CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability) is one of three Prevention Services provided by PACE for people with convictions for HSB
CoSA is a community-based initiative operating on restorative principles. Working in partnership with the Probation Service, An Garda Siochána and other agencies. CoSA assists individuals who have been convicted of a HSB offence(s) in their efforts to live a life free of crime and harmful behaviour. www.circlesireland.ie
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Job Description
Job Title: CoSA Volunteer Support/Project Worker
Reports to: CoSA Coordinator
Job location: Co Cork, office based in Cork City Centre
Working Hours: 39 hours per week on a flexible basis This position requires a great degree of flexibility as Circles meetings can take place in the evenings and weekends and out of office work is an essential requirement for this position.
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The CoSA Volunteer Support/Project Worker will assist in the development and manage a number of Circles (a circle involves 4–6 trained volunteers from the community, meeting with the "core member” / individual convicted of a serious HSB offence(s) one evening a week for 12 to 14 months) for adults who fit the high risk and high need HSB offending criteria. They will liaise with external agencies in the development of the Circles of Support and Accountability programme. They will also be responsible for the recruitment, selection, training and supporting of volunteers who are integral to the success of the CoSA model of practice.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Volunteer Recruitment
- Lead volunteer recruitment activities, include organising and delivering advertising and Volunteer Information Sessions.
- Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with local volunteer centres, Volunteer Ireland, colleges/universities, and other volunteer recruitment processes.
- Attend volunteer fairs and events to support volunteer recruitment efforts.
- Assist with the shortlisting of volunteer applications in collaboration with the CoSA Co-ordinator and Prevention Services Manager.
- Participate in volunteer interviews alongside the CoSA Co-ordinator and Prevention Services Manager.
- Work in accordance with CoSA good practice policies and procedures in volunteer management.
2. Volunteer Training
- Support the delivery and facilitation of the CoSA Volunteer Training Programme in conjunction with the CoSA Co-ordinator and Prevention Services Manager.
- Liaising with external speakers and facilitators as required.
- Support the identification and development of Circle-specific training needs.
- Ensuring that all volunteers receive appropriate training in CoSA practices.
- Provide appropriate induction for new volunteers.
3. Volunteer Support & Management
- Provide appropriate levels of 1:1, group, and peer support to volunteers.
- Provide volunteer supervision processes in line with organisational policies and good practice standards.
- Ensuring volunteers adhere to confidentiality requirements, codes of behaviour, and volunteer agreements.
- Develop and organise initiatives that recognise and value volunteer contributions.
- Coordinate volunteer expense reimbursements with PACE Head Office.
- Provide volunteer references where appropriate and with approval.
Responsibilities and Duties in conjunction with the CoSA Co-ordinator
4. Circle Support
- Support the matching of selected volunteers into Circles.
- Assist with the set-up and establishment of Circles for volunteers.
- Attend Circle meetings at various stages to support the establishment, ongoing operation, and conclusion of Circles.
- Support the coordination of the different stages of the Circle lifecycle.
5. Project & Administrative Support
- Participate in talks, seminars, and information sessions for professional agencies or community groups interested in the work of CoSA.
- Develop and maintain links with local community groups and partner organisations.
- Support the preparation and dissemination of CoSA information materials.
- Represent CoSA at external events or conferences with approval.
- Contribute to monthly reports for the CoSA Co-ordinator.
- Participate in Prevention Services team meetings as required.
- Maintain accurate and timely record-keeping using Salesforce Client Relationship Management (CRM) software.
- Ensure all work undertaken is in alignment with PACE Policy and Procedures e.g. Child Protection Guidelines and confidentiality policies etc.
Person Specification
Essential requirements:
- Minimum of two years previous co-ordinating experience is essential.
- Experience of managing volunteers.
- The successful applicant must have a qualification in social care or related field.
- Experience in developing effective working relationships with statutory bodies and working in partnership with other agencies is essential.
- Leadership skills and experience of working as part of a team are essential.
- Experience of working independently.
- The ability to communicate sensitive issues to a wide range of audiences.
- Proven empathy skills.
- An understanding of professional boundaries and the need to implement and maintain them with vulnerable client groups and Volunteers.
- Computer literate.
- Access to own car.
Desirable requirements:
· An understanding of the principles of restorative justice.
· Understanding of the experiences of victims of abuse and the effects of trauma upon people.
· Experience of managing complex meetings involving clients and professionals.
Benefits :
- Pension, upon completing probation
- CPD Continued Professional Development
- EAP Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Bike to work scheme
Apply:
Submit a cover letter outlining why you consider yourself suitable for this role along with your CV to Clare Liu at recruitment@paceorganisation.ie on/before 9am, 15th April 2026.
PACE value diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system.
PACE is committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance at employment.
PACE is an equal opportunities employer.
