Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for Integration Support Worker may be filled.

In the Programme for Government, a commitment was made to end the system of Direct Provision and replace it with a new International Protection accommodation model centred on a not-for-profit approach, an ambitious and comprehensive new model of accommodation and other supports in health, housing, education, and employment for applicants in Ireland’s International Protection System. A cornerstone of this new model is a focus on supporting the principle of ‘integration from day one’ with the overarching aim of empowering applicants to live independently in the community. To achieve this goal, applicants will require access to a network of assistance and supports.

In expanding this model, the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), in collaboration with Local Authorities aims to establish permanent Local Authority integration teams (LAITs) in each Local Authority to co-ordinate the provision of supports to: (a) Applicants for International Protection (IP Applicants) (b) Those with Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Permission to Remain status (c) Programme Refugees, and (d) Beneficiaries of Temporary Accommodation (BOTPs). The primary role of the LAITs is to provide ongoing integration supports to IP applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP to enable them to live independently in the community. This will involve linking these cohorts with local service providers appropriate to their needs. The LAITs will also act as the direct point of contact, providing information, guidance, and advice, answering queries as they arise and ensuring that they are in receipt of applicable benefits and entitlements.
 

The Integration Support Worker (ISW) will perform such duties as may be assigned from time to time which will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of Cork County Council for the advancement of the LAITs.

The ISW reports to ISC and will come under the remit of the Director of Services, Housing or any other designated line manager that the Chief Executive or Director of Service may choose to assign
Key duties include but are not limited to:
 

1. Promoting the social inclusion of IP applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP into local communities through effective use of community development principles and practices and local integration supports;
2. Hosting clinics in local areas and using community development principles to support those in attendance;
3. Collaborating and working with teams in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) including the customer service, the resident welfare and the people with status teams;
4.  Acting as lead on Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) integration projects, supported by grant agreements, put in place to support the integration of programme refugees;
5. To support the Integration Support Coordinator to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Cork County Council’s operational plan;
6. Support with accessing English language classes / courses;
7. Support with accessing employment activation / volunteering;
8.  Support with accessing education and / or training, capacity building courses and apprenticeships;
9. Linking with other public services including legal, childcare, healthcare, and dental and optical services;
10. Providing guidance through application processes for income supports, medical cards, child supports, and any other applicable entitlements;
11. Support with accessing local groups and activities e.g., sporting, music;
12. Supporting IP applicants to transition out of the system once they have received a decision from the Department of Justice including guidance on accessing mainstream and Non-Governmental Organisation supports;
13. Making appropriate provisions for vulnerable persons, including working with mainstream service providers to facilitate access to additional services if required;
14. Assisting in addressing any issues / concerns / grievances / complaints that arise in interactions with public services;
15. To develop and maintain productive working relationships;
16. To compile, prepare and present reports, presentations and respond to correspondence as necessary;
17. To represent the office on committees or at meetings and give progress reports as required;
18. To provide support and assistance in the delivery of projects as required;
19. To assist the handling day to day issues, ensuring compliance with all council policies and procedures;
20. To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required;
21. Preparing interim and annual reports, including data on budgets and expenditure as required.
22. To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time;

23. Ensure compliance with all required Local Authority financial, management and governance reporting requirements;
24. Collect, maintain and update relevant data;
25. Work with project partners to ensure that they are aware of and fulfil their reporting requirements.

26. Ensure the LAIT conforms to all policies and procedures of the Local Authority and in line with the Governance Framework.

Recruitment Section