Part-time Key Worker
for LGBTI+ Refugee and Asylum Peer Support Service
LGBT Ireland is a national charitable organisation which provides support services to Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI+) people and their families. Informed by the issues and experiences raised through our frontline services we also provide training and advocacy to enhance the visibility, inclusion and rights of LGBT+ people living in Ireland.
About LGBT Ireland’s LGBTI+ Refugee & Asylum Peer Support Service:
LGBT Ireland provides a peer support service called Is Rainbow Muid for LGBTI+ people who are seeking international protection in Ireland. LGBT Ireland has been providing this service, working collaboratively with other partners since 2018.
The service includes:
- Monthly peer support meetings
- Wraparound support services and referrals
- One to one emergency support
- Case work
- National advocacy to effect relevant policy change and implementation
Purpose of this Post:
This post offers an exciting opportunity to enhance LGBT Ireland’s capacity to meet the growing demand to provide support and advocacy services to LGBTI+ people seeking international protection in Ireland. The role involves working directly with LGBTI+ asylum seekers and refugees in ways described above, as well as contributing to on-going advocacy work to effect relevant policy change and implementation. The post holder will be a key point of contact, information and support for all LGBTI+ people at different stages of their international protection journey.
The post holder will work with the Senior Training and Advocacy Coordinator, to consolidate the services and expand the services including developing additional advocacy initiatives and events.
Structure of this Post:
This is a part time role (2.5 days per week) on a fixed term 6-month contract.
The post holder will report directly to the Senior Training and Advocacy Coordinator.
Key Worker Role & Responsibilities:
- Preparation + logistics of monthly peer support meetings and other events and activities
- Responding to membership enquiries via email using appropriate internal procedure
- Logging and collating all enquiries and outcomes
- Organising and attending first contact meetings
- Active support to WhatsApp group including responding to messages and sharing relevant information.
- One-to-one support to more isolated, vulnerable members (phone, email, visits)
- Engaging in case work for individual members
- Attending relevant sectoral events and networks representing the organisation
- Tracking relevant policy / strategies actions and documenting relevant case studies to contribute to the advocacy side of LGBT Ireland’s work
Essential Criteria / Competencies:
- Strong knowledge and experience of refugee / asylum seeker sector including IPO and IPAS systems
- Strong knowledge of relevant support organisations and services
- Track record in supporting vulnerable people
- Experience of handling and storing sensitive data
- Strong understanding of and commitment to confidentiality
- Ability to communicate with warmth and compassion
- Respect for cultural diversity
- Understanding of and experience using an empowering approach
- Reliable, independent working practice
- Good written and spoken English
- IT skills
- Willingness to travel within ROI
Desirable Criteria / Competencies:
- Direct experience of the international protection system
- Strong knowledge of LGBTI+ issues
- Fluency in some foreign languages
- Driving license
The salary scale for this post ranges from €32,076 to €38,513 for full-time post (adjusted pro rata for 2.5 days per week). The salary offered will be subject to experience.
How to Apply:
To apply please email a covering letter and CV to [email protected].
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 29th November 2021. Interviews to take place on Monday, 6th December 2021.
For more information about this role or to find out more about LGBT Ireland please visit our website at lgbt.ie or email [email protected].