Gateway Mental Health Association

Job Specification
Position Title:
Reports to :
Location
:
Employer
:

Development Worker
Project Co-ordinator
Rathmines, Dublin 6
Mental Health Ireland

Gateway is a community member and peer led social support organisation for people with self-experience of
recovery and mental health issues and works 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 Worker 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 Worker 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
Working as part of a team, the Development Worker 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 role requires the ability to draw on personal lived experience of mental health and recovery
for the purpose of mentoring and developmental activities. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2
years experience working in the community sector working with projects that seek to address social exclusion
and inequality, particularly within the context of mental health.
The successful candidate will be expected to have:
Proven experience in a development role and/or in a mental health context
A professionally endorsed qualification in Community Development and/or experience of using
community development approaches.
Expertise resulting from lived experience of mental health difficulties, recovery and the mental health
services; ability to draw on lived experience to engage in mentoring, peer modelling, peer education and
other developmental activities.
Clear understanding of the impacts of social exclusion and inequality, particularly within the context of
mental health; working knowledge of the health and social policy context in which Gateway operates.
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; particular
experience of mental health recovery and wellbeing related programmes delivery and development
trainings.
Excellent leadership and networking skills; ability to promote and represent Gateway within and across
relevant networks including Gateway Members, Service User Groups, Statutory Mental Health Services,
HSE staff, Community and Voluntary Sector Organisations, local and national bodies, cross sectorial groups
and the media as required.
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 develop and engage in decision making through structures such as Members
Meetings and Gateway Management Committee Meetings and externally through local and national
bodies and groups.
Plan, evaluate, review and report on development activities and progress (annually and ongoing).
Promotion of and representation on behalf of 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.
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 MHA.
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.
The contract is for 1 year fixed term. 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
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 Wednesday 8th June 2016
Please note that interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 22 nd June 2016.
Expiry date:
08/06/16