ADVOCACY & RESEARCH OFFICER
WHO WE ARE
Dignity4Patients is an independent charity providing Support, Advocacy
& Information to victims-survivors of sexual abuse. We work with
people who have experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual
behaviour in medical, healthcare, or therapeutic environments. We aim
to assist victim-survivors in dealing with various reporting, justice,
and healing pathways for their well-being. We intend to treat those
accessing healthcare who have experienced negative sexualised
behaviour by healthcare staff with the respect and dignity they
deserve.
POSITION INFORMATION
Dignity4Patients is hiring an Advocacy & Research Officer across our
Justice and Advocacy Service. We seek a dedicated individual to join
our team to provide advocacy and support to individuals and families
who have experienced sexual abuse (in any of its forms) in Ireland’s
healthcare services.
Ideally, we require someone with experience in dealing with victims &
survivors or providing information on citizens’ rights, legal
processes, or available supports. If you are someone with
qualifications or experience in front line engagement with victims and
survivors, report writing, and/or research with a focus on human
rights/social justice/victims’ rights or an interest in working to
tackle injustice and inequality, this might be the right opportunity
for you.
Our office is based in Drogheda and the Advocacy & Research Officer
will be required to attend our office due to the sensitivity of the
subject and for client confidentiality.
MAIN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide support to victims & survivors in a trauma-informed manner
and with a victim-centred approach.
* Provide advice on options & rights to victims, through various
helpline and communication platforms.
* Accompany clients when reporting abuse/cases to Criminal and Civil
justice services.
* Build & maintain strong interagency relationships, ensuring
clients access all essential services required.
* Manage & maintain detailed client records in Dignity4Patient’s
database, with timely casework follow-up.
* Identify recurring issues to inform Dignity4Patient’s policy,
research, and advocacy work.
* Work closely with the team to ensure our advocacy reflects the
needs of the people we assist.
* Work closely with the team in overseeing evidence generation for
better victim services and support.
* Work closely with the team to develop material and collate
information for media and public engagement
* Drive & implement Dignity4Patients’s strategy in relation to
Client Services & Engagement.
* Lead on consultation responses, feedback, submissions, or surveys
to funders & services for victims.
* Develop internal Dignity4Patients policies relating to support and
advocacy for victims.
* Contribute to the Senior Management Team and present to the
Dignity4Patients Board as required.
* Stay up to date on current legislation and practices as they
develop.
* Participate in training and professional development.
* Develop and maintain a diverse network of political and policy
contacts and champions.
* Carry out other roles or duties within the scope, spirit and
purpose of the post, as requested.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL:
* Degree in Human Rights, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Care,
Healthcare, or a related field or 5 years of relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with the
ability to show empathy in client support.
* Evidence of strong report writing, research, and/or consultation
response reports.
* Evidence of driving your own work within a small team on behalf of
an organisation, including initiating research, political engagement
and policy development.
* Proficiency in MS packages e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook,
* At ease with regular contact and communication with victims via
helpline telephones, texts, emails, and webchats. Comfortable in
managing and dealing with the topic of sexual abuse.
* Fluent Communication in the English Language.
DESIRABLE:
* Prior Experience in providing advice, support, or advocacy to
others is advantageous. High standards of organisational skills and
attention to detail.
* Prior Experience in the charity, community or voluntary sector or
understanding of the sector is advantageous.
* Prior Experience working in a political environment or
understanding of the sector is advantageous.
BENEFITS & TERMS
JOB TYPE: Part-time, permanent role, with a 6-month probationary
period.
HOURS: * hrs per week over a core 4-day week
Monday through Thursday ( *.**Apply on the
website** – *. *)
* mins unpaid lunch.
ANNUAL LEAVE: Generous entitlement of * days
per annum plus Good Friday, Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve. Sick
Leave: Generous entitlement of 7 days certified sick leave paid at
*% of daily salary. Counsellor: Access to
quarterly work supervision/counsellor support for staff well-being.
PARKING: Free on-site parking is available at the office.
LOCATION: Drogheda outskirts.
SALARY: The salary for this role is € *p/hr
for a *-hour week totalling approximately
€ *, * per annum. This
is the pro-rata rate of a full-time equivalent of €**Apply on the
website**, * per annum. This salary is
negotiable subject to experience, skills and a predetermined salary
cap.
APPLICATION:
Please send your CV with a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the
essential and if possible desirable criteria. Applications to **APPLY
ON THE WEBSITE** BY 5PM ON MONDAY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH JANUARY
**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**. APPLICATIONS AFTER THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE
CONSIDERED.
Interviews: Interviews will be held the week of **Apply on the
website**th January * either on Zoom or
face-to-face depending on requirements.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
