In the next four years, L’Arche in Sligo will:

• (A) Create a home where people with intellectual disabilities come to explore the possibility of living independently from their families.

• (B) develop meaningful work and other opportunities that meet the day care needs of people with intellectual disabilities in the Sligo area

• (C) Explore the possibility of people with intellectual disabilities being involved in the running of the shop on a more regular basis.

Role Description

Accountabilities and responsibilities of the Founding Community Leader

The Founding Community Leader is accountable for the foundation of the L’Arche community in Sligo and reports to

•  The Coordinator of L’Arche Ireland and Northern Ireland and
•  The board of L’Arche Ireland through the Chair Person of the Local Management Committee

The founding community leader ensures that the community lives the mission of L’Arche authentically, creating a context where people with intellectual disabilities can contribute their gifts in a meaningful way and providing an excellent service of care and support, such that all community members can live fulfilled and happy lives.

Specifically the founding community leader’s responsibilities include:

• Developing a strategic plan to accomplish the Mission in Action Statement in liaison with the management committee
• Liaising with the HSE in identifying current and future needs and appropriate service responses and provision
• Developing and maintaining relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies, e.g. HSE, Federation of Voluntary Bodies
• Collaborating with other community organisations, churches and businesses
• Acquiring and developing the physical resources required to implement the Mission in Action Plan
• Developing a robust and sustainable financial strategy and system for the community, that is in service of our mission and reflects good stewardship
• Fostering and co-ordinating the involvement of local volunteers in developing the community

More specifically, the tasks associated with this role are to:

Community life

Welcome new community members and ensure meaningful relationships with all.

•  Establish internal community structures to support the mission of L’Arche.
•  Ensure the organisation of community events and meaningful gatherings
•  Ensure the openness of the community to its environment, families &  neighbours.
•  Foster links with L’Arche regionally and internationally
•  Provide ongoing formation for committee, volunteers and core members

People with intellectual disabilities

• Make contact with people with intellectual disabilities and their families
• Develop a service of care and support that is in compliance with all regulatory standards and best practices recommendations
• Ensure the ongoing formation and training of assistants and employees
• Develop person-centred plans that reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people with intellectual disabilities who are welcomed
• Consult with relevant external professionals and other stakeholders as appropriate

Spiritual life of the community

• Articulate the spirituality of L’Arche and ensure that the spiritual needs of all members are nurtured and respected
• Ensure that the policies and practices of the community are aligned with the vision, values and principles of L’Arche.

Management

• Identify and generate diverse funding streams that allow for the development, growth and sustainability of the community in accordance with the strategic plan
•  Locate, establish and manage an office space, in consultation with the local management committee
• Recruit, train and manage voluntary and employed assistants and staff as determined by the strategic plan and current best practice
• Create a context in which all staff, volunteers and committee members can contribute to the fulfilment of the Mission in Action Plan in a meaningful way
• Create systems and structures that enable the implementation of policy

Raising the profile of L’Arche

• Develop the awareness of L’Arche in Sligo and foster links with Faith & Light
• Encourage open and active communication between the community and its environment
• Communicate widely the vision, values and mission of l’Arche and its national and international identity

As with all roles, it is expected that the role will develop and evolve over time and the Founding Community Leader will meet the changing needs of the role as required, in consultation with the local Management Committee
Selection Criteria /Person Specification

Essential PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

The Founding Leader of L’Arche in Sligo must be:

• Grounded in faith and committed to the vision, values and mission of L’Arche
•  A person of vision, integrity, compassion and courage
•  A strategic thinker
•  An experienced senior manager in a care provision context
•  Empowering and inclusive in his/her leadership and management style
• Collaborative
•  A clear, effective and motivational communicator
•  Committed to personal and professional development
•  Experienced in working with people with intellectual disabilities- minimum 3 years
• Skilled in designing and implementing community processes
• IT proficient, particularly in the use of Microsoft Office
• A fully licenced driver (or can make reasonable accommodation)

Desirable PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS:

The Founding Leader of L’Arche in Sligo should have:

• A good knowledge and lived experience of L’Arche – minimum of 2 years recommended.
•  Experience of living in a faith community
• Experience of a senior leadership role in L’Arche
• Strategic planning experience
• Personal awareness and a commitment to good self care and a healthy work/ life balance
• Use of own car (or can make reasonable accommodation)

Conditions

The foundation of L’Arche in Sligo is a contractual role for an initial 2 year period with possible extension, subject to the availability of funding.

Salary range: €35,000 - €45,000, negotiable