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 16th February 2017

Please note that interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Friday 24th February 2017.

Expiry date:
16th February 2017