Support & Advocacy Worker (New Communities & Roma)

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.

A vacancy has arisen for a Support & Advocacy Worker within our thriving Migrant Integration Team to work with newly arrived international protection applicants, Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, refugees and the Roma community. This is a split role (New Communities/Roma). The option for job share or two part-time roles can be explored for the right candidate(s).

The Support & Advocacy Worker (New Communities & Roma) 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, with particular focus on 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.

Duties of the post:

• To provide one-to-one casework, support and advocacy services to migrant and Roma individuals in South Dublin. Coordinating supports for individuals with a range of issues including, but not limited to, emotional wellbeing, housing issues, welfare allowances, education, health difficulties and protection for vulnerable persons at risk of abuse.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of clients, across a range of psychosocial, medical, financial and legal services, through the hosting of weekly indoors and mobile clinics.
• 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 the Irish system - leaflets, videos, social media content, 'guidebooks' for specific needs e.g. Mental Health & Psychosocial Support/Men's Health/Sexual Health and Reproductive Health etc.
• Develop & deliver accessible information, talks 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.
• Build strong relationships with statutory and non-statutory agencies, developing and maintaining referral pathways that will support vulnerable individuals you are working with.
• Develop, implement and deliver other projects as needs arise e.g. trainings, workshops, events on a range of topics relevant to the client group such as women’s rights, health, employment etc.
• Work closely with the SDCP Migrant Integration team to develop and deliver additional projects that fall under the remit of the project team.
• Carry out all administration associated with the role in a timely and efficient manner.
• Help meet the targets and goals of SDCP and collate reports for relevant funders/senior management.
• 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/refugees/asylum seekers.
• A strong interest in and knowledge of the issues facing asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Ireland, particularly those who are at risk of social exclusion, poverty and discrimination.
• A commitment to a human rights-based approach.
• 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.
• Experienced in report writing and meeting funding deadlines.
• Ability to communicate in more than one language preferably Arabic, Pashto, Farsi, Russian, Ukrainian, French or other.
• 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.
• Having an inclusive, survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach to social work is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• A flexible and adaptable work approach.
• Excellent written, 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.
• Comfortable working in a busy, dynamic, multi-cultural environment.
• 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: Support & Advocacy Worker (New Communities & Roma) - fixed term contract of 12 months.

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

• Excellent Pension of 10% employer’s contribution after successful probation period.
• Access to HSF low-cost health insurance.
• Access to training and development opportunities to support the successful candidate in their role.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the essential and desirable criteria in the job description, your suitability and why you are the best candidate for this post in question.

Please send three copies of your up-to-date detailed CV (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter accompanied with completed confidential form marked: Support & Advocacy Worker (New Communities & Roma) Ref: 178/2025

To
Administration & Operations Department,
South Dublin County Partnership,
Unit D1,
Nangor Road Business Park,
Nangor Road,
Dublin 12

OR alternatively email your application to jobs@sdcpartnership.ie – subject box to be marked: Support & Advocacy Worker (New Communities & Roma) Ref. 178/2025

Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 7th March @ 5.00pm

Please provide the names, address, occupation, and contact details of two referees. (Contact will not be made without prior notification to you). Please note that no individual correspondence will be entered.

Late applications cannot be considered. Shortlisting of candidates will apply.

South Dublin County Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.