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Irish Refugee Protection Programme: Intercultural Support Worker [1]

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Intercultural Support Worker

Abbeyfield EROC, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 as a
direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from
areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa.

Recruitment for Intercultural Support Worker – Contract duration approx. 18 months

The Intercultural Support Worker will support the integration needs of refugees and families who are arriving into Ireland
under the IRPP relocation and resettlement programmes.

The position will be based in the Abbeyfield Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC), Ballaghaderreen,
County Roscommon and will support the integration needs of refugees and families.

Purpose of the Position

The Intercultural Support Worker will aim to bridge the gap between mainstream Service Providers and the needs of
refugees living in the EROC by providing high quality cross cultural information which may include interpretation and
translation services, to ensure the best possible outcome for the service provider and for the refugee.

To develop mutual understanding between the different cultures, including language and practices that may have
different meanings amongst all cultures, which may get lost in the process of interaction, interpretation and
translation.

Duties & Responsibilities

The range of duties and responsibilities of the Intercultural Support Worker will include:-

i. Supporting the setting up and maintenance of an appointments based system to schedule appointments for
interpretation services for mainstream service providers (HSE, DEASP, ETB, Túsla, GP’s, Hospitals etc.) with
families resident in the EROC.
ii. Set up and maintenance of an appointments based system to schedule requests for translation from mainstream
service providers. Dept. of Justice & Equality Interpretation requirements will always take precedence.
iii. Provision of high quality, interpretation and translation from Arabic to English and from English to Standard Arabic
and cross-cultural support to the following:
Mainstream Service Providers who wish to meet with refugees in the EROC or at a place to be determined, on
a pre-booked appointments basis.
Education and Training Board (ETB) during English Language and cultural orientation training programmes.
Teachers’ and professional staff working with primary and post-primary children in the EROC and for
translating/interpreting information for parents and parent teachers meetings on a pre-booked appointment
basis.
Medical staff meeting with residents in the EROC on a pre-booked appointment basis.
Families who are attending a GP or other medical/dental professional, including accompanying the client to
the clinic or a Consultant in a Hospital on a pre-booked appointment basis. (The Intercultural Worker will not be
requested to escort unaccompanied children without the company of a parent or other responsible adult).

Duties will also include:-

i. Maintenance of records of all appointments, assess and monitor ongoing needs and provide reports for employer.
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 ii. Assisting residents to complete application forms, registration forms and follow up where necessary.
iii. Provision of an emergency off duty interpretation service at evenings and week-ends in exceptional circumstances.
iv. Perform other related duties as requested by the funder.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the
post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her
from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility, Qualification and experience

The successful candidate must, at a minimum:

be educated to secondary level education with an equivalent baccalaureate certificate and preferably some post-
secondary education in the human services related area
be fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic
be self-motivating
be able to manage their own schedule and maintain accurate records
have experience in providing interpretation service or promoting inter-cultural understanding within diverse
youth/families/communities coming from war affected countries
have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
demonstrate flexibility in their approach to work
an appreciation of cross-cultural perspectives and demonstrate an ability to withhold personal bias while working
across various religious/political and tribal communities
a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel and Word and email
an understanding of the effect of trauma and an ability to deal successfully with those suffering from trauma
an ability to handle conflict, strong negotiation skills and an understanding of conciliation techniques, cultural
difference and different cultures
broad understanding and knowledge of various sectors in Irish society such as Local Government, Health Services,
Education Services, elected representatives, funding bodies and eligibility criteria for state services
an ability to demonstrate knowledge of the sensitivity and importance of data protection, and the protection of the
privacy and confidentiality of personal and community information in handling public relations, and in use of social
media or any form of communications
have permission to work in Ireland

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached
to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and
efficient service.

Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Skills, Competencies and /or Knowledge

Knowledge and Expertise

Excellent strategic planning and organisational skills.

Budgeting, financial management and cost control skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Proven track record on the ability to liaise on an interagency-basis.
An ability to observe, analyse, monitor and report.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and processes of community development and expertise in a broad range of
development models in particular those appropriate to Ethnic Minority Groups.
Knowledge of the mainstream model of integration.

Personal Attributes

Strong inter-personal communication skills and an understanding, respect and empathy for the needs of Ethnic
Minority Groups.
Self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative within a team structure.
Creative and positive approach to working with individuals and groups.
Strong listening skills.
Strong negotiation/mediation skills.
Capacity to manage time well and prioritise workload in a demanding work environment.

Other Requirements: It is the applicants own responsibility to get to and from the EROC.

Competition Specific Selection Process

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Candidates must apply by application in the form of a CV with two named referees and a covering letter explaining your
suitability for the post. Canvassing will disqualify.

Candidates will be required to undertake an English and Arabic Language proficiency tests.

Shortlisting

Applicants may be shortlisted for interview based on information supplied in the application and results of English
Language proficiency tests. Criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the post
specific requirements, duties, skills, competencies and/ or knowledge section of this job specification.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

This employment will have a contract of limited duration from date of contract to a fixed end date of 31st December 2019,
subject to a satisfactory 3 month probation period from date of contract.

The working hours will be 37.35 working hours per week (37 hrs, 21 mins) over 5 days per week (excluding 1 hour per
day for lunch at 30 minutes per day and two 15 minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon).

Annual full-time salary is €34,360.

Any period of 7.47 hours (7hrs 28mins) between the hours of 7am and 7pm will be considered as the normal working day.
The weekly working limit of 37.35 hours working time over five days should not be exceeded and the provision of breaks
and time off will be as per the OWTA. Overtime is not payable under this employment.

During working hours, either existing transport services or public transport is the preferred mode of transport. In
exceptional circumstances, where required, Travel and Subsistence may be paid but must be pre-approved and will be at
normal Civil Service rates.

Annual leave is 20 days (4 weeks) fully paid.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 15th June 2018 at 5.30pm to:IRPP@justice.ie [2]

Funded by the European Union under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the
Department of Justice and Equality.

Region: Ballaghaderreen, Co
Roscommon
Expiry date: 15/06/2018
Date 29/05/18
Entered/Updated:
Source URL (modified on 29/05/2018 - 16:23): https://www.activelink.ie/content/vacancies/civil-liberties-human-rights/37325

Links
[1] https://www.activelink.ie/content/vacancies/civil-liberties-human-rights/37325
[2] mailto:IRPP@justice.ie