Bray Area Partnership (BAP) is the lead body in a local consortium of community based projects and statutory agencies involved in the development of the SPECS Initiative. The development and delivery of the SPECS Initiative Implementation Plan is being core funded under the Government’s new Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme. In its lead role, BAP will be responsible for associated governance, HR management, financial oversight and all reporting requirements applicable to the SPECS Initiative. It is expected that the SPECS Initiative Implementation Plan delivery phase will commence in January 2015.
The SPECS Initiative is designed to operate over a three year period – 2015 / 2017, embracing a focused approach in working with families to achieve better outcomes for children. A vision statement adopted for the SPECS Initiative reads:
‘To have strong local alliances with the capacity and resolve to build and sustain more cohesive communities where all children are able to realise their full potential’.
The SPECS Initiative is modelled on evidenced work relating to child poverty and social exclusion and child well-being that emphasises a need for a three pillar approach encompassing:
1. Access to adequate resources
2. Access to quality services and
3. Fostering the active participation of parents and children
The primary focus of action will be on developing, delivering and collaborating with respect to Pillars 2 & 3 above, Pillar 1 type services such as adequate income systems and pathways to employment will be of concern and will permeate the three year Implementation Plan from a policy and practice dimension.
The Implementation Plan will feature a number of strands involving one to one engagements, group based actions and delivering evidenced programmes comprising:
- Pre-birth to age three home based interventions
- Supporting and affirming parental competencies
- Quality Standards and provision relating to pre-compulsory, formal and informal education services
In addition to the local delivery and area based nature of action, the SPECS Initiative will also form a learning network with the other projects funded under the ABC Programme by way of sharing knowledge and experience in the context of informing related policy and practice developments.
Further details on the SPECS Initiative are available on the BAP website – www.brayareapartnership.ie and additional information on the ABC Programme can be found at
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: Development and Support Worker, SPECS Initiative.
2.5 Full Time equivalents
Employer Body: Bray Area Partnership (BAP).
Reporting to: SPECS Initiative Coordinator.
Location: The SPECS Initiative will operate in the greater
Bray area and environs.
Terms and Conditions: Fixed-term contract position up to 3 years duration, having a starting salary of €33,325 plus an employer’s contribution to an approved pension scheme.
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Job Function:
SPECS (Supporting Parents and Early Childhood Services) is a new initiative in the greater Bray area under the ABC programme which aims to implement an evidence based approach to achieving positive outcomes for children and families. The main job function will be to operate as a key member of the SPECS Initiative staff team in identifying, targeting, engaging and working with families to deliver support programmes and services aimed at improving outcomes for children.
Principal Duties and Key Tasks:
§ Actively inputting to the development of the SPECS Initiative three-year Implementation Plan.
§ Undertaking outreach and other methods of engagement in order to foster strong links with target group families in geographical communities and communities of interest.
§ Delivering programme supports and services directly to targeted families as consistent with the Implementation Plan strategy.
§ Developing and putting in place referral systems for families and children to other relevant services.
§ Undertaking research and studies to better inform the Implementation Plan related content and practice.
§ Contributing to the monitoring of performance, outcomes and impact of the interventions developed and delivered as part of the Implementation Plan.
§ Collecting and maintaining data and prepare reports on progress, outputs and outcomes achieved through the Implementation Plan actions.
§ Performing such other duties or tasks as may be required from time to time as appropriate to the post.
Person Specification:
§ Excellent communication skills
§ Be capable of influencing, motivating and facilitating at local level
§ Ability to build relationships that enable effective casework and outcomes
§ Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
§ Be flexible and able to adapt to new and developing situations
§ Possess analytical planning and organisational skills
§ Be committed to the principles of area based approaches to address local needs
§ Experience of supporting and engaging with children and families
Qualifications:
The SPECS Initiative Development and Support Worker will have operated within a relevant field or social inclusion context and have the necessary skills and experience to undertake the role and complete the key associated duties/tasks including:
.
· Knowledge and understanding of developing and progressing evidenced based and informed work with families to improve outcomes for children
· Experience of family support methodologies/approaches
· A relevant qualification is desirable
· A clean driver’s licence and the use of a car desirable