Community Engagement Specialist (Limerick & Clare Region)(Maternity Leave Cover)

Reporting to: Community Engagement Manager

Department: Housing Services & Community Engagement

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed-Term, Full-Time, Hybrid

Place of Work: Limerick Regional Office, Unit B8LEDP Campus, Roxboro Road, Co. Limerick, V94C66H

Salary: Approx. DOE €43,000 P/A

ABOUT US

Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) is the national organisation representing, promoting and developing co-operative housing in Ireland. Since our foundation in 1973 we have provided over 5,700 homes through homeownership, shared ownership and social rented co-operatives. As an Approved Housing Body (AHB), we work with various stakeholders in the housing sector, including Local Authorities, Government, aspiring homeowners, tenants and developers. We currently manage over 6,708 properties across Ireland.

ROLE OVERVIEW

CHI is seeking a ‘Community Engagement Specialist’ to join our Community Engagement Team. The successful candidate will work with the Community Engagement Team and CHI Member Tenants to promote the creation of sustainable and flourishing communities, through managing national and local initiatives and projects that represent the needs of our Member Tenants. They will be proactive in providing opportunities for Member Tenants to provide feedback on Community Engagement initiatives and CHI’s service provision.

The Community Engagement Specialist will have excellent communications skills and interact with Member Tenants and colleagues in a friendly, empathic manner at all times. Additionally, the post-holder will be passionate about CHI’s purpose and will continuously act in the best interests of the organisation.

This is a full-time 12 month fixed-term role based on a 35-hour week (Monday to Friday), although some evening and weekend working will be required.

The role will be mobile in nature, requiring regular travel around CHI’s community housing developments across the country. The role will be contracted to CHI’s Member Services Hub at Limerick Regional Office.

CHI facilities hybrid-working (part onsite, part remote); however, the successful candidate will be expected to work onsite regularly and visit other CHI offices when the need arises.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Member Participation and Community Engagement: 

• Assist in the development & implementation of Community Engagement strategy.

• Work with other departments in CHI to ensure that Member Tenants can participate at all levels of the Organisation.
• Develop & co-ordinate initiatives and projects that enable Member Tenants to provide their views, participate in community engagement activities and apply meaningful influence on our decision-making process and service provision.

• Work with Member Tenants in communities and support them to set up and sustain Member Associations (Resident Groups).
• Facilitate community meetings and consultations with Member Tenants.

• Compose/Contribute to internal and external publications when required and update Member Tenants Social Media Page.

Investing in Members:

• Create and sustain partnerships with other 3rd parties to run local and National initiatives and training programs that represent the needs of Member Tenants

• Seek out external funding opportunities for community engagement activities.
• Help identify training needs and communities of interest for Member Tenants and facilitate the delivery of these in person or online.

• Promote use of and manage applications to the Co-operative Housing Ireland Member Tenant Community Fund, ensuring Members are supported throughout the process
• Actively research new and innovative approaches to engaging with and investing in CHI Member Tenants and their communities.

General:  

• Represent CHI at both internal & external meetings and events.
• Deliver presentations on behalf of CHI relating to Community Engagement when required.
• Provide support to other departments when required.
• Keep up to date records and provide detailed reports to Line Manager and Director.
• Provide content for the Member Tenant newsletter.
• Additional, relevant duties as required by the Organisation.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Community Development, Community Leadership, Co-operative Development etc.).
• Relevant voluntary or paid work experience in the community sector.
• Knowledge of tenant participation, statutory bodies and experience accessing funding streams for community development
• Full, clean driving licence and access to own car.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and work independently using own initiative.
• Strong listening, written and verbal communications skills.
• Good interpersonal, administrative and organisational skills.
• Strong I.T. skills including Digital and Social Media experience.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to deal with problems/enquires in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
• High comfort level in preparing for and facilitating groups.
• Legally permitted to work in Ireland

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Salary Bands
• 22 Days Annual Leave + 3 Company Privilege Days
• Annual leave increase to 30 days linked to length of service
• Generous Company Pension Contributions (up to 12% employer contribution)
• Income Protection
• Paid Sick leave Scheme
• Educational Assistance Program
• Paid Study & Exam Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP Scheme)
• Life Cover/Death in Service
• Paid Professional Subscription
• Hybrid-Working
• Free Annual Colleague Health Screening

SELECTION PROCESS

Please note that interviews for this position may take place anytime from the launch date to closing date until a successful candidate is found.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a CV and Cover Letter. 

Co-operative Housing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

All documentation received by Co-operative Housing Ireland will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018)