EPIC ADVOCACY OFFICER
APPLICATION FORM

Candidates will be short listed for interview on the basis of information supplied on their applications.

This application form, when completed, should be returned to

Handwritten application forms will NOT be considered

Please tick which position you are applying for

Advocacy Officer DML / Advocacy Officer South
Section 1
SURNAME / FIRST Names
Home Address / Address for Communication (if Different)
Home Telephone No / Work Telephone No
(will only be used with the utmost discretion)
E-Mail / Mobile
Do you hold a full clean driving licence? Yes □ No □
Do you have access to a car? Yes □ No □
Do you require a work permit? Yes □ No □
(As this post is based in Ireland non- EC nationals require current and valid permission to work in Ireland as the Dept of Trade and Enterprise will only issue work permits in exceptional circumstances)
Section 2

Education Record

Third Level:

Dates / School, College or University / Examinations Taken / Year Degree/
Qualification Obtained. / Results/Grades Obtained/Other Distinctions
From / To

Professional / Occupational Training/ Courses Attended

(Most recent training first)

Dates / College, Institute or Employer / Type of Training e.g. Full time, part time, distance learning / Qualifications obtained / Year of Award
From / To

Add in additional rows if required

Employment History:

Please start with your most recent employment history. Include any period of unemployment. No period should be left unaccounted. (Where citing voluntary experience you must provide evidence of number of days/hours etc. worked over what period of time). If necessary continue on a separate sheet.

Dates / Employers Name & Address
Type of Service provided / Position Held and Brief List of Duties and Responsibilities / Reason for Leaving/Salary
From / To

Section 3

In this section, we ask you to describe some of your personal achievements that demonstrate the skills and abilities required to take on the post of Advocacy Officer. Please note that only information in the application form will be considered when shortlisting for interview.

Please read the job description and person specification carefully and describe why you believe you have the necessary competencies, qualities and experience to take on this role. As Advocacy Officer you will need to; (1) Work at all times to meet the core values and strategic aims of EPIC (2) Have knowledge and understanding of the main issues for young people in care, leaving care and in aftercare (3) Provide advocacy support to young people in care and in aftercare. (4) Promote the rights of children in care, including the right to have a voice and to participate in decisions about their care.

Under each heading in this section illustrate with an example a situation you have experienced and what specifically you have done, which demonstrates the skill or quality required.

1.Knowledge and expertise

You must have knowledge and understanding of the social work, social care services and particularly how the care system works. Knowledge of legislation, policy and standards relating to the care and child protection system and a good understanding of recent developments both within Tusla, the DCYA and the wider context is essential. You must demonstrate your understanding of the statutory systems and the challenges children face within these systems.

.Please demonstrate below how you believe you meet these requirements by giving an example in no more than 500 words.

2. Children’s rights and understanding of care issues.

A commitment to children’s rights and promoting those rights, particularly that of giving children in care a voice and promoting their participation in decisions about their care, is a core part of this role.

A robust understanding of the issues affecting children and young people in care and leaving care is essential.

Please demonstrate below how you believe you meet these requirements by giving an example in no more than 500 words.

3. Relationship Building, Influencing and Networking skills

You must have an ability to build a rapport with a diverse range of people and positively influence them in order to obtain good outcomes for children and young people for whom you will be advocating.

You must be able to build credibility, trust and respect with young people and also when working in partnership with stakeholders. An ability to “take a stand”, manage conflict and yet remain calm and diplomatic will be necessary to this role.

Please demonstrate below how you believe you meet these requirements by giving an example in no more than 500 words.

4. Communication skills

This role requires you to have excellent communication skills, verbal and written and also good presentation skills. It will be necessary to communicate across a wide range of different groups, young people of all ages with different experiences and capacities and professionals from many varied backgrounds. You must also have good computer skills, with a working knowledge of the main office applications.

Please demonstrate below how you believe you meet these requirements by giving an example in no more than 500 words.

5. Teamwork, Flexibility

The role of Advocacy Officer is varied and multifaceted. It requires flexibility, sometimes working after office hours and occasionally at week-ends. Working as part of the EPIC team also requires a willingness to take on different aspects of work as required, be adaptable and able to manage multiple demands, work together to achieve the strategic goals of the organisation and realise better outcomes for young people.

Please demonstrate below how you believe you meet these requirements by giving an example in no more than 500 words.

6. Any other information which you feel is relevant

Section 4

REFEREES

A minimum of 3 references will be required, and the reference from your current/most recent employer should be from your Line Manager. Please note your references must cover the last three years of your employment. One of the references may be known to you in a capacity other than employment. In the event that you need to supply details of further referees please use a separate sheet. References will not be taken up without your permission.

1st Referee

Period of employment / From
To
Name and address of organisation
Name and address of referee
Occupation / Relationship to you
Telephone No.
E-mail:

2nd Referee

Period of employment / From
To
Name and address of organisation
Name and address of referee
Occupation / Relationship to you
Telephone No.
E-mail:

3rd Referee

Period of employment / From
To
Name and address of organisation
Name and address of referee
Occupation / Relationship to you
Telephone No.
E-mail:

Data Protection Clause:

All personal information provided on this application form will be stored securely by the organisation and will be used for the purposes of the recruitment process. Application forms will be retained for a minimum of 12 months in the case of unsuccessful applicants and in the case of a successful candidate for the duration of their employment and for a minimum of two years thereafter. This information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent except where necessary to comply with statutory requirements. Internally your information will be kept confidential and only made available as necessary. You may at any time make a request for access to the personal information held about you. Should you wish to make any changes in relation to the information stored about you, please contact the HR Department.

Declaration:

I hereby certify that all statements given by me on this application are true and correct without omission and that any mis-statements given may disqualify my application or in the event of my obtaining employment result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. I also fully recognise that canvassing will disqualify my application.

As you are applying for a post where you will be required to have contact with children and young people you will be required to have a standard Garda Vetting check.

Are there any current/ previous personal, employment or background reasons that may be recognised now or at a later stage as deeming you unsuitable to work with children and/or young people? If yes please state your reason(s) below.

______

Signed: Date:

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