Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker

Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be supporting Adopt NI with the recruitment of three Advocacy and Tracing Caseworkers. These positions will form part of a wider team delivering information recovery, advocacy and family tracing support for adults linked to Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, and their pathways and practices in Northern Ireland.

This is a meaningful opportunity for experienced advocacy, social care, counselling or support professionals to help individuals access important information, understand their personal history and navigate tracing, inquiry and potential redress processes. These roles are funded by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS). Location Belfast, with regional travel throughout Northern Ireland. Hours of Work and Positions Available Two full-time positions: 37 hours per week One part-time position: 30 hours per week Salary NJC Point 25:
Full-time, 37 hours: £36,363 per annum Part-time, 30 hours: approximately £29,484 per annum Contract Fixed-term until March 2029, subject to funding. Closing Date Friday 7th August . Proposed Interview Date Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week beginning 17th August 2026.

Salary and Benefits Adopt NI offers:
Flexible working options Family-friendly policies 25 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays Workplace pension Induction and on-the-job training Regular professional supervision Parking available at the office Time off in lieu for additional hours worked Annual leave entitlement and salary will be calculated pro rata for the part-time position. About Adopt NI Adopt NI is an independent registered charity established in 1989.

Its main priority is to support adults impacted by the lifelong journey of adoption or care. Working from Belfast on a regional basis, Adopt NI provides confidential support and services to adults affected by adoption or separation from their family of origin. The organisation seeks to empower adults, improve access to information, influence policy and ensure each person receives non-judgemental support tailored to their individual circumstances.

The Role The Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker will provide consistent, end-to-end advocacy and support to victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland. Working in a trauma-informed, empathetic and client-led way, the Caseworker will support individuals seeking information about time spent in institutions, adoption experiences or biological family. The successful candidate will help clients understand and navigate information recovery, family tracing, public inquiry and potential redress processes.

They will provide emotional and practical support before, during and after these processes, ensuring each individual remains informed, empowered and in control of decisions affecting them. The role will also involve acting as an intermediary where contact with family of origin is being considered and working closely with Adopt NIs Family Tracing and Records Officers. This is a demanding but highly rewarding position requiring empathy, resilience, sound judgement and the ability to manage sensitive and potentially complex cases.

This role may also appeal to candidates searching for positions such as Advocacy Caseworker, Trauma-Informed Advocate, Adoption Support Worker, Family Tracing Caseworker, Information Recovery Advocate or Advice and Support Worker.

Key Responsibilities The Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker will:
Provide trauma-informed, person-centred advice, advocacy and emotional support to victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses. Support individuals to access personal and institutional records, trace biological family members and make informed decisions throughout the process. Act as an intermediary in tracing and family-contact cases, ensuring the wishes and direction of the individual remain central. Help clients understand and engage with public inquiries, investigation processes and potential redress schemes, including applications, statements and testimonies.

Work closely with Family Tracing and Records Officers on cases involving tracing, intermediary support and voluntary DNA testing. Manage a complex caseload, maintaining accurate, confidential and up-to-date client records. Develop effective relationships with statutory, community and voluntary organisations, coordinating support, representation and onward referrals. Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and practice while contributing to quality standards, service evaluation and continuing professional development.

Essential Criteria Applicants must have either: A university-level, professional or equivalent qualification in a relevant area, such as health and social care, counselling, social science or psychology, together with at least two years recent paid experience relevant to the role; or:
Five…