Case Officer – Local Area Employment Service

ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION

Southside Partnership DLR CLG is a local development company working towards an inclusive and just society where each person is encouraged and enabled to reach their full potential and live with dignity in active, healthy, sustainable and safe communities.

We provide a comprehensive range of support and services to individuals, families and communities through several funded programmes, including:

● SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) 2024–2028

● Tusla and HSE funded family and wellbeing programmes

● Dept Of Social Protection funds our LAES, Tús and CE (Community Employment) Employment Programmes

● Changing Lives DLR philanthropic partnership initiatives

OUR MISSION

Through collaboration, advocacy, and responsive, person-centred programmes, we work with and within the communities of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to advance social, cultural and economic inclusion, strengthen local resilience, and create pathways for people to realise their potential.

OUR VISION

A society where every person feels seen, heard and valued – supported to thrive in inclusive, resilient, sustainable communities, full of possibility.

VALUES IN ACTION

At Southside Partnership, our work is guided by four core values:

● Integrity & Accountability – We act with honesty, reliability, and professionalism, taking responsibility for our actions and ensuring our work is consistent, trustworthy, and ethical.

● Community & Inclusion – We believe in the power of community and strive to foster diverse, inclusive, and cooperative spaces that ensure fairness, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.

● Growth & Learning Mindset – We are committed to continuous improvement, open mindedness, and innovative thinking, embracing curiosity, ambition, and creativity to adapt and lead in a changing world.

● Compassion & Wellbeing – We lead with empathy and care, nurturing environments where people feel valued, supported, and connected, promoting balance, health, and human dignity.

ROLE SUMMARY

The LAES Case Officer will provide structured and person-centred support to individuals who are long-term unemployed and/or experiencing barriers to employment in the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Area. The role involves intensive one-to-one engagement, motivational support and practical job-search assistance, working closely with clients to identify barriers to progression, develop personalised action plans, and connect them with resources to aid their return to the workforce.

A strong community development approach is central to this role, including understanding disadvantage, working with individuals in a respectful and empowering way, and linking participants into local supports and opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (include but not limited to)

1. Client Service

Engage and Onboard

• Proactively engage with clients using a participative and diagnostic approach.
• Conduct initial assessments to explore goals, aspirations, motivation, and barriers to employment.
• Clearly explain the service offering, rights, and responsibilities, including confidentiality and complaints procedures.
• Register clients in line with contractual obligations and eligibility criteria.

Career Planning

• Develop personalised Personal Progression Plans with clear actions and required supports.
• Identify and signpost clients to relevant training, education, or work placement opportunities.

Job Readiness

• Deliver support in CV preparation, job search strategies, and interview skills (including mock interviews in person and via MS Teams).

Community Development & Barrier Removal

• Work in an empowering way with individuals experiencing long-term unemployment, poverty, isolation, low confidence, low literacy, migration-related barriers and other complex challenges.
• Signpost and refer clients to appropriate community-based and statutory supports (e.g. training, personal development, health and wellbeing supports, financial supports, childcare supports).
• Build and maintain knowledge of local services and opportunities available in the DLR area to support client progression.

2. Employer and External Stakeholder Engagement

• Support job matching by liaising with local employers and identifying suitable opportunities for clients.
• Highlight incentives for employing staff moving from the live register to employment
• Link in with external stakeholders such as Intreo, ETB, SOLAS and relevant training providers to coordinate wrap-around supports.
• Promote positive and professional interagency collaboration in line with LAES operating guidelines.

3. Work planning, Compliance and Team Contribution

Case and Time Management

• Manage an active caseload effectively, prioritising workload and maintaining consistent engagement with clients across multiple locations.
• Plan and schedule client appointments to ensure efficient use of time, high-quality casework, and strong working relationships.
• Achieve service targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) in line with LAES operating guidelines and contractual requirements.

Collaboration and Support

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across LAES sites and provide cover during leave or absence as required.
• Participate in internal working groups and contribute to service improvements.

Reporting and Compliance

• Maintain accurate client records in BOMI and other systems.
• Prepare written and oral reports for the line manager as required.
• Ensure compliance with all quality assurance standards, including Q Mark.
• Undertake additional tasks as required to support team and organisational goals.
• Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures, including Quality Assurance standards (e.g. Q Mark), Health & Safety requirements, and internal/external audits.
• Keep up to date with relevant labour market and employment-related policies and strategies
• Participate in training and performance reviews as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential Qualifications & Experience

· A relevant qualification (NFQ Level 7 or higher) in a related discipline (e.g. Community Development, Guidance/Counselling, Social Work, Youth/Adult Education, Employment Services, Social Sciences or similar).

· Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment (e.g. long-term unemployed, low confidence, low literacy, isolation, migration-related barriers or other complex challenges) within community, education, employment, guidance or related services.

· Experience of structured one-to-one engagement, including assessment, goal setting, action planning and motivational support to help clients progress towards employment, education or training.

Essential Skills & Competencies

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport using an empathetic, respectful and non-judgemental approach.

· Strong liaison and relationship-building skills with stakeholders (e.g. employers, Intreo, ETB/SOLAS, training providers and community supports), including the ability to communicate clearly and support coordinated referral pathways.

· Strong organisational skills, with proven ability to manage a caseload, prioritise workload and meet service targets/KPIs.

· Excellent record-keeping and reporting skills, including maintaining accurate case notes and interventions in line with GDPR and funder requirements.

· Strong IT skills (MS Office essential). Experience with BOMi or similar systems is an advantage.

· A commitment to equality, inclusion and community participation, with a genuine interest in supporting positive outcomes for individuals and communities.

Desirable

· Familiarity with LAES operating guidelines and employment-related policies/strategies (e.g. Pathways to Work).

· Experience in community development or local development settings, supporting individuals facing multiple barriers to employment and social exclusion.

· Knowledge of Irish employment supports and incentives (e.g. Working Family Payment).

· Experience delivering group sessions or workshops (e.g. job readiness, confidence building, interview preparation).

· Knowledge of local services and community supports within Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown.

Other Requirements

· Full clean driving licence and access to transport preferred (public transport use acceptable).

· Legal permission to work in Ireland is required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a Cover letter outlining why you believe you are suitable for this role by email to HumanResources@sspship.ie before close of business on 5pm Friday 2 October, 2026.

Please include “Case Officer – Application” as the email subject for your application.

Alternatively, please apply online through the link provided on the Job Advertisement posted on Indeed.

Please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage and not without your prior permission.

Please note that:

· Southside Partnership DLR CLG. is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

· Southside Partnership DLR CLG. does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

· No late applications will be accepted, and canvassing will lead to disqualification.

· Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references and Garda vetting as appropriate.

· All applicant data will be treated securely as per GDPR and the Data Protection Acts.

Pay: €30,931.00-€47,514.00 per year

Work Location: In person