Arthritis Ireland 

Community Development Officer

Arthritis Ireland is looking for a proactive self-starter with significant experience in mobilising a diverse range of people on local and national level to join our team. The ideal person will have great skills in dealing with a diverse range of people in a variety of settings. You will have proven ability to inspire and motivate others to go that extra mile. An important part of the role will be the promotion and development of physical activity programmes, particularly walking, which has proven benefits to people living with arthritis. Hence a background in sports or managing sporting pursuits would be of real benefit to the success of this role.  You will spend a good deal of your time out in the community supporting our wide volunteer network which includes 20 branches located around the country. In a short timeframe, you will forge important relationships with the various community support agencies that will ensure greater volunteer engagement with our organisation and tangible supports to the 1 in 5 people living with arthritis.

Responsibilities

• Development and execution of an effective volunteer recruitment strategy to include plans to maximise existing volunteer opportunities to fulfil organisational goals
• Drive the Arthritis Ireland exercise agenda in communities across Ireland  through the development and  coordination of a range of physical activity opportunities for people with arthritis; building on existing opportunities and developing new programmes, opportunities and networks;
• Widely promote the concept and benefits of physical activity for people with arthritis;
• Develop the Arthritis Ireland volunteer policies and procedure.
• Ensure appropriate training and support for all volunteers.
• Keep up to date with strategies, legislation and policy related to volunteering, and making any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.
• Engage with community groups etc through talks, presentations and displays,
•  Identify and pursue new partnerships to further Arthritis Ireland’s community objectives
• Develop the tools, materials and resources to support agreed activities and events.
• Stay up to date with evidence based practice in physical activity for people with arthritis

Experience & Skills Required:

• Ability to work with a wide variety of people
• Knowledgeable  in healthy life style practices
• Proven ability to  motivate and support people making lifestyle changes
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Comfortable talking to and motivating large groups of people in community settings.
• Experience of working in a health care/physical activity/health promotion or similar setting
• Degree or equivalent in a health or physical activity related subject
• Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills
• Competence with administration and IT, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports
• Ability to work with a team
• Willingness to go the extra mile

General Details:

Based: Arthritis Ireland, 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2.

Employment will be on a fixed-term contract.

A company car will be offered with this position.

A full driving licence is essential for this position.

If you are interested in this position please email Gráinne O’Leary, Head of Education and Support Services (goleary@arthritisireland.ie) by Friday 12th July 2013 to tell her what you have to offer and attach your CV.

Arthritis Ireland is an equal opportunities employer