Caseworker, MHPSS Project

Role overview

This position supports mental health and psychosocial services for international protection applicants staying in transit accommodation centres in Ireland. The role contributes to activities that improve wellbeing, resilience, social support and access to protection-related services.

The post sits within IOM Ireland’s wider migration management and support work, which has included assisted voluntary return and reintegration, resettlement, family reunification, counter-trafficking, protection, integration support for beneficiaries of temporary protection, integrated immigration governance and MHPSS.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission in Ireland, the Head of the MHPSS Unit, the Counselling and Case Management Coordinator, and directly report to the Senior Case Management Associate.

Key duties

• Track basic service and protection support available at local level and share practical guidance on how people can access those resources.
• Assist highly vulnerable individuals and families, including women, children, older people, persons with disabilities, survivors of violence, and people facing severe poverty or social exclusion.
• Work with the educator to run awareness, information-sharing and problem-solving group sessions focused on community concerns.
• Help build and reinforce social networks and community-led initiatives that encourage mutual support, family cooperation, public dialogue and other protective psychosocial factors.
• Identify community support structures and available resources, engage them, and work with Senior Project Associates to explore how their capacity can be further developed.
• Help identify at-risk cases and support their referral to appropriate protection services by assisting the Counsellor with MHPSS assessments.
• Coordinate with the Senior Case Management Associate, the Senior Counselling Associate and other team members to include vulnerable cases in community-based activities across the full intervention spectrum.
• Guide and supervise community focal points and volunteers so that project activities are communicated clearly and implemented in an inclusive, participatory way.
• Support MHPSS needs assessments, surveys and research in the target communities to improve access to community-based psychosocial and protection services.
• Help organize activities that combine MHPSS with livelihood support.
• Plan recreational activities, establish volunteer working groups, and oversee the tasks they carry out in the facility.
• Prepare leaflets, outreach materials and related documentation together with the Cultural Mediators.
• Carry out any other related tasks assigned by management.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Social Work is required, together with at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

Relevant background in social work or protection activities is considered an advantage, and prior experience in a similar role is preferred. Experience working directly with migrants and refugees, including vulnerable migrants, is also preferred.

Applicants should be comfortable engaging with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and working in multicultural environments. Experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU agencies, or Irish law enforcement/government departments would be an asset.

Strong organizational, facilitation, communication, writing and presentation skills are needed, along with computer literacy in standard applications such as MS Office. A valid driver’s licence with at least 5 years of driving experience is an advantage.

Language requirements

English fluency, both spoken and written, is required. Knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage. Language proficiency may be tested during the selection process through written and/or oral assessments.

Competencies

The role calls for strong alignment with IOM values, including respect for diversity, integrity, professionalism, courage and empathy. Core behavioural competencies include teamwork, results orientation, knowledge sharing, accountability and effective communication.

Eligibility and notes

Applications are open to both internal and external candidates. Internal candidates are treated as first-tier candidates for this vacancy.

This is a locally recruited post, and only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Ireland are eligible. Because the right to live and work in Ireland is required, the final contract duration may be shorter than the advertised period if needed to match the work permit expiry date.

Any offer depends on funding confirmation. This selection process may also be used to fill similar roles in other duty stations, and recommended candidates may remain eligible for appointment for 24 months.

Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, residency verification, visa approval and any required government authorizations. IOM maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination of any kind. No fees are charged at any stage of recruitment, and banking details are not requested.

Applications are accepted only through the organization’s online recruitment system.