general grounds maintenance works in Council facilities, public parks, sports grounds and similar open spaces, to the standards required. 2. To present a courteous attitude at all times by assisting with the promotion of good working relationships between Council staff and members of the public. 3. Ensure that the department complies with all statutory and legislative requirements by adhering to these requirements and working in accordance with good governance and health and safety requirements. 4. Ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all areas relating to the work of the Council. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 5. Supervise the team by giving instruction, assistance, support and training within your remit to team members and others in performance of duties and responsibilities with emphasis on Health and Safety. Includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, working at heights, ensuring adherence to risk assessments, method statements and where necessary, completing dynamic on-the-job risk assessments. Also assist in identifying training needs. 6. Contribute to the maximisation of productivity through the effective planning and organisation of manpower, plant and materials. 7. Responsible for ensuring that the team under their direction carry out grounds maintenance schedules in a timely manner. 8. Assist the supervisor to complete all necessary paperwork eg weekly timesheets, accident report forms, vehicle/plant log books, inspection records, work schedule, work schedules, memorial approvals, dynamic Risk Assessment, chemical applications etc. 9. Deputise for supervisor as necessary e.g. to cover holidays or short term absence. 10. Supervise and undertake a comprehensive range of multi-skilled practical tasks associated with the daily maintenance of grounds, preparation and marking out all sports/playing surfaces using appropriate methods and equipment. In the absence of the Supervisor, order and quantify appropriate materials when required. 11. Ensure grass is cut to specified standards in both sports and non-sports locations. 12. Operate grounds maintenance machinery such as ride-on mowers, power tools, tractors and associated plant ensuring the safe use of resources/machinery necessary in performance of all work. Includes safe operation, daily/weekly/monthly operational checks and servicing and ensuring all vehicles are cleaned and maintained inside and outside. 13. Drive applicable Council vehicles including vans and lorries and other mechanical plant up to relevant C1+E licence. Complete and maintain daily records sheets relative to the operation of the vehicle. Ensure all vehicles are cleaned and maintained inside and outside on a daily basis. 14. Supervise general grounds tasks, including turf care, planting, shrub and tree pruning, removal of grass cuttings, leaves and litter etc. 15. Supervise the seeding, propagation, planting, mulching, tending and weeding of flower and shrub beds. 16. Supervise the use of, where appropriate, chemical weed control, complying with manufacturers’ instructions and COSHH regulations. 17. Supervise the maintenance of hard/soft landscaping, eg edging of paths and paved areas. 18. Oversee the erection, inspection, maintenance and dismantling of sports and play equipment. 19. Undertake construction labouring work and the safe operation of a range of assorted tools and equipment, including the erection and/or repair of fencing and path laying. 20. Responsible for ensuring that staff under their control safely use appropriate plant/machinery necessary in performance of all work. Includes safe operation, daily/weekly operational checks (oil/water) and ensuring same are kept clean and serviceable. 21. Cemetery duties including: ensuring correct location of grave (referring to maps and other records) setting out, excavating, re-opening, exhuming, digging (mechanical/hand), attend committals, backfill and aftercare (sowing/turfing/grass cutting) of graves. 22. As required, work flexibly with other works teams (outside of grounds maintenance) to ensure delivery of all Council services eg supporting delivery of Council events (including stewarding) and erection, inspection and minor repairs of festive lighting. 23. Support other agencies (in times of emergency) by eg filling, delivery and placing of sand bags in flooded areas or snow clearance from footpaths. 24. Cleaning, litter picking and general housekeeping duties. 25. Report all accidents and near misses which may occur and report all incidents of damage to Council property/equipment. 26. In circumstances when littering is observed during the course of their duties record details of the incident and pass the information to the Supervisor. 27. Carry out duties in all weather conditions unless it is felt health and safety is being compromised. GENERAL 28. By its nature the post will require flexible working to meet the needs of the service. This will also include attendance at meetings/training courses/tool box talks and any relevant working groups 29. Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for local Government employees. 30. Comply with and actively promote the Council’s policies and procedures, including those relating to Fair employment, Equal Opportunities, and Health, Safety and Wellbeing. 31. Undertake the duties outlined above in a way which will enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Council. 32. Comply with and actively promote the appropriate standard of record keeping and information governance practices in conducting duties of the post. 33. Undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate to the achievement of the purpose and function of this post. 34. Undertake the specific duties outlined above if appropriate training is given. The list of duties/responsibilities must not be considered comprehensive nor exhaustive. They are simply a summary of the main duties/responsibilities that the post holder will be required to undertake. No Job Description can cover every issue that may arise within the post at various times and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this Job Description. If the post holder has any form of disability, every effort will be made to supply all the necessary employment aids, equipment or adaptations to enable him/her to perform the full duties of the job. If, however, a certain task proves to be unachievable then job redesign will be given full consideration.
