Job Description
Contact at organisation: Catherine O’Leary, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Phone: 0858009227
Email: hrmanager@guidedogs.ie
Purpose of Role
- Supporting and managing the delivery of aftercare, Orientation & Mobility and application services to clients and prospective clients in the field.
- Overseeing the recruitment, management, and administration of our volunteers, to support the delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan.
- To manage and develop the administration and processes which support the scheduling and delivery of field services provided to clients as well as the recruitment, training and development of our volunteers.
- To liaise and support both our clients in the field and volunteers who support the delivery of our services, ensuring the growth of mutually beneficial relationships.
- Provide functional administration support to the Operations Manager, as needed.
- To support a shared services mindset within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities – Client and Volunteer Team Lead
- Lead the day-to-day administration processes and systems of the charity across the Shared Services and Client Services teams, namely Guide Dog, Assistance Dog and Puppy Raising teams and key programmes, as needed.
- Management and allocation of Client Service Administration and Shared Services to ensure the delivery of support to clients.
- Scheduling, planning and allocation of staff activity related to clients and volunteers.
- Support client advocacy efforts and communications, as necessary.
- Implement client surveys, post-client support/aftercare visits to support Continuous Improvement of our processes and procedures.
- Recruitment of volunteers for Puppy Raising and Temporary Boarding homes.
- Management of volunteers across the charity including Training Centre volunteers and those involved with fundraising.
- Maintenance of the Volunteer Manual and training materials.
- Responsibility for processing of Garda vetting, in collaboration with the HR team.
- Ensure compliance with the Client Charter, IGDB policies and HSE reporting including any regulatory requirements.
- Update and maintain SOPs, standards, and systems.
- Develop, maintain and co-ordinate client training and volunteer training events.
- Responsible for child protection and safeguarding within the charity.
- Work with function teams to support volunteer care, recognition, and engagement.
In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership for one or more key processes that will be communicated to you via your manager and/or the Performance Management framework.
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.
Values and behaviours:
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.
How to Apply
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven track record for consistently meeting and exceeding goals and delivering a superior level of job performance.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Time management and experience multi-tasking across concurrent projects.
- Excellent verbal, written presentation/IT skills and communication skills.
- Ability to achieve results working collaboratively and independently.
Desirable
- Business administration qualification or at least two years business administration experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development to enhance knowledge and experience relevant to the role.
- Administration experience delivering excellent client service.
- Experience working with clients with sight loss, in the capacity of Guide Dog Mobility Instructor or Orientation & Mobility Instructor.
- Experience working directly with volunteers in the assistance dog sector.
Special Conditions
- Full clean driving licence essential.
- Must be eligible to work in Ireland and EU.
- Subject to full Garda vetting.
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 24.05.2024.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.
