COMMUNITY LINKS WORKER
CONFLICT INITIATIVE – PART-TIME
_THE ORGANISATION_
The Traveller Counselling Service (TCS) was set up in **Apply on the
website** to provide one-to-one counselling and therapeutic support to
members of the Traveller community. Overseen by a Board of Management,
the service is run by Travellers for Travellers, and works from a
culturally inclusive framework which respects Traveller culture,
identity, values, and norms.
The service has now expanded to include Community Development Work,
Advocacy and Training, offering counselling in person, by phone and
online, nationwide.
The TCS is currently collaborating with THE TRAVELLER MEDIATION
SERVICE and EXCHANGE HOUSE IRELAND in a special project entitled THE
TRAVELLER CONFLICT INITIATIVE. The role of the TCS in this project is
to offer trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy to members of
the Traveller community who are suffering the effects and impact of
inter-family conflict. This project is funded by the Department of
Children, Equality, Disability and Youth.
We are currently recruiting for a PART-TIME COMMUNITY LINKS WORKER.
Reporting to the Managing Director and the Operations Manager, the
Links Worker, who will use a community development model of work
practice, will form a supportive network between local Traveller
organisations, families and individuals who have been impacted by
inter-family violent conflict and TCS and other services as necessary.
The role is 0.6 WTE, or 3 days ( * hours) per
week, flexible. We particularly welcome applicants to this role from
the Traveller community.
_PERSON SPECIFICATION_
* An understanding of the impact of social exclusion, racism,
poverty, etc. on Traveller mental health;
* The ability to work from a culturally inclusive framework;
* Respect and empathy for the Traveller community, clients and
counsellors;
* Ability to maintain strict confidentiality;
* Good judgement and boundaries;
* High degree of personal integrity;
* A natural people person who enjoys networking;
* Ability to work on one’s own initiative and to plan and set
goals;
* Commitment to capacity-building and empowering Travellers;
* Understanding of and a commitment to the promotion of equal
opportunities and cultural diversity (anti-racism stance).
_DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES_
* Form strong links with local Traveller groups around the country in
order to highlight and raise awareness of the impact of violent
conflict on Traveller mental health and wellbeing;
* Ensure that those who want to refer clients with trauma/conflict
counselling understand the referral process, and link those referred
with the Traveller Counselling Service;
* With the assistance of local Traveller groups, identify suitable
and appropriate therapy spaces, in locations in different localities
that are accessible and safe for clients to be seen for counselling;
* Assist families in overcoming any practical barriers they may face
in attending the counselling sessions (for example, travel
difficulties);
* Liaise regularly with both clients and counsellor to ensure the
necessary support structures are in place for counselling sessions;
* Develop a knowledge base of all supports available to Travellers
in local areas in order to signpost to the clients as may be required;
* Maintain a confidential database, complying with all necessary
GDPR regulations;
* Attend regular Traveller Conflict Initiative meetings in Dublin
with the TCS, the Traveller Mediation Service and Exchange House
Ireland,
* Communicate regularly on the functioning of the service with the
Managing Director, the Operations Manager and the Board of Management,
as required;
* Attend relevant training sessions where required;
* Undertake any other duties as determined by The Traveller
Counselling Service.
_EXPERIENCE_
* Previous community-development experience with marginalised groups
an advantage;
* An understanding of the impact of violent conflict on Traveller
mental health and wellbeing desirable;
* Previous work with Travellers highly desirable.
_SKILLS_
* Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to
develop good working relationships;
* High attention to detail and strong organisational skills;
* Proficient IT skills (Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel);
* Effective communication skills, both oral and written;
* Problem-solving skills;
* Ability to plan and prioritise own work;
* Report-writing;
* Full clean driving licence;
* Third level qualification in the areas of community development,
mental health or social sciences, or equivalent experience.
This is a 1-year fixed term contract with continuation dependent on
funding, with a six -month probationary period. The role is based in
the Dublin area with several options for flexible/hybrid working, and
will involve travel to other counties. The position is part-time, at
three days per week or equivalent. The salary will be €**Apply on
the website**, *, pro rata (€**Apply on the
website**, * per year).
TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
and a CV including the names and contact details of two referees to
* before 5pm on Friday September **Apply on the
website**th *. Interviews will be held in
October with a view to starting in November.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
