Advocacy Worker (Southern Region)

Role: National Advocacy Worker

Position: Part Time (20 hours a week)
1 Year Fixed Term Contract

Location: Remote Working – to include regular travel within assigned catchment area

Reports to: IFCA Advocacy Coordinator

Our Vision:

A society where the importance of fostering is recognised, valued and supported. Where every child can grow up in a safe and caring family

For more information about our organisation please see our website www.ifca.ie

IFCA Values:

• The rights of the child
• The role of the family in a child’s life
• Respect, compassion and kindness
• Effective partnerships & open communication
• Innovation and research

Purpose of the Regional Advocacy Worker Role

The Irish Foster Care Association’s National Advocacy Service offers independent and professional support in difficult fostering situations The service is person-centred, accountable, and objective. The role will involve direct practical and emotional support with IFCA members referred to our service. The role requires knowledge and experience of the alternative system in Ireland. The role involves preparation for and attendance at statutory meetings such as reviews, appeals and allegations. The role will involve travel over a defined geographical area - Southeastern Region.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Understanding of legislation and policies which guide the work of the Advocacy Service, Statutory Child in Care and Foster Care policies and procedures, National Foster Care Standards etc.
• Assisting service users to understand relevant legislation and how it may impact on them.
• Offer practical advice and information relating to aspects of fostering to IFCA members.
• Provide solution-focused non-judgmental emotional support to members referred to the advocacy service.
• Provide appropriate signposting and referrals to other relevant areas of support, if required.
• Support service users to represent their own views, wishes and concerns. That their experiences, observations, and concerns are understood and given due consideration.
• Prepare and accompany foster carers at meetings with Tusla within the assigned geographical catchment area.
• Assist the Advocacy Coordinator in compiling records that contribute to statistical analysis and reports.
• Contribute to the organisations commitment to continuously improve the quality assurance and standards of service.

Administration

• Actively participate in effective organisational communication systems.
• Record all data for the service on IFCA’s CRM system and in compliance with data protection protocols.
• Engage in regular supervision.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A third level qualification in Social Work, Social Care, Psychology - related disciplines may be considered.
• At least 2 years proven experience in support, mediation, advocacy or case management work.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of fostering, childcare or related work.
• Evidence of good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of producing and presenting written reports to a high standard.
• Evidence of capacity to deliver efficiently while managing a challenging and diverse workload.
• Ability to work on own initiative.

Desirable

• Proven ability to work effectively with volunteers and professionals.
• Experience of Foster Care, Provision of Care to Vulnerable Children.
• Experience of working to promote best quality standards of practice.
• Experience of working through partnerships and collaborations.

Competencies:

1. Ability to work as an advocate and support worker.
2. Ability to objectively understand and evaluate personal limitations and those of the system in which problems arise.
3. Ability to work independently and take the initiative within the operational parameters set by the Advocacy Coordinator.
4. Ability to work within a team.
5. An understanding of the process and content of support services and a passion for quality and innovation in the service.
6. Good time management and dependability.
7. Excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication skills.
8. Good understanding of information technology.

Terms and Conditions

• 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
• Part time role: 20 hrs per week
• Garda vetting and attendance at induction is required
• Two satisfactory references, one to be most recent employer
• Access to car and hold a full driving licence. IFCA requires indemnity on employees’ car insurance policy.
• The post, on occasion, requires working unsocial hours as part of the normal working week.

Benefits

• Pro-rata annual leave plus 2 privilege days
• EAP access
• Family Friendly

Salary Scale: Point 1 of Project Worker Scale, €38,674 per annum pro rata (20 hrs per week)

Please email your CV and cover letter to Ciara Donohoe, at ciara@ifca.ie

To be considered please include your CV and Cover Letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. Shortlisting will be applied, and interviews will take place via MS teams on Thursday 27th February. The closing date is noon, Friday 14th February 2025.