Location: Based in Age Action’s Office in Galway responsible for CHOs 1, 2 & 3. (CHO 3 is shared with the Cork based Development Officer)
Post: Development Officer
Responsible to: Regional Programmes Manager
Garda Vetting is required for this role
About Age Action:
Age Action are Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation promoting equality for us all as we age.
Working to create a just, inclusive and age-friendly society. Age Action make their vision a reality through their advocacy work, direct services and education. Working to ensure older people’s rights are respected and their voices are heard. Celebrating the contributions of older people and work to promote everyone’s agency in older age. Leading the fight in challenging ageism, effecting long term change at government level and highlighting the disadvantages we face as we grow older in Ireland.
The work is driven by an organisation that is professional in its operations and lives out its values of dignity, participation, diversity, social justice, and professionalism.
Everything done is based on recognising uniqueness and experiences. The work is varied, encompassing advocacy, education, volunteering for all ages and services for older people. They actively campaign on issues that directly impact us all as we age, such as income security, healthcare and housing. Additionally, providing practical supports through Information Service, Getting Started and Care and Repair services, as part of Age Action’s mission to achieve fundamental change in the lives of all older people and facilitate a better quality of life.
Key role: Support the engagement of a broad range of stakeholders in Age Action programmes and activities. These programmes and activities include the programmes listed below and Age Actions wider policy work, volunteer engagement opportunities and income generation activities.
The role
Deliver Age Action programmes with a view to linking new participants to established activities and developing new groups where the need arises
Actively promote Age Action programmes in the region to increase participation. This includes participating and presenting in relevant events and networks.
Train, and support volunteers in conjunction with the Age Action Volunteer Team
To plan and manage all aspects of the programme to which you are assigned which may include day-to-day operations, supervision and support of volunteers and participants on employment schemes, and handling client requests
Support Administration team to handle client calls, schedule and record activities
Recruit, train and support community partner organisations to run services in partnership with Age Action
Raise awareness of programmes among older people, community groups, health professionals and the public.
Engage and develop partnerships with local statutory and voluntary bodies with a specific focus on the HSE/CHO
To assist with implementation of income generation strategy and identify corporate opportunities
Manage the administration of the programmes including the provision of required progress reports
Support the work of Age Action’s Advocacy and Public Affairs team where required
Support the work of Age Action’s Fundraising and Communications team where required
The Development Officer will cover a region as specified by their line manager which is achievable from the location at which they are based
The Development Officer may be assigned to a specific programme or may work across programmes depending on organisational requirements
To maintain a flexible approach to all aspects of the job
To attend meetings and training courses when necessary
Carry out all reasonable requests of the Regional Programmes Manager
Age Action currently runs the following programmes in the region:
Care & Repair
Age Action’s Care and Repair does small DIY jobs for older people to help them maintain their homes and their independence. Operating in Cork, Dublin and Galway, Care and Repair does jobs that might be more difficult to complete as we get older people but not big enough to call in a tradesperson.
Age Action’s Care and Repair prioritises carrying out jobs in the homes of older people who are being discharged or have recently been discharged from hospital. If someone is coming out of hospital, no matter where they live, we would support them to make sure their house is safe. Care and Repair can remove trip hazards, install handrails, replace toilet seats or move a bed downstairs to make sure the home is ready for their return.
For any job that is too big or specialised for our team we can provide details of local tradespeople.
2. Getting Started
As part of the fight against digital exclusion and to combat digital literacy among older people, Age Action's Getting Started programme delivers training on computers, the internet and mobile phones to people over the age of 55.
The programme addresses the challenges and barriers experienced by older learners. Volunteers are trained and supported to provide one-to-one tuition in a relaxed and non-formal learning environment. To date, the programme has trained over 43,000 people nationwide in hundreds of venues.
Skills and Abilities
A commitment to human rights and equality of outcome
Experience of working on community development projects
Experience of working with volunteers and in the voluntary sector
Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of key stakeholders
Excellent organisational skills and an ability to work on his/her own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision
Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint), and experience of CRM database management
A current full clean driving licence and own car, or access to a car.
Personal Attributes:
Flexible approach to work and duties, working as a team player liaising with other colleagues and be adaptable to changing circumstances
Work in line with Age Action’s values and maintaining the reputation and standing of the organisation
Capacity for self-reflective practice and willingness to engage in further training and development
Other
Eligibility to work in Ireland.
Conditions of Service
The post of Development Officer is a fixed term post for 24 months from date of appointment. Salary of €33,837 per annum is offered for the post.
Age Action practices a hybrid working model, combining office-based working and working remotely. Some travel will be necessary to carry out work within a specified region. Full drivers licence and access to car required.
There may be work outside normal office hours in the evenings and weekends, for which time off in lieu will be provided.
Garda Vetting is a requirement for this role.