Jobs in Co. Down
Sort by: relevance | dateAccount Executive
The purpose of this role is for an experienced Account Executive to work within a dynamic team setting in our South region. The role entails working on Commercial accounts with an Account Director and managing and developing an established Commercial book of business. This role is based in our South region on a hybrid basis. Reports To: Team Lead, Commercial Lines Key Internal Relationships: Regional Manager & Regional Business Manager, Account Directors, Account Executives Key External Relationships: Customers, Insurance companies, Credit Management Sales and Activity Management:
Account Executive
The purpose of this role is for an experienced Account Executive to work within a dynamic team setting. The role entails working on Personal Accounts for our clients. Location: Letterkenny Role Accountabilities Responsibilities Sales & Activity Management:
Account Administrator
As an Account Administrator the purpose of your role is to support the Personal Lines team to generate income, build relationships with existing and potential customers and provide excellent customer service. This role is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to pursue a career in Insurance. Location: Based in our Tullamore office and is a Full-Time Role. Responsibilities Activity Management: Support the team to achieve its income and sales targets by managing assigned renewal lists and mid-term adjustments.
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
Administrative Assistant
Introduction: Corlann West provide a community based, person centred service focusing on the needs and abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The vision of the service is to support people with intellectual disabilities to achieve a full and valued life in their community, in line with best practice both nationally and internationally. Working in partnership with each person supported by services, and their family and communities, we aim to create opportunities for people supported by services to have ordinary life experiences and to be closely connected to family and friends. We are committed to supporting people to live a life of their choosing, and the provision of quality services to meet the needs of the people we support. Location and Role: The post is based across the Regional office in Roscommon and The Area office in Monksland Athlone. The person will be involved in the administrative support for all areas of Rindoon Services (Athlone, Kilteevan, Roscommon Town Areas). The administrative assistant will work with all members of Corlann Teams to ensure safe, quality and personalised service. The post-holder will be required to have an understanding and respect for working in accordance with the mission and ethos of the Corlann. This requires a personal commitment to the vision expressed both in words and in style of working. The post-holder will also be expected to respond to all queries for service provision and forward them on to the relevant staff member as appropriate. Reporting/Responsible To: Area Manager or delegate Qualifications/Experience/Skills: A recognised qualification in secretarial/administration and proficiency in IT packages is essential. 3-5 years’ experience working in the area of administration/accounts including experience working with Microsoft packages and computer Databases is essential. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal Organisational skills with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to exercise good judgement discretion and confidentiality Ability to work in cooperation with others in a team environment. Experience of working with people with disabilities is an advantage. Working Hours: 70 hours per fortnight rostered on a 5-day Monday to Friday basis. Flexibility in relation to your hours of work will be required in order to meet service needs. Contracted hours of work may change between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. over 7 days as future service needs require. Flexibility may be required in order to meet Service demands. Annual Leave: 26 days per annum. Remuneration: Department of Health Grade IV salary scale (01/06/26) - € 36,470 x 9 increments - € 52,757 (Max) per annum. LSI 1 € 54,367 per annum is payable after 3 years on the maximum of the scale. LSI 2 € 56,018 per annum pro rata is payable after a further 3 years. Tenure: This post is permanent full-time and pensionable. Probation: A probationary period of nine months from the date of appointment applies to the post. The employment may be terminated at any time during the probationary period should the employer find that the appointee is unsuitable to continue employment. The probation period may be extended at the Employer’s discretion. Travel: A full clean driving licence and use of a car is an essential requirement of the post. The person appointed must provide his/her own car and must furnish an indemnity from Insurers in favour of the employer. Travelling expenses at the appropriate rate will be paid in respect of travel necessarily performed in the discharge of duty. JOB DESCRIPTION Corlann’s model of service is based on Personal Outcome Measures requiring employees to be flexible both in their approach and their working hours to provide a quality service delivery. Specific Conditions • Staff should have a positive attitude towards working with persons with an intellectual disability and help to ensure that they lead as normal and enjoyable a life as possible. • Staff should treat each person with intellectual disability as an individual and at all times acknowledge and respect the rights and personal dignity of the person with intellectual disability. • Staff are required to establish and maintain relationships with people that they support that are based on respect and equality and that promote independence. Main duties and functions: • Provide telephone/reception and administration supports as required and ensure the Area Manager and their management team are informed of all matters requiring personal attention. • Daily office management and diary management as required. • Co-ordinate any room bookings, local training as required. • Become familiar with the accounting processes and procedures as required – Invoices/Visas/Accounts payable/Banking/Ordering/Vat Returns and all IT packages associated with these. • Provide administrative support to the residential and day service teams as required. • Input Timesheets for staff members in a timely manner to enable the wages office to process payroll, as required. • Manage staff annual leave/travel expenses/sick leave records and associated database - SIMS. • Assist with rosters as required. • Coordinate staff training for the area in conjunction with managers and the Quality Enhancement & Development department. • Provide administrative support with all templates, surveys, queries on Roscommon Services as required by the management team. • Manage and keep records for petty cash. Issue receipts and prepare lodgements for all incoming funding. • Transport – retain records as required. • Maintenance – Liaise and coordinate works with maintenance as required and link with outside contractors and services if required. • Responsibility for supporting the provision of relevant reports, statistics, KPIs, Quantum of Service, RSSMACC to key stakeholders. • Responsibility for maintaining relevant databases to ensure accurate and up to date information on all people supported by Corlann, including OLIS in order to comply with statutory and non-statutory requirements. • Become familiar with and operate the various databases in use within the organisation i.e., OLIS, AIRS, Flex, Transac, Kefron, SIMS, Personal Outcome Measures and keep all up to-date. • Co-operate with other departments working for the benefit of people supported and providers, i.e., Quality Enhancement & Development, Finance, HR and all multidisciplinary departments. • Ensure the maintenance of an appropriate filing system to include safe storage of records in accordance with Service policy and be responsible for other records as required to ensure effective administration. • Be responsible for the ordering, checking and storage of stationary and office supplies as required. • Provision of administrative support and the relative reports and statistics for the Human Rights Review Committee within the Roscommon Services • Become familiar with and operate within the current policies and procedures of the Service in all aspects of work. • Support staff when required including over leave periods. Be prepared to cover for leave for other administration staff in the Roscommon Services and travel to other bases, if required. • Assist in the sourcing and ordering of equipment for the Service when appropriate. • Be conscious of Health and Safety matters in the work place, and in particular to comply with employees obligations as set out under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times. Be aware of and become familiar with fire drill procedures within the Centre, i.e., calling emergency services, fire detection, evacuation, etc. • Co-operate with new technological advances in relation to service procedures. • Attend all mandatory and service essential training as required, and avail of all other organisational training to enhance knowledge of the organisation and your skills to ensure that the role is carried out in an effective and efficient manner. Highlight any training needs to the area manager/training department. • Ensure confidentiality in all matters concerning People Supported and staff including the safe storage of reports and records. • Ensure the service is operating in line with all statutory and organisational requirements in relation to administration duties. • Promote dignity at work and show respect to people supported, colleagues and stakeholders in the course of duty. As the duties and responsibilities of any post in our Services are likely to change over time, staff are expected to demonstrate a high level of flexibility and a willingness and ability to develop new approaches to their work, reflecting the developing needs of the service and those who use it. The role of the post holder will not be limited by reference to this job description. It would be expected that the role will evolve as professional, structural and people supported’ demands change and the post holder will be expected to demonstrate flexibility skills that will facilitate this.
Administrative Assistant
Introduction: Corlann West provide a community based, person centred service focusing on the needs and abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The vision of the service is to support people with intellectual disabilities to achieve a full and valued life in their community, in line with best practice both nationally and internationally. Working in partnership with each person supported by services, and their family and communities, we aim to create opportunities for people supported by services to have ordinary life experiences and to be closely connected to family and friends. We are committed to supporting people to live a life of their choosing, and the provision of quality services to meet the needs of the people we support. Location and Role: The post is based across the Regional office in Roscommon and The Area office in Monksland Athlone. The person will be involved in the administrative support for all areas of Rindoon Services (Athlone, Kilteevan, Roscommon Town Areas). The administrative assistant will work with all members of Corlann Teams to ensure safe, quality and personalised service. The post-holder will be required to have an understanding and respect for working in accordance with the mission and ethos of the Corlann. This requires a personal commitment to the vision expressed both in words and in style of working. The post-holder will also be expected to respond to all queries for service provision and forward them on to the relevant staff member as appropriate. Reporting/Responsible To: Area Manager or delegate Qualifications/Experience/Skills: A recognised qualification in secretarial/administration and proficiency in IT packages is essential. 3-5 years’ experience working in the area of administration/accounts including experience working with Microsoft packages and computer Databases is essential. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal Organisational skills with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to exercise good judgement discretion and confidentiality Ability to work in cooperation with others in a team environment. Experience of working with people with disabilities is an advantage. Working Hours: 70 hours per fortnight rostered on a 5-day Monday to Friday basis. Flexibility in relation to your hours of work will be required in order to meet service needs. Contracted hours of work may change between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. over 7 days as future service needs require. Flexibility may be required in order to meet Service demands. Annual Leave: 26 days per annum. Remuneration: Department of Health Grade IV salary scale (01/06/26) - € 36,470 x 9 increments - € 52,757 (Max) per annum. LSI 1 € 54,367 per annum is payable after 3 years on the maximum of the scale. LSI 2 € 56,018 per annum pro rata is payable after a further 3 years. Tenure: This post is permanent full-time and pensionable. Probation: A probationary period of nine months from the date of appointment applies to the post. The employment may be terminated at any time during the probationary period should the employer find that the appointee is unsuitable to continue employment. The probation period may be extended at the Employer’s discretion. Travel: A full clean driving licence and use of a car is an essential requirement of the post. The person appointed must provide his/her own car and must furnish an indemnity from Insurers in favour of the employer. Travelling expenses at the appropriate rate will be paid in respect of travel necessarily performed in the discharge of duty. JOB DESCRIPTION Corlann’s model of service is based on Personal Outcome Measures requiring employees to be flexible both in their approach and their working hours to provide a quality service delivery. Specific Conditions • Staff should have a positive attitude towards working with persons with an intellectual disability and help to ensure that they lead as normal and enjoyable a life as possible. • Staff should treat each person with intellectual disability as an individual and at all times acknowledge and respect the rights and personal dignity of the person with intellectual disability. • Staff are required to establish and maintain relationships with people that they support that are based on respect and equality and that promote independence. Main duties and functions: • Provide telephone/reception and administration supports as required and ensure the Area Manager and their management team are informed of all matters requiring personal attention. • Daily office management and diary management as required. • Co-ordinate any room bookings, local training as required. • Become familiar with the accounting processes and procedures as required – Invoices/Visas/Accounts payable/Banking/Ordering/Vat Returns and all IT packages associated with these. • Provide administrative support to the residential and day service teams as required. • Input Timesheets for staff members in a timely manner to enable the wages office to process payroll, as required. • Manage staff annual leave/travel expenses/sick leave records and associated database - SIMS. • Assist with rosters as required. • Coordinate staff training for the area in conjunction with managers and the Quality Enhancement & Development department. • Provide administrative support with all templates, surveys, queries on Roscommon Services as required by the management team. • Manage and keep records for petty cash. Issue receipts and prepare lodgements for all incoming funding. • Transport – retain records as required. • Maintenance – Liaise and coordinate works with maintenance as required and link with outside contractors and services if required. • Responsibility for supporting the provision of relevant reports, statistics, KPIs, Quantum of Service, RSSMACC to key stakeholders. • Responsibility for maintaining relevant databases to ensure accurate and up to date information on all people supported by Corlann, including OLIS in order to comply with statutory and non-statutory requirements. • Become familiar with and operate the various databases in use within the organisation i.e., OLIS, AIRS, Flex, Transac, Kefron, SIMS, Personal Outcome Measures and keep all up to-date. • Co-operate with other departments working for the benefit of people supported and providers, i.e., Quality Enhancement & Development, Finance, HR and all multidisciplinary departments. • Ensure the maintenance of an appropriate filing system to include safe storage of records in accordance with Service policy and be responsible for other records as required to ensure effective administration. • Be responsible for the ordering, checking and storage of stationary and office supplies as required. • Provision of administrative support and the relative reports and statistics for the Human Rights Review Committee within the Roscommon Services • Become familiar with and operate within the current policies and procedures of the Service in all aspects of work. • Support staff when required including over leave periods. Be prepared to cover for leave for other administration staff in the Roscommon Services and travel to other bases, if required. • Assist in the sourcing and ordering of equipment for the Service when appropriate. • Be conscious of Health and Safety matters in the work place, and in particular to comply with employees obligations as set out under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times. Be aware of and become familiar with fire drill procedures within the Centre, i.e., calling emergency services, fire detection, evacuation, etc. • Co-operate with new technological advances in relation to service procedures. • Attend all mandatory and service essential training as required, and avail of all other organisational training to enhance knowledge of the organisation and your skills to ensure that the role is carried out in an effective and efficient manner. Highlight any training needs to the area manager/training department. • Ensure confidentiality in all matters concerning People Supported and staff including the safe storage of reports and records. • Ensure the service is operating in line with all statutory and organisational requirements in relation to administration duties. • Promote dignity at work and show respect to people supported, colleagues and stakeholders in the course of duty. As the duties and responsibilities of any post in our Services are likely to change over time, staff are expected to demonstrate a high level of flexibility and a willingness and ability to develop new approaches to their work, reflecting the developing needs of the service and those who use it. The role of the post holder will not be limited by reference to this job description. It would be expected that the role will evolve as professional, structural and people supported’ demands change and the post holder will be expected to demonstrate flexibility skills that will facilitate this.
Retail Associate (Seasonal)
With nearly 60 stores across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland & Scotland and 30 years of presence and expertise in the fashion industry, DV8 Fashion is one of the most recognised fashion names on the High Street bringing you top brands, exclusive lines and new trends. We pride ourselves in innovation and creativity and love to showcase this in everything that we do. We have a truly global presence, offering our brands online giving you 24/7 access to top fashion, shipping to most parts of the world! About You We are on the lookout for Seasonal Retail Associates to join our DV8 Clare store please note flexibility during the week will be required. Some retail experience would be great, but we provide full training & development, so we don’t enforce the need for previous experience! About the Role To be a successful Retail Associate at DV8 you will: · Offer friendly and helpful service to all of our customers · Keep our salesfloor looking spotless, tidy and easy to shop from · Be working at any part of the store be it salesfloor or the stockroom · Operate the till for both cash and card payments full training will be provided · Undertake other tasks to help smooth running of the store Some of DV8 Benefits · Career development opportunities · Training · Competitive remuneration · Very generous staff discount · Early access to exclusive and new lines
Retail Associate (Seasonal)
With nearly 60 stores across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland & Scotland and 30 years of presence and expertise in the fashion industry, DV8 Fashion is one of the most recognised fashion names on the High Street bringing you top brands, exclusive lines and new trends. We pride ourselves in innovation and creativity and love to showcase this in everything that we do. We have a truly global presence, offering our brands online giving you 24/7 access to top fashion, shipping to most parts of the world! About You We are on the lookout for Seasonal Retail Associates to join our DV8 Coleraine store. Some retail experience would be great, but we provide full training & development, so we don’t enforce the need for previous experience! About the Role To be a successful Retail Associate at DV8 you will: · Offer friendly and helpful service to all of our customers · Keep our salesfloor looking spotless, tidy and easy to shop from · Be working at any part of the store be it salesfloor or the stockroom · Operate the till for both cash and card payments full training will be provided · Undertake other tasks to help smooth running of the store Some of DV8 Benefits · Career development opportunities · Training · Competitive remuneration · Very generous staff discount · Early access to exclusive and new lines
Retail Assistant Manager
With nearly 60 stores across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland & Scotland and 30 years of presence and expertise in the fashion industry, DV8 Fashion is one of the most recognised fashion names on the High Street bringing you top brands, exclusive lines and new trends. We pride ourselves in innovation and creativity and love to showcase this in everything that we do. We have a truly global presence, offering our brands online giving you 24/7 access to top fashion, shipping to most parts of the world! People are at the heart of what we do and play a key part in our continuous expansion, we are always looking for best talent, creativity and innovative mindsets to join DV8. About You We are on the lookout for a full-time Retail Assistant Manager to join our DV8 store in Castlebar. This is a maternity cover role for approximately 12 months. You have to be passionate about our customers, people and products. Your approach should inspire others, creating a great working atmosphere and team spirit. Ideally, the successful candidate should have experience gained in a retail background, but we will consider other relevant experience too! You should also be a great communicator and stay calm and approachable even under pressure. About the Role First and foremost, the priority in our stores is the safety of our team and our customers. All team members must work safely, according to our guidelines at all times. To be a successful Assistant Store Manager at our DV8 store you will: · Support the Store Manager in managing and inspiring your team to be at their best, and stepping up to cover the store when needed · Create an atmosphere where delivering amazing service, achieving performance targets and accurate stock processes is at the core of our operations · Demonstrate a hands-on approach for all operational and commercial activities · Be responsible for security of the store by following procedures and keyholding, ensuring others follow the procedures too Some of DV8 Benefits
Sports Advisor (Fixed Term - Seasonal)
We are so passionate about sport we have made it our business! We have created a retail experience that is fun, thanks to our incredible team. There are lots of reasons to work for Intersport Elverys, but really, it is our employees that make us great. If you are a sports enthusiast or enjoy a fun working environment, then Intersport Elverys is the place for you. At Intersport Elverys we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service as much as we celebrate our passion for sport. That’s why our engaging Sports Advisors offer a friendly and helpful approach that makes Elverys so popular. CANDIDATES MUST BE FULLY FLEXIBLE MONDAY TO SUNDAY. Job Scope: The Sports Advisor is the face of our company to our customers. Sports Advisors are required to generate and close sales by ensuring a great experience in-store for our customers. Key responsibilities:
