Social Worker – IPAS secondment opportunity

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) deals with policy and service developments  which aim to enhance the lives of children, young people, adults, families and communities, recognising diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.   A key area of service delivery which has recently come under the Department’s remit, is that of provision of accommodation and ancillary services to international protection applicants (asylum seekers) as part of the wider existing policy of direct provision.

The Department has been tasked by Government to develop a new model of service provision in this area based on a not for profit model with a focus on adopting a humanitarian approach to meeting the needs of applicants.  Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD, published a white paper on implementation of the new model in February 2021 and the target date for delivery of the new model to replace direct provision is set for end 2024.  In the interim period the International Protection Accommodation Service, which operates as a unit within this Department, is tasked with implementing a series of reforms to the existing model to address shortcomings identified by recent focus groups and ensure Ireland is fully meeting its obligations under the reception conditions directive. 

A key component of these reforms has been the introduction of vulnerability assessments for all new applicants arriving in the State since February 2021 on a pilot basis.  The assessment process is designed to identify particularly categories of vulnerability across a range of categories including, physical and mental health related issues, victims of torture, physical psychological, or sexual violence etc.     

 A new Resident Welfare Team, has been established and is tasked with the carrying out of vulnerability assessments, and also encompasses overall case management of residents and families of residents with complex needs.   The Resident Welfare Team, is a multi-disciplinary team which is currently led by a general service Assistant Principal Officer and comprises subject matter experts seconded from Tusla, the Department of Education, the Tusla Education Support Service and the HSE as well as a number of support officers at HEO, EO and CO grade.  Based on learning from the first 4 months of the vulnerability assessment pilot, IPAS has identified a need for the addition of a number of social worker posts to support the Resident Welfare Team and the new vulnerability assessment process.    

Application Process

Applicants should submit a C.V. including a cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and setting out their reasons for considering themselves suitable for the role, by email to Hannah McHugh HR Unit, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth at recruitment@equality.gov.ie by close of business on 27th January 2023 2022.  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.