COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER (FULL-TIME)

The Organisation

The Traveller Counselling Service (TCS) was set up in 2008 to provide one-to-one counselling and therapeutic support to members of the Traveller community. Overseen by a Board of Management, the service is run by Travellers for Travellers, and works from a culturally inclusive framework which respects Traveller culture, identity, values, and norms.

The service has now expanded to include Community Development Work, Advocacy and Training, and offers counselling in person, by phone and online, nationwide.

The Role

The TCS is currently recruiting a Community Development Worker, Full-Time, who will be reporting to the Managing Director and the Operations Manager. Although ideally this is a full time role, there will be some flexibility to consider a part-time role for a suitably qualified candidate.

The Community Development Worker will help to improve access to local mainstream mental health services for Travellers.

This role has 3 main components:

1. Supporting local Traveller groups to develop and run Local Mental Health Steering groups that address the mental health needs of the local Traveller community, and support existing Mental Health Steering Groups.
2. Promote the work of the Traveller Counselling Service, nationwide.
3. Be a key supporter of our Travellers Transforming Conflict initiative, in conjunction with our project partners; the Traveller Mediation Service and Exchange House Ireland.

The Community Development Worker will work collaboratively with a colleague in a similar role. Training and support for this role will be provided.

We particularly welcome applicants to this role from the Traveller community, especially recent graduates. 

Person Specification

• An understanding of the impact of social exclusion, racism, poverty, etc. on Traveller mental health;
• The ability to work from a culturally inclusive framework;
• Respect and empathy for the Traveller community, clients and counsellors;
• A natural “people person” who is outgoing and enjoys networking;
• Highly reliable and consistent;
• Driven and hard-working;
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative, and to plan and set goals;
• Commitment to capacity-building and empowering Travellers;
• Understanding of and a commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and cultural diversity (anti-racism stance).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop strong links with local Traveller groups around the country to establish peer mental health surveys and mental health steering groups;
• Support existing steering groups;
• Gain a thorough understanding of the work of the TCS and promote it as widely as possible throughout the country;
• Support the Travellers Transforming Conflict Initiative;
• Develop a knowledge base of all supports available to Travellers in order to signpost to clients as may be required;
• Communicate regularly with the Managing Director, the Operations Manager and the Board of Management, as required;
• Attend occasional relevant training sessions;
• Undertake any other duties as determined by The Traveller Counselling Service.

Experience

• Previous community-development experience with marginalised or disadvantaged communities an advantage;
• Previous work with Travellers highly desirable.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to develop good working relationships;
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills;
• Proficient IT skills (Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel);
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work;
• Ability to write reports;
• Full clean driving licence an advantage;
• Third level qualification in the areas of community development, mental health or social sciences, or equivalent experience.

This is a 1-year fixed term contract with potential for permanency, with a six -month probationary period. The role is based in the Dublin area with options for flexible/hybrid working, and will involve travel to other counties. The position is full-time, but suitable part-time applicants will be considered. The salary will start at €35,581 per year.

To apply, please email

1. a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and
2. a CV including the names and contact details of two referees

to claire@travellercounselling.ie by Friday September 19th 2025.