Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO)

Role Overview

The Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) is appointed on a one-year fixed-term contract to coordinate and promote sport and physical activity participation for people with disabilities in Cork. Reporting to the CEO or an appointed line manager at Cork Sports Partnership CLG, the position requires flexible working hours including evenings and weekends, with time off in lieu provided. The role operates from Bishopstown, Cork, with a salary aligned to Grade 4 of the Local Authority pay scale and includes a six-month probation period.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the Cork Sports Partnership Strategic Plan with a focus on programs that foster disability inclusion in sport and physical activities.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and assess inclusive sporting programs, events, initiatives, and pathways to increase participation among people with disabilities.
• Embed inclusion principles across all Cork Sports Partnership activities and collaborate with national initiatives like Sport Ireland.
• Build and maintain partnerships with National Governing Bodies, clubs, schools, community groups, disability services, and statutory bodies to strengthen inclusive sport opportunities across Cork.
• Support the development of sustainable participation pathways from introductory levels to mainstream and disability-specific clubs.
• Manage program administration including participant records, monitoring, databases, and reporting.
• Oversee procurement, budgeting, financial administration, and comply with relevant funding and policy requirements.
• Identify funding sources and contribute to grant applications and reporting as necessary.

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Develop and sustain effective collaborations with disability organisations, sporting bodies, educational institutions, community groups, and statutory agencies.
• Assist in forming new inclusive clubs and initiatives when community needs arise.
• Engage volunteers and community stakeholders to enhance support for disability sport participation.
• Represent Cork Sports Partnership in local, regional, and national committees and networks related to disability inclusion and sport development.
• Coordinate with third-level institutions and training providers to support education, workforce development, and research.

Inclusion Advocacy & Awareness

• Promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and inclusive culture across sports and community settings.
• Serve as the principal advocate for inclusive sport and physical activity within Cork.
• Collaborate with disability service providers, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, schools, and education stakeholders including SENOs and Active Schools to facilitate inclusive opportunities for children and youth with disabilities.
• Enhance local disability sport networks for shared learning and collaboration.
• Promote relevant programmes, training, and events through effective communication channels including digital media and community engagement.

Research, Evaluation & Reporting

• Conduct needs assessments and research to identify barriers and opportunities for sports participation among people with disabilities.
• Collect and analyze participation data to guide strategic planning and fulfill funding obligations.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness and impact of programmes.
• Assist with county-wide audits relating to accessibility and inclusion practices.
• Prepare detailed reports, case studies, and summaries for senior management, funders, and stakeholders.

Education, Training & Development

• Organize and promote disability inclusion education and training for coaches, volunteers, educators, and community groups.
• Support national inclusion training frameworks and best-practice standards in partnership with agencies such as Active Disability Ireland.
• Facilitate workshops and professional development to build confidence in inclusive sports delivery.
• Encourage and support people with disabilities to take on coaching, volunteer, and leadership roles within sport.
• Advise clubs and organisations on adopting inclusive practices and improving facility accessibility.
• Stay current with policy updates and emerging best practices in disability inclusion and community sport development.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Level 7 or higher qualification on the NFQ in areas such as Sports Development, Leisure Management, Adapted Physical Activity, Community Development, Health Promotion, Disability Studies, Physical Education, or Recreation Management.
• At least two years of relevant experience in disability inclusion, community sport development, physical activity, health promotion, or similar fields.
• Experience in planning, delivering, and coordinating sports or community participation programs with an inclusion focus.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with community groups, schools, clubs, disability services, and other stakeholders.
• Skills in program administration, monitoring, evaluation, and financial management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of disability inclusion principles and accessible participation in sport and physical activity.
• Knowledge of disability models and inclusive practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written, verbal, presentation), organizational, and administrative skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.
• Competence in data collection, management, and reporting.

Additional Requirements and Preferences

• Flexibility to work outside normal hours including evenings and weekends.
• Full clean driving licence and access to private transport for work-related travel.
• Preferred but not required: experience with inclusive sport programs, safeguarding training, knowledge of Irish sports and disability sectors, engagement with National Governing Bodies, educational workshops delivery, and grant administration.