South Dublin County Partnership is a Local Development Company that develops projects and services to support sustainable and vibrant communities, where people realize their potential and experience a high quality of life. The focus of our activities is on areas where people experience disadvantage.

Funding for our work comes from a variety of sources; our main funders are the Department of Community, Environment and Local Government and the Department of Social Protection. South Dublin County Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

Migrant Support & Advocacy Worker A vacancy has arisen for a Support & Advocacy Worker within our Migrant Integration Team. The Migrant Support & Advocacy Worker will work as part of the Migrant Integration team, providing supports, advocacy and integration opportunities on a one-to-one and group basis to Roma people and newly arrived migrant groups such as International Protection Applicants, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection & Refugees in South County Dublin. 

The aim of this position is to support clients into meaningful integration, through the realisation of their aspirations and rights. The successful candidate will assist in the provision of one-to-one support and advocacy on a range of issues including supporting individuals in accessing community based psychosocial support and health services, housing, education and employment opportunities, which will include supporting, keyworking, assessing and referring clients to appropriate statutory or voluntary services. 

The post will also provide group supports for the target groups including delivery of information sessions, creation & dissemination of information, short workshops of training programmes etc. with the goal of empowering the target group to self-support, where possible. 

The role will have a particular focus on the Roma community, in addition to other migrant groups. 

Duties of the post: 

• To provide one-to-one casework, support and advocacy services to migrant and Roma individuals in South County Dublin.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of clients, across a range of psychosocial, medical, financial and legal services
• Carry out and regularly update service mapping for local and national providers of first-line, lifeline and specialised services for migrant groups.
• Develop accessible tools & information to support new arrivals & Roma people to better navigate statutory and non-statutory systems
• Develop & deliver accessible information, talks, events and workshops to support the client group to access information relevant to them and build capacity to self-advocate.
• Host a weekly clinics and outreach to local direct provision centres to engage and support clients.
• Promote the work of the SDCP Migrant Integration Team, reaching out to and supporting migrants who have not previously engaged with SDCP services. Continuously monitor & evaluate and assess the quality and outcomes of the project, adapting as required in a timely and efficient manner
• Build strong relationships with statutory and non-statutory agencies, developing and maintaining referral pathways that will support vulnerable individuals you are working with.  
• Provide regular, consistent & comprehensive reporting regarding developments, gaps or blocks.
• To travel regularly throughout the service delivery area of South County Dublin (Tallaght, Clondalkin, Citywest etc.).
• Work in a culturally aware manner and provide accessible information to enable all groups to access services.
• To maintain strict confidentiality of personal information about service users and adhere to SDCP policy and procedure on GDPR and data storage in this regard.
• Other related duties as required by management. 

Person Specification Qualifications: 

A relevant third-level qualification including social sciences, social care, psychology, youth work, social work, community development or similar or a combination of education and/or experience relevant to the role.

 Experience/Knowledge: 

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar position or in community services/education/social care etc. setting.
• Experience of providing individual support and outreach, preferably to migrants/Roma/refugees etc.
• A strong interest in and knowledge of the issues facing asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Ireland,
• A commitment to a human rights-based approaches.
• An understanding and ability to relate to and work with people across cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience of working in partnership with a wide range of other organisations Experience of public speaking, facilitating group work and event/project management.  
• Experience of developing & delivering accessible and culturally informed information through a range of mediums inc. leaflets, flyers, social media, talks & workshops. 

Desirable 

• Ability to communicate in Romani or Romanian, Arabic, Pashto, Farsi, Russian, Ukrainian, French or other.
• Ability to communicate in another language preferably Arabic, Pashto, Farsi, Russian, Ukrainian, French or other.
• Experienced in report writing and meeting funding deadlines.
• Train the Trainer or other facilitation/education qualification. 

Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent ability to engage with our client group with compassion, care and empathy.
• Familiarity with the core humanitarian/SPHERE principles of dignity, respect, non-discrimination and confidentiality.
• Experience using a client centered trauma-informed approach
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A flexible and adaptable work approach.
• Excellent written and spoken English- with strong verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills preferred.
• Possess good, active listening and communication skills with sensitivity to intercultural communication.
• Appreciation of the need for confidentiality, integrity & strong professional boundaries.
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals.
• Proficient in MS packages e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, programme databases, SharePoint portals
• A full driving licence and access to a car for travel throughout the catchment area.
• Applicants who identify as a member of the target group for this role are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Terms & Conditions 

Post: Migrant Support & Advocacy Worker 

Location: Post requires outreach work with travel required throughout the service delivery area of South County Dublin (Tallaght, Clondalkin, Citywest, Lucan etc.). 

Reporting to: Migrant Integration Manager & Senior Manager 

Salary: € 34,831.00 - €51,737.00 (inc. two Long Services Increments) depending on experience 

Benefits: 

• Access to HSF low-cost health fund.  
• Access to training and development opportunities to support the successful candidate in their role.
• 35 Hour per week (full time)
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme