AsIAm – Senior Community Advisor
AsIAm is Ireland’s Autism Charity. AsIAm is a fast paced, growing organisation with a vision to create a society where every autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. The organisation’s purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for autistic people that is accessible, accepted and affirming. AsIAm works to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.
AsIAm is now excited to announce the next step in that support to the Autistic community is the implementation of Regional One Stop Shops, the first of which will be based in South Dublin and Galway.
A key expectation of everyone who works for AsIAm is that they demonstrate our values; Perseverance, Same Chance and Service. Our values come into play throughout everything we do at work – how we work together and how we deliver services to the people we support and to the people we work alongside.
As a Senior Community Advisor, you will work closely with the One Stop Shop Manager in the day-to-day operation of the One Stop Shop. You will contribute to ensuring the delivery of a range of information, advice and post diagnostic support services for Autistic adults and children, their families, carers and interested professionals.
This role provides an ideal opportunity for someone who is comfortable and skilled in interacting with Autistic children, adults and families, and has experience in both delivery of effective community supports to Autistic people and supporting team members in skill and knowledge development. They should have a deep knowledge of Autistic culture, and Autism related issues in Ireland. The role requires the successful candidate to adapt and build One Stop Shop resources and services provided.
We particularly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals.
• To support the One Stop Shop Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the One Stop Shop
• To support the One Stop Shop Manager in providing supervision and training to team members, particularly around ‘complex’ cases
• To develop and deliver advice, information and support on a range of issues impacting Autistic individuals throughout the lifespan
• To support adults following their diagnosis by providing information and advice to help them navigate systems and support.
• To support parents following their child’s diagnosis by providing information and advice to help them support and understand their child.
• To promote acceptance and understanding of the needs of Autistic individuals across the spectrum among professionals and the wide community.
• To identify gaps in access to information and support, particularly post diagnosis and to formulate responses to meet needs.
• To engage with individuals and groups to enable access to mainstream and other services.
• To ensure the AsIAm One Stop Shop demonstrates sound governance and compliance.
• To build productive and collaborative relationships with team members at AsIAm HQ, particularly on issues which may be policy related.
• To maintain accurate and confidential records relating to people accessing the services of the One Stop Shop.
• To provide accurate and current information and guidance to individuals on a range of issues such as benefits, housing, health and wellbeing.
• To support the development and collation of a range of information resources.
• To develop activities, groups and opportunities that would enhance the wellbeing of individuals accessing the One Stop Shop.
• To ensure the One Stop Shop is meeting the needs of the Autistic community in the region.
• To collaborate with internal and external partners to identify appropriate actions
• To support the One Stop Shop Manager in the maintenance of good safeguarding practices across the One Stop Shop
• To support the One Stop Shop Manager in the maintenance of adherence to protocols and policies in the operation of the One Stop Shop to ensure compliance with all regulation and best practice guidelines and to ensure consistency in approach.
• To support team members in the ongoing risk assessment and management of all activities within the One Stop Shop
• To identify team training needs and keep up to date with relevant changes in legislation and policy
• To support the One Stop Shop Manager in ensuring that the One Stop Shop delivers agreed outcomes for the target area as agreed in the Service Level Agreement.
• To undertake Core Training as identified in the Induction process.
• To actively identify personalised learning objectives and engage with and contribute to the 1:1 and review process.
• To liaise with the One Stop Shop Manager and Head of Governance and Compliance to follow all direction and guidelines pertaining to financial and budgetary procedures.
• To monitor and ensure that all duties reflect best practice and are carried out in accordance with the requirements of organisational policy and legislative requirements.
Wider AsIAm Team
• To participate in the overall team to ensure collaborative teamwork and support other team members as required
• To attend events on behalf of the organisation
Essential:
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in an Autism support service (e.g., HSE, charity sector, school etc.)
• Academic qualification in social care, social work, nursing, education, health or clinical sciences
• Experience leading or overseeing an aspect of Autism support service or service development
Desirable:
• Experience providing support professionally to both Autistic children and Autistic adults
Contract Duration: This is a permanent role subject to HSE funding.
Salary: Salary will align with Grade IV as set out in the HSE Consolidated Pay Grades.
Working Hours:
The role is five days One Stop Shop Based across Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The role holder is required to have a degree of flexibility regarding working hours with the expectation of some evening and weekend work.
Location:
The roles will be based in South Dublin City and Galway.
Your next step…
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to Jacqui O’Grady, at jogradyhr@gmail.com
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 14 August 2024
This competition will be conducted in line with the HSE recruitment guidelines. Please note that canvassing will lead to disqualification.
Note: All candidates must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting should they be successful.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position. AsIAm particularly welcomes applications from Autistic individuals.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer who reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equity Act, 1998.