Careers: Galway Autism Partnership seeks Coordinator

Bridging the GAP for families and individuals living with Autism

Galway Autism Partnership seeks Coordinator

Founded in 2011 Galway Autism Partnership (GAP is a local charity that provides support and services to children with autism in the Galway area and their families).

GAP is currently seeking a Coordinator who will manage the organisation and coordinate activities and fundraising.

Duties:

• Develop and update operating policies to ensure programmes and activities are implemented safely and in accordance with best practice, particularly with respect to children
• Deliver through appropriate plans an in accordance with agreed policies and procedures the plans and objectives of the charity
• Work with the Board to ensure that a strategy is in place, which can guide the organisation in achieving objectives and meet the needs of the membership
• Have responsibility for the day-to-day financial management of the charity, including preparation of budgets for agreement by the Board
• Define, secure and manage the resources (human, material and financial) needed to operated effectively
• Maintain effective correspondence with all stakeholders and ensure that GAP is presented in an appropriate and professional manner to its stakeholders
• Seek opportunities to expand and promote the role and increase awareness of the charity and its work in its partnership model Represent the charity in public forums such as conferences and professional meetings
• Develop income generation strategies to maintain and enhance the level of funding from existing sources and develop new funding streams
• Develop and build partnerships with stakeholders to maximise opportunities for income generations
• Provide direction and support to any staff, contractors or volunteers in the organisation
• Advocate across sectors for the development of policies and services that will impact positively on service users and stakeholders
• Increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder to the general public

Qualifications and personal specifications

• Third level degree or equivalent in community development, health promotion, family resource or other related discipline
• Minimum of three years relevant experience in a similar role
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Experience in  making presentations or engaging with the media
• Flexibility to work on weekends or evenings if required
• Ability to apply leadership skills in order to influence, motivate and enable others to achieve the organisation’s aims and objectives
• Ability to identify opportunities to work collaboratively with potential partners in the community, education and health sectors and build relationships
• Demonstrate a clear understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and a passion for social justice and equality
• Report to the Board of Directors

Employment Details

• This is a full time position  (39 hours a week)
• Office is based in Newcastle, Galway
• One year fixed term contract
• Annual leave of 20 days plus statutory holidays

Application Information   

Please submit a full CV with a covering letter to Sile Coen, GAP, Tigh Ronan, 36 Laurel Park Newcastle Galway. Or email: edel@galwayautismpartnership.com

Closing date for applications                                                                                                                              

Friday 10th February 2017

Consultation - HTA of smoking cessation interventions

Associated publication

Launch of National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network

The Minister of State for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, T.D., formally launched the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network on 29th Novemeber. 

The National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network was launched under the aegis of Healthy Ireland, the Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. The Healthy Cities project is a global World Health Organization (WHO) movement, set up initially in 1987 with eleven individual cities. The concept is based on the importance of local action and the key role of local governments and Local Authorities in health and sustainable development.

The Minister congratulated the Counties on making a commitment to work to become healthier places for all their citizens by working to implement Healthy Ireland, the National Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 and went on to say “as a former elected member of a Local Authority I know that Local Authorities are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation. I know the influence and reach that Local Authorities have in every community and I see huge potential for them to contribute to building a healthier Ireland. I believe that we cannot achieve the vision of Healthy Ireland without the involvement of every Local Authority in Ireland. Healthy Ireland is all about supporting and empowering communities and individuals to lead healthier lives and the involvement of Local Authorities and the Local Community Development Committees is critical”. 

Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, National Director of the Health and Wellbeing Division in the HSE said “the Healthy Ireland agenda is extensive. Improving our population’s health and reducing health inequalities spans across many areas. Our Local Authorities are leaders and critical partners in promoting and improving the nation’s health”. Dr. O’Keeffe also emphasised “the unique position of the Local Community Development Committees to understand and respond to local people’s needs”.

For more information on the National Healthy Cities and Counites visit www.healthyireland.ie/about/cities-and-counties or click here

Shanghai Declaration on Promoting Health

Shanghai Declaration on promoting health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The outcome of the Ninth Global Conference on Health Promotion (Shanghai, 21 to 24 November 2016), which was jointly organized by the Government of China and WHO, under the auspices of a Scientific Advisory Group and Conference Organizing Committee, is a concise Shanghai Declaration on Health Promotion.

Key elements of the declaration include:

-          We will promote health through action on all the Sustainable Development Goals

-          We will make bold political choices for health

-          Good governance is crucial for health

-          Cities and communities are critical settings for health

-          Health literacy empowers and drives equity

Promoting health demands coordinated action by all concerned, it is a shared responsibility. With this Shanghai Declaration there is a pledge to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs through increased political commitment and financial investment in health promotion.

Meeting with Minister for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Representatives from the AHPI Executive Committee met with the Minister for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, in the Department of Health on August 2nd to discuss the role of the AHPI, our work plan for 2016/2017 and our progress to date on the establishment of a registration system in Ireland for Health Promorion practitioners.

The AHPI would like to thank Minister Corcoran Kennedy for her time and interest, and look forward to working with her in the future.