WORKING AS AN ADVOCATE

YAP advocates come from all walks of life and make a huge difference to the lives of Young People. The training and experience YAP Ireland provide also opens-up opportunities for advocates to become skilled and experienced at working within their community in a strengths-based way.YAP advocates are employed under a Fixed Purpose Contracts and are paid an hourly rate to provide a one-to-one service to Young People and Families for up to 15 hours per week.

Not having a professional qualification is not a barrier to working as a YAP advocate. We look for people with a wide range of experiences who have some experience of working with young people either in a paid or voluntary capacity and most importantly are passionate about working with and supporting young people and families to achieve their goals.

The Role Of An Advocate Is To:

• To build a trusting relationship with young people & parents /carers
• To work with young people and families to achieve their goals
• To identify and link young people and families with the appropriate community supports
• To support young person to identify their interests and support parent with parenting

As An Advocate You Need To Be:

• A good listener and a positive role model
• Available for flexible working hours, evenings and weekends
• Interested in your community and want to make a difference
• Have a full driving license and access to your own transport

Advocates report to Team Leaders and with their support develop a strengths based, needs-led Individual Service Plan (ISP) with the young person and family.

Following interviews and training, successful candidates form a panel for consideration throughout year Advocates are required to get Garda Clearance/ and overseas clearance if necessary.

When an Advocate is matched to a young person, they are required to attend fortnightly supervisions and monthly team meetings.