Title: Family Tracing Officer

Duration: 1 year Full-time, fixed-term contract (with possible extension)

Reporting to: Family Tracing Coordinator

The Irish Red Cross Society (IRC) is part of the world’s largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RC/RC) Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by, its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.

The Irish Red Cross Restoring Family Links (RFL) Service is part of a global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.  These National Societies work together to restore and maintain contact between families who have been separated by armed conflict, political upheaval, natural disaster or migration. In these situations, communications often break down and families become separated. As a result, people do not know where to turn to find a missing relative or how to get a message to them. Knowing what happened to family members left behind or who have migrated around the world is vital.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

A Family Tracing Officer provides the delivery of family tracing to service users, including those residing in Unaccompanied Minor (UAM) residential centres nationwide. The role supports service users in tracing missing family members and facilitating the re‑establishment and maintenance of family communication.

As part of the family tracing process, a Family Tracing Officer conducts sensitive interviews with service users to gather information and support the re-establishment of contact with family members. Service users include unaccompanied minors in the international protection process. For such cases, Family Tracing Officers will provide advice, guidance, support and information on the family tracing process in a child centred manner.

Garda vetting is a requirement of this role.

ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES

• Provide information and guidance on the family tracing process.
• Undertake comprehensive interviews with service users using professional interpreters where appropriate.
• Ensure that all engagement is conducted in a sensitive and trauma informed manner.
• Enter information on the Family Links Answers Database and Restoring Family Links Tools and manage case file documentation in accordance with Irish Red Cross data management procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date information and knowledge of the countries where tracing may to be carried out.
• Ensure that all service users understand the constraints in certain tracing environments.
• Carry out regular follow up on pending case files with service users and relevant Red Cross partners.
• Work sensitively with service users in accordance with Red Cross principles.
• In cases of family tracing for UAMs, maintain communication with their appointed representative throughout the tracing process.
• Provide interim and final tracing outcomes to the service users and their representatives, if applicable.
• Support the processing of incoming family tracing requests from other countries through the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
• Undertake other tasks as may be required from time to time within the Irish Red Cross.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria

• Relevant 3rd level qualification or similar experience.  
• Knowledge of the work of the Irish Red Cross.
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively and respectfully with vulnerable individuals and families.
• Experienced in face-to-face client work and/or casework, demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and priorities.
• Always respect confidentiality of service users and remain responsive to their specific needs. 

Desirable Criteria

• Good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledgeable about international conflict and migration issues.
• Fluency in Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Somali would be an advantage.
• Experienced in supporting clients in distress.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and experience using databases or case management systems.
• Knowledge of the work and fundamental principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
• Full, clean driving license and access to a vehicle is highly desirable.