Gateway Mental Health

Association
Job Specification

Position Title: Development Assistant Maternity Cover

Reports to : Project Co-ordinator
Location : Rathmines, Dublin 6
Employer : Mental Health Ireland
Gateway is a member and peer led social support organisation for people with self-
experience of recovery and mental health issues. We work to promote positive
mental health, recovery and social inclusion in the community. Gateway was
founded in 2004 upon community development principles of participation,
empowerment, collective action and equality. Gateway has over 300 members
living across Dublin 2, 4, 6, 6W, 8, 12, 14 and 16 who work together for social
support, positive mental health and recovery and to address experiences of stigma,
social exclusion and inequality. Gateway is supported by a Management Committee
and is part of Mental Health Irelands national network of organisations.
POSITION SUMMARY
Working as part of a team, the Development Assistant will support Gateway
members in the operation and development of a member and peer led community
resource for people with self-experience of mental ill health and recovery. The
Development Assistant will report to and work closely with the Project Co-ordinator,
the Gateway team and members, to develop and deliver initiatives to support
operations and progress the strategic aims of the organisation. The role demands
flexible working hours and a capacity for lone working.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3 years experience working in the
community sector working with projects that seek to address social exclusion and
inequality.

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

Proven experience in a development role and/or in a mental health context in the

community sector.

A professionally endorsed qualification in Community Development and/or

experience of using community development approaches.

A clear understanding of the impacts of social exclusion and inequality,

particularly within the context of mental health.

A working knowledge of, commitment to and promotion of mental health recovery

principles and models of community participation in line with Gateways ethos,
practices and strategic aims.
 Experience of team-working and the ability to manage and to build positive
working relationships.
Experience of managing, supervising and supporting workers, volunteers and
interns.
Experience developing and delivering trainings, workshops and facilitating group
work.
Proven communications and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

Excellent research, analytical and IT skills with an ability to access information

quickly and strategically.

A high level of motivation; capacity to work alone and on own initiative.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the Development of Gateway Mental Health Association

Work with and support Gateway Project in the development of a member and
peer led community resource and drop in which works to address the needs
and interests of people with self-experience of mental ill-health and recovery.
Work with members to identify, develop and deliver initiatives using inclusive
strengths based approaches which create and enhance opportunities for
member participation, learning and co-production.
Support members to engage in decision making structures such as Members
Meetings and Gateway Management Committee Meetings and externally
through local and national bodies.
Plan, evaluate, review and report on development activities and progress
(annually and ongoing).
Promote and represent the Gateway Project, its peer led ethos and activities
within and external to the organisation.
Alongside Gateway members, develop networks with relevant community,
voluntary and statutory agencies, to address advocacy interests and barriers
to the integration and social inclusion of people with mental health issues.

2. Management & Strategic Planning

Provide support to the Gateway team and Project Workers in the organisation
and delivery of the Gateway Projects drop in and broader operations.
Work with and support the Project Co-ordinator, Gateways Management
Committee and Gateway Members through strategic planning processes and
organisational development as required.
Work with and support the Project Co-ordinator, in diversifying funding for the
sustainability of Gateway.
 Take responsibility for the management of Gateway Project, its staff and
activities in the absence of the Project Co-ordinator.

3. Organisation
Work within the framework of the overall ethos, objectives, policies and
practices of Gateway.
Conduct other administrative duties as required.
Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Project Co-
ordinator and supervise Project Workers, an Intern or Volunteer as required.
Undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to
time in consultation with the Project Co-ordinator.

Conditions of employment:
The Development Worker will be based in Rathmines, Dublin 6 and employed by
Mental Health Ireland on behalf of the Gateway Project.

The position is full-time, 37 hours a week exclusive of lunch hours, with flexible
working hours including potential for evening work and occasional weekend
working. Hours may be negotiable with the right candidate.
The contract is for 6 months. There is a possibility of contract extension. The salary
is aligned to Grade IV HSE (25,752 - 40,209) and commensurate with
qualifications and experience and subject to Garda Vetting. Mental Health Ireland is
an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply:
Applications by CV and cover letter to be submitted by email to Gateways host
organisation, Mental Health Ireland to: recruitment@mentalhealthireland.ie

Mental Health Ireland, 1-4 Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co Dublin

Tel 01-284 1166
Shortlisting will apply

For informal enquiries contact:

Fionn Fitzpatrick, Gateway Coordinator, Gateway Mental Health Association.
Email: fionn@gatewaymha.com
Tel: 01-4977005
For more information on Gateway see http://projectgateway.blogspot.ie/

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Thursday 9th February 2017

Please note that interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on
Friday 17th February 2017.

Expiry date:
9th February 2017