Child and Youth Support and Advocacy Officer

About the Role

As an international protection accommodation service provider, we offer responsive, inclusive, and high-quality accommodation services that promote the health, safety, dignity, and social integration of international protection seekers. Your primary role as a Child and Youth Support and Advocacy Officer will be to facilitate age-appropriate educational, recreational, and psychosocial services and support, serving as a key point of contact for external child-focused services. As a Child and Youth Support and Advocacy Officer you will advocate for children’s rights, create a positive and nurturing environment, and ensure child and youth resident safety, well-being and development. This role will be based across our Milligan Court and Benbulben Court complexes.

Key Responsibilities

• Child and Youth Support: Provide direct support to children and youth, including emotional support, listening to concerns, and helping them access necessary services.
• Family Support: Work with families to identify challenges and provide guidance on parenting, child development, and access to services such as healthcare and education.
• Advocate for Children’s Rights: Ensure children’s rights are upheld in line with national and international child protection standards.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: Implement and monitor safeguarding and child protection policies within the centre. Conduct regular child risk assessments. Document incidents or concerns related to the safety or well-being of children and report to relevant authorities, such as Tusla.
• Program Development and Coordination: Organise recreational, educational, and cultural activities tailored to the developmental needs and interests of children and youth in the centre.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with local community services, youth organisations, and healthcare providers to ensure children’s access to education, health, and community resources.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Keep secure records of each child’s needs, development, and any interventions or services provided. Regularly assess the effectiveness of child and youth programs, collecting feedback from residents.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with children, youth, families, staff, and external service providers.
• Empathy and Active Listening: Show empathy and understanding, especially when dealing with sensitive issues related to trauma or family displacement.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies or child protection issues, using sound judgment and established protocols.
• Program Planning: Strong skills in planning, organising, and coordinating child and youth activities, with attention to logistical details.
• Crisis Management: Experience in managing crises related to child safety or well-being, with a focus on de-escalation and support.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work respectfully and effectively with children and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Understanding of Child and Youth Development: Knowledge of the physical, emotional, and social developmental stages of children and adolescents.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educational Background: 
  • QQI Level 6 in social care (or equivalent). Additional training or qualifications in youth support, child safeguarding, children first procedures and social care are an advantage.
• Experience: 
  • Prior experience in a similar role within a residential facility or working with children and young people, or with children who have experienced trauma, or organising child-focussed programs or events, or in a social services context is highly desirable.
• Knowledge: 
  • Familiarity with International Protection Accommodation Service and the needs of vulnerable populations.
  • Understanding of the policies and procedures of the IPAS National Standards.
  • A strong understanding of children’s rights and the ability to advocate for their protection and welfare.
• Technical Skills: 
  • Proficiency in basic IT tools (Excel, email systems, Sharepoint).

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality.

Additional Information:

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 42 per week, 12 hour shifts, weekend availability

Employment is subject to Garda Vetting clearance

Please submit your CV to laurengillenconsulting@gmail.com