Learn more about the Designated Persons programme delivered by NCI in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection.

Designated Persons programme run by NCI in collaboration with Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection Designated Persons Course Overview at NCI

Course Overview

Description: Designated Persons

Duration: 9 Days (1 day per week)

NFQ Level: Level 7

Award: 15 Credits SPA

Course Description

The DP operates the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to provide financial & other assistance for those who have nowhere else to turn. It is a support scheme to other DSP schemes, offering an immediate/flexible response. SWA basic payments can be weekly, weekly/monthly supplements, or once off payments for those in need and especially the most marginalised & vulnerable in society. 

The role involves discretion in decision making taking an holistic view of social/financial circumstances.

Course Content

Module Description
Ethics Equality & Diversity Define and manage equality & diversity
Decision Making Human behaviour and culture in the workplace
Report Writing The writing process, identifying and assessing sources
Data Protection GDPR background and terminology
Accounts Data Demonstrate knowledge of basic accounting standards & their application 
Accounts Basics Analyse the financial position, performance and future prospets of business organisations. 
Mediation Comms Skills Importance of demonstrating credibility and neutrality
Customer Service Communications Communication and the Customer 
Working with People Explain the importance of studying human behaviour and culture in the workplace
Managing Escalation Recognise and evaluate the role of mediation in conflict resolution
Performance Management Discuss the impact of stress on performance and propose measures to manage stress to reduce the risk it poses to the individual and the organization
Influence & Impacts The ethics of influencing
Change Management The dynamics and psychology of change

Course Assessment

Assignment 1 - Case Study – 60%

Assignment 2 - Case Study – 40% 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

  • Demonstrate up to date specialist knowledge of all aspects of their role in community welfare service provision and develop detailed knowledge of how this interfaces with other roles within the DSP suite. 
  • Demonstrate the required integrated specialist technical skills to identify a client’s eligibility for appropriate scheme(s), make and communicate quality decisions to meet these needs; 
  • Demonstrate detailed understanding of the legal position under which the Designated Person operates and an ability to integrate knowledge from a range of subject areas and analyse information from a variety of contexts 
  • Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the processes and systems within their role including quality assurance risk assessment and control of fraud and abuse 
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of legislation & guidelines and a comprehensive recognition of policy context underpinning delivery & communication of public employment services and calculation of payments 
  • Verify an integrated ability to conduct research into each client’s unique circumstances, applying discretionary judgement and decision-making.
How to Apply
If you are interested in learning more about this programme or wish to apply, please contact Nicola Horgan, Programme Director, for further information.
Contact Programme Director