ROLE: National Advocacy Worker
POSITION: Full Time (**Apply on the website** hours a week) Fixed Term
Contract to June **Apply on the website**th **Apply on the website**
LOCATION: Remote Working
REPORTS TO: IFCA Advocacy Coordinator
MISSION STATEMENT
_The Irish Foster Care Association is the national organisation that
supports foster families and the wider fostering community. We advance
and promote best practice in foster care through support, learning and
advocacy._
IFCA VALUES
We value:
* The rights of the child
* The role of family in a child?s life
* Respect, compassion and kindness
* Effective partnerships and open communications
* Innovation and research
IFCA ADVOCACY SERVICE
The Irish Foster Care Association?s National Advocacy Service offers
independent and professional support in fostering situations. The aim
of the service is to offer the best support during difficult times to
make the process clearer and easier for all involved.
IFCA operates a Telephone Helpline from its office in Tallaght, Monday
to Friday, from **Apply on the website**.**Apply on the website**am
? 3.**Apply on the website**pm, providing a first point of contact
to foster carers and all those with a query or question about
fostering. The Telephone Helpline can provide practical information
and advice regarding any aspect of fostering as well as a supportive
listening ear.
Where an initial query is identified as being complex in nature, the
case is referred to IFCA?s National Advocacy Service. The advocacy
team is comprised of a combination of advocate staff and National
Volunteers who are located in areas across the country and who support
IFCA members.
NATIONAL ADVOCACY WORKER
The role of the National Advocacy Worker will involve direct support
work with IFCA members, advocating with and on their behalf,
accompanying them to meetings, reviews, appeals etc. when and where
appropriate. The role will involve travel over a defined geographical
area.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* To liaise with the Advocacy Coordinator to agree a plan of action
for referred cases.
* 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.
* Assisting service users to understand relevant Child in Care and
Foster Care policies and procedures, national foster care standards
etc.
* Assist and support service users to seek and receive information
on decisions related in their role as foster carer.
* Support service users to represent their own views, wishes and
concerns.
* Ensure that service users experiences, observations and concerns
are understood and given due consideration.
* Regular attendance at meetings with foster carers and IFCA events
within your 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.
* Engage in regular supervision.
* Maintain records in compliance with data protection protocols.
* Carry out your duties in accordance with IFCA?s policies and
procedures.
* Contribute to a good and safe working environment.
* Carry out other duties from time to time as required to support
the services provided by IFCA.
ADMINISTRATION
* Keep accurate and up to date records of all cases referred to IFCA
National Support Volunteers.
* Actively participate in effective organisational communication
systems. Record all data for the service on IFCA?s CRM system
TEAM
* Attend regular team meetings.
* Contribute to team meetings and the overall work of the team.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
_ESSENTIAL_
* A third level qualification in Social Work, Social Care, Advocacy
or related field of discipline.
* 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.
* 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.
* Experience of working to promote best quality standards of
practice.
* Experience of working through partnerships and collaborations.
COMPETENCIES:
* Ability to work as an advocate and support worker.
* Ability to objectively understand and evaluate personal
limitations and those of the system in which problems arise.
* Ability to work independently and take the initiative within the
operational parameters set by the Advocacy Coordinator.
* Ability to work within a team.
* An understanding of the process and content of support services
and a passion for quality and innovation in the service.
* Good time management and dependability.
* Excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication skills.
* Good understanding of information technology.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
* Full time role: **Apply on the website** 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
* **Apply on the website** working days annual leave plus 2 privilege
days
* EAP access
* Family Friendly
SALARY SCALE ?**Apply on the website**,**Apply on the website** per
annum
Please email your CV and cover letter to Julie King, at **Apply on the
website**
TO BE CONSIDERED PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CV AND COVER LETTER OUTLINING
YOUR RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE. SHORTLISTING WILL BE APPLIED, AND
INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE VIA MS TEAMS BETWEEN THE **APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**TH AND **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH OF FEBRUARY. THE CLOSING
DATE IS 5PM, WEDNESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
