Employment Support Officer

Job Title:
Employment Support Officer

Department:
Client Services

Reports to:
Project Manager

Hours:
Part-Time

Location:
Eastern Region

Contract Term:
Until 31/12/2028

Purpose of Role

This role forms part of the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Social Protection and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The programme supports people with disabilities to progress towards employment, training, education, self-employment and sustainable careers.

The Employment Support Officer will provide person-centred employment supports to people who are blind or vision impaired, helping them build confidence, develop employment skills and progress towards meaningful employment. Working as part of the WorkAbility Programme team, the role also supports employer engagement, partnership working and programme administration. Support to participants can be provided virtually or in-person.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support

• Support participants who are blind or vision impaired to build confidence, independence and work readiness.
• Assist participants with CV preparation, job applications, interview skills and job searching.
• Work with participants to identify employment goals and achieve agreed outcomes.
• Support participants in accessing training, education, volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities.
• Provide follow-up and workplace support to assist participants in sustaining employment.

Employer Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to identify employment and work experience opportunities.
• Promote inclusive employment and provide guidance on workplace accessibility and reasonable accommodations.
• Support employers and participants during placement and transition into employment where appropriate.

Project Support

• Maintain accurate participant records and contribute to programme monitoring and reporting.
• Build relationships with training providers, employment services and community partners.
• Represent IGD at meetings, networking events and promotional activities as required.
• The role will prioritise participant support while contributing to employer engagement and programme delivery in line with project objectives.

*This list is non-exhaustive, and any additional duties may be assigned by the Employment Project Manager.

Values and Behaviours

IGDB places great emphasis on how people get the job done. For example, we need people who are passionate about enabling people who are vision-impaired and families of children with autism to lead better lives and become more mobile and independent. Employees are expected to achieve these standards to fully meet the expectations of their role.

Respect

Treats Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers with equal respect. Is open-minded and tolerant of different views.

Teamwork

Supports a team environment which promotes wellbeing and maximises personal effectiveness. Communicates clearly and effectively with others. Strives to be supportive, consistent, and professional with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers.

Optimism

Is solution-focused and looks to bring a positive attitude to challenges. Celebrates wins and encourages others to do the same. Does not fear failure – believes we can all learn lessons for the next time together.

Conscientiousness

Takes pride in what is done and how it is done. Always presents a professional and capable manner in all tasks that are completed. Has a clarity of purpose, sets a good example for others. Is accountable for what is done and takes ownership for achievement.

Integrity

Leads by example. Is fair and consistent when working with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers. Takes ownership of achievements and responsibility for failure.

Excellence

Strives to continuously improve own performance.

Person Specification

Essential (Please only apply if you meet these criteria)

• Experience supporting jobseekers, people with disabilities or disadvantaged groups.
• Experience in employment support, career guidance, vocational rehabilitation or community employment programmes.
• Understanding of disability inclusion, equality and accessibility.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with participants, employers and stakeholders.
• Strong administration, organisational and report-writing skills.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and take a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Full clean driver's licence and access to transport (or ability to travel throughout Ireland as required).

Desirable

• A recognised qualification in an appropriate field at BA level such as social studies, community work, health or social care or psychology. 
• Understanding of visual impairment and assistive technology.
• Experience building relationships with employers.
• Knowledge of WorkAbility, ESF+ or Supported Employment.
• Experience delivering workshops or training.
• Experience of programme monitoring and reporting.

Special Conditions

• The role requires a person-centred approach. The applicant will require access to private or public transport and will need to travel as part the role.
• Subject to full Garda (Police) vetting. 

• Must be eligible to work in Ireland and the EU. 

  
  

Apply

To apply, please send the below information to Recruitment@GuideDogs.ie

• Up-to-date CV
• Cover letter highlighting your specific areas of interest and skill sets

The closing date for applications is 20 August 2026

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.