Caseworker and Client Support Officer (Full Time)
Dublin, Ireland
Description
Position Title: Caseworker and Client Support Officer
The Employer:
Crosscare delivers services with a servant leadership ethos. Crosscare’s Homeless, Youth, Information and Advocacy Teams support those most in need with Love, Respect and Excellence. Crosscare exists to support individuals and families when they face difficult challenges in life and when they find it hard to get the help they need.
Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project (see www.diasporasupport.ie) is a dedicated service supporting Ireland’s diaspora and returning diaspora. Our mission is to provide information, advocacy, and referral supports to Irish citizens who are leaving Ireland or returning from abroad, particularly those experiencing difficulty. This position is funded by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.
Work Schedule: Full time role. Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm. Minimum 60-80% of working week required in-person in our offices, with some out of hours work anticipated.
Contract: Permanent, subject to successful probation and funding. Anticipated start date no later than February 2025.
Salary and Leave: Starting €36,879 – €41,337 per annum (points 4 - 7 on our 12 point salary scale), dependent on experience. 20 days annual leave (increasing to max 25 days for additional service).
Reporting to: Project Leader
The Role:
Providing information and advocacy support to Irish citizens returning to Ireland from abroad as well as Irish citizens leaving Ireland and living abroad (particularly people in crisis situations and in need of statutory supports).
Responsibilities:
1. Client Support
2. Lead on direct client support - including information provision, guidance, advice, and advocacy support.
3. Respond to client queries and make appropriate referrals.
4. Advocate in relation to clients’ needs with third parties, particularly with regard to social welfare applications/appeals and housing/homeless services.
5. Engage with stakeholders for case collaboration and referral purposes, including the Consular Assistance Unit, Irish Embassies and Consulates, and Irish emigrant support organisations worldwide.
6. Develop and maintain a network of key contacts within relevant Government Departments, Local Authorities, and non-profit organisations.
7. Develop client information resources and training material as required, participating in public and peer information sessions.
8. Monitor and track client trends and issues to contribute to social policy development and inform communications activities.
9. Keep up to date with issues affecting Irish emigrants, including developments in policy relating to the welfare of Irish citizens returning to Ireland in crisis.
10. Ensure all clients are treated with dignity, respect, and in a professional manner.
11. Contribute regular updates and reports for key stakeholders.
12. Working as part of a team, engaging in team meetings, case meetings, supervision, review, and planning sessions.
13. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Project Leader.
Organisational:
1. Ensure alignment with Crosscare’s core organisational mission and values.
2. Maintain Crosscare confidentiality at all times, following policies and procedures, and data protection legislation.
Requirements:
1. Degree or post-graduate qualification in social sciences or equivalent.
2. Fluent English and high literacy skills.
3. Commitment to social justice and a human rights-based approach.
4. Experience of working on a one-to-one basis, providing information and advocating on behalf of clients.
5. Case management experience (ability to manage a varied caseload, and to prioritise and effectively manage urgent cases as they present).
6. Experience of working in housing support and homeless prevention.
7. Practical knowledge of access to statutory supports such as social welfare & related systems (applications, appeals, Habitual Residence Condition, etc.).
8. Lived experience and/or awareness of Irish diaspora-related issues.
9. Knowledge of Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy and relevant policies.
10. Strong organisational and time-management skills.
11. Excellent social, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
12. Motivation, resilience, and ability to work on own initiative.
13. Interested in learning and working collaboratively.
14. IT Skills (MS Office and Zoom essential, experience in database use desirable).
15. Commitment to social justice and a human rights-based approach.
Benefits:
1. Generous annual leave.
2. Additional leave for long service.
3. Training and Development Programmes.
4. Employee Assistance Programme.
5. Digital Doctor Service.
6. Bike to Work Scheme.
In Crosscare, we approach our work with an attitude of service, showing love, care, and kindness in all interactions with others. We treat people with a level of respect they will remember long after our service and support have been received. We strive for excellence in everything we do. Our clients, young people, and service users deserve it.
Crosscare is registered with the Charities Regulator (RCN: 20169084) and the Revenue Commissioners (CHY-6262). Crosscare is the Social Care Agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Detailed information on all aspects of our work is available at www.crosscare.ie.
Application Process: To apply, please upload a comprehensive CV and letter of application (one document) detailing your suitability for the role to the link provided.
Closing date for applications is 5pm on 31 January 2025.
Crosscare is an equal opportunities employer.
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