Irish Foster Care Association: National Advocacy Worker – deadline Monday 27th July

National Advocacy Worker - Southern Region

The Irish Foster Care Association is the national organisation that supports foster families and the wider fostering community. Established in 1981 by a group of foster carers and social workers our primary objective as an organisation is to promote excellence in foster care by:

• Promoting partnership between everyone involved in foster care to work for, and in the best interests of the child in care.
• Providing support and learning opportunities for persons involved in foster care in Ireland.
• Creating a greater public awareness of and promoting foster care in Ireland.
• Advocating for excellence for all involved in foster care.
• Representing our members is core to IFCA’s work

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 care system in Ireland. The role involves preparation for and attendance at statutory meetings such as reviews, appeals and allegations. It is not adversarial advocacy. The Advocate’s responsibility is to ensure that our members voice is supported and conveyed clearly and accurately, without influence, interpretation, or recommendation. 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.

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

• 3-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 (Good Friday & Christmas Eve).
• EAP access
• Family Friendly

Salary Scale: Point 1 of Project Worker Scale, €41,518 per annum pro rata (20 hrs per week)

Click here for more information and to apply