Volunteer Support Workers - Nationwide
The Irish Foster Care Association provides advice & support to carers of children in the care system. Please visit our website :
We require nationwide Support Workers. These will initially engage with low-level support cases, under supervision, progressing to providing support in medium level cases as confidence and experience develops. The majority of work will be telephonic in nature but may require occasional face to face meetings with individuals assigned.
How many hours would I be expected to work?
In general, most support workers carry a caseload that involves a maximum of 4 hours work per week.
Do I need to have qualifications?
No specific qualifications are required and training will be provided.Ideally applicants for the Support Worker roles would have a background and experience/knowledge of fostering, social work, HSE/TUSLA procedures, good telephone and interpersonal skills; a non judgmental attitude as well as patience, and the ability to listen and empathise.
Training?
Induction & Training will be provided and volunteers will receive regular supervision.All IFCA Helpline and Support Volunteers are obliged to attend an 8-12 session certified Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills course. We are currently re-developing the course content with a view to making it specifically tailored to the support work we provide, and reducing the number of times attendance will be required in person at the training venue.
How do I apply?
- Complete Volunteer Application Form available on the IFCA website or forward a letter of application/CV to Support/Mediation Service, IFCA Office address.
- Attend a semi-formal individual interview where we will go through your application form in greater detail in a relaxed atmosphere.
- If you are successful at interview you will be asked to complete a number of important documents, including Garda Vetting.
All successful applicants will be given details of the next available training course.Note: Participants will not be accepted as full volunteers until a final meeting with the Service Coordinator has been carried out to discuss progress.