Job Title: Advocate for People Who Use Drugs 

Location: UISCE 

Employer: UISCE – National Advocacy Service for People Who Use Drugs 

Contract Type: Full time 

Salary: €35,735-€42,570 depending on experience 

Reports To: Coordinator

About UISCE:

UISCE is Ireland’s national advocacy service for people who use drugs, grounded in human rights and social justice. We work to challenge discrimination, uphold civil liberties, and ensure that the rights of people who use drugs are respected in all interactions with state services, healthcare, housing, and the criminal justice system.

Job Purpose:

The Advocate will provide direct support to people who use drugs, ensuring their rights are upheld when engaging with:

• OAT (Opioid Agonist Treatment) clinics, healthcare and mental health services
• Housing and emergency accommodation services
• Tusla (Child and Family Agency)
• An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Justice System
• Other state and community services

The Advocate will use their expertise in rights-based advocacy, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approaches to challenge systemic barriers and empower individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Rights-Based Advocacy:

• Support individuals in navigating complex systems (healthcare, social services, housing, criminal justice, etc.) while ensuring their rights are upheld.
• Challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for policy changes where necessary.
• Provide information on rights, policies, and procedures relevant to services people engage with.

2. Casework & Support:

• Assist individuals in accessing services, making complaints, or appealing decisions.
• Accompany individuals to meetings, hearings, or appointments when needed.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key agencies (e.g., HSE, Tusla, Gardaí, service providers, housing providers).

3. Systemic Advocacy & Awareness:

• Identify and document systemic issues affecting people who use drugs.
• Contribute to reports, submissions, and campaigns to influence policy changes.
• Deliver training to services on rights-based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches.

4. Administration & Teamwork:

• Maintain accurate case records and prepare high-quality reports.
• Work collaboratively within UISCE’s team and with external partners.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional development.

Essential Requirements:

• At least 2 years’ experience supporting people who use drugs (or similarly marginalised groups) to navigate services such as healthcare, housing, Tusla, or criminal justice.
• Relevant third-level qualification in social care, community work, human rights, law or related field.
• Strong understanding of the discrimination and human rights violations faced by people who use drugs.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and quality standards in relevant state agencies (e.g., HSE, Tusla, Gardaí, housing services).
• Excellent communication, report writing, and IT skills.
• Trauma-informed and harm reduction-focused approach.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

• Lived/Living experience of drug use or the issues faced by the community we advocate for.
• Experience in systemic advocacy, policy work, or legal support.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about social justice and human rights.
• Non-judgmental, empathetic, and resilient.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are suited for this role to Andy@myuisce.org by Wednesday the 9th of April.

UISCE is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived/living experience of drugs or marginalisation.