The Irish Red Cross Society (IRC) is part of the world’s largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.


SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Community Based Health & First Aid (CBHFA) programme has operated in Irish prisons since 2009 through a partnership between the IRC, the Irish Prison Service, and Education & Training Boards. Each year, volunteer inmates complete a 6–9 month training programme, learning skills to promote health and safety in their prison community through peer-to-peer education.

Building on its success, the Prison to Community Project was launched in 2015 in partnership with the IRC, the Probation Service, and the Irish Prison Service. The proven peer-educator model was adapted for use in the community, enabling former inmate volunteers to continue their development by training as workshop facilitators. These peer-led workshops are delivered in Probation Services, Probation-funded projects, and community-based organisations to strengthen support networks and promote positive reintegration.

The role of the facilitator is to work alongside the current staff and volunteers to facilitate workshops, provide support, leadership and mentorship in the rollout of the CBHL programme in 2 Probation regions in 2026.


ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES

  • Support the ongoing development of the Prison to Community Project.

  • To facilitate CBHL workshops in the community to service users of the Probation Service and other community-based organizations funded by the probation service.

  • Support the implementation of the CBHL in 2 Probation regions

  • Provide assistance with the rollout of the 3 phase implementation plan to introduce CBHL within the selected community based organisations.

  • Liaise with the Prison to Community Coordinator to work collaboratively to build new partnerships & embed existing partnerships within the community.

  • Assist the CBH Team with ongoing training of volunteer facilitators as part of the rollout of CBHL within the probation service.

  • Attend monthly CHAC (community based action committee meetings in each of the 2 probation regions.

  • Act as a role model to volunteers and facilitators engaging with the programme and promote positive, meaningful engagement within the community.

  • Assist with adapting current resources to ensure the programme is adequately equipped to meet the needs within the community.

  • To model the 7 fundamental principles and represent the Irish Red cross in all aspects of work.

  • Assist with monitoring and evaluating the CBHL work within the community under the direction of the Prison to Community coordinator.

  • Report to the Prison to Community Coordinator to manage, review and progress the workload.

  • Provide regular feedback and monthly progress reports to the CBHFA team.

  • To provide support to the CBH Team where needed, relevant to their skills and abilities.


ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria

  • English Speaking (Fluency)

  • Excellent Group Facilitation skills

  • Ability to work efficiently as part of a team as well as independently.

  • A high level of organisational ability, administrative and IT skills.

  • Be flexible and adaptable to working in an environment of continuous change.

  • Be responsible, organised, reliable and able to work with a hyprid working policy.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse range of stakeholders.

  • Demonstrate a drive and capacity to support marginalized communities.

  • Be passionate about supporting individuals with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.

Desirable Criteria

  • Graduated from the CBHFA programme with the Irish Red Cross.

  • Knowledge of CBHFA in Justice programmes both in prison and in the community.


FURTHER INFORMATION


The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community, irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community. In addition, this role specifically welcomes application from individuals who have had experience within the criminal justice system.

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland.


APPLICATION PROCESS


The closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.

Shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of the essential and desirable criteria for this role. It is intended to hold initial interviews for this role on week beginning 26th January 2026.

Please note that there may be a second round of interviews.


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