Job Title: Guardian ad litem in the Guardian ad litem National Service Employer: Department of Children, Disability and Equality County: Dublin Closing Date:3pm, Thursday, 15th January 2026 Starting Salary:€74,701 About the Employer: The Department of Children, Disability and Equality's mission is to fund and deliver services supported by policy and legislation that realise people's rights, promote equality, celebrate diversity and that maximise opportunity to participate in society, particularly by children, disabled people and those experiencing inequalities.
The Department seeks to co-ordinate and develop key actions across Government relating to children and young people.
It also works on issues relating to some of our most vulnerable groups including children at risk, children in the care of the State, and other vulnerable, minority and disadvantaged groups.
It emphasises inclusivity and support in the area of equality.
It also has responsibility for community-based disability services.
The Department also deals with a range of important ongoing legacy issues from Ireland's past and a range of issues that are universal to society, including early learning and care for our children, prevention and early intervention services and support and advice for parents.
About the Role: The Department is seeking to appoint Guardians ad litem for the new Guardian ad litem National Service.
A Guardian ad litem is a qualified and experienced professional who is appointed to a child who is subject to care proceedings in Court.
They provide a report to the Court capturing the views of the child and make recommendations to the Court on what is in the best interest of the child.
They are independent in their function.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of the role will include:
• Meeting with the child and ascertaining the views of the child, where the child is capable of forming their own views.
• Making recommendations to the court regarding what is in the best interests of the child, this also applies in circumstances where a child is not capable of forming or expressing their views, or where a child is unwilling to express their views.
• Providing the court with a report that conveys the views expressed by the child in relation to the matters to which the proceedings relate, and which contains recommendations as to what is in the best interests of the child and the reasons for these recommendations.
• Informing the child of the recommendations that have been made, having regard to the child's age and maturity and informing the child of the outcome of the proceedings, and any other matters relevant to the proceedings which are considered appropriate.
• Informing the Court of any other additional matters which are relevant to the best interests of the child which come to the attention of the guardian ad litem during the performance of their duties.
• Performing additional functions as may be directed by the court.
• Attending court hearings as required and provide evidence when called as a witness by the court or by any party to proceedings.
• Maintaining confidential case records per the Guardian ad litem National Service Policy.
• Engaging with supervision as required by the Guardian ad litem National Service Policy.
• Applying evidence-based best practice models in professional practice.
• Engaging in anti-discriminatory practice and demonstrating cultural competence.
• Seeking the advice of relevant personnel when appropriate / as required.
• Contributing to a range of reports including annual reports, performance indicators and activity data etc.
as required.
• Adhering to the policies and procedures of the GAL National Service.
• Participating in training and development programmes/courses as part of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
About You: Candidates must have on or before 15th January 2026 Route 1 An approved CORU Social Work qualification and be currently registered on the Social Work Register maintained by CORU.
Or Route 2(i) A recognised qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications obtained with first or second-class honours in which psychology was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject.and (ii) A recognised postgraduate professional psychological qualification in Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychology, designated and accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.
or(iii) Qualification(s) from another jurisdiction confirmed as recognised by the Department of Health to be equivalent to the above.
Or Route 3 An approved CORU Social Care qualification and be currently registered on the Social Care Register maintained by CORU.
Or Route 4 Current registration as a specialist in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council in Ireland in the specialty of child & adolescent psychiatry.
Or alternatively Route 5 Have been appointed under section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991 as a Guardian ad litem on not less than 9 occasions since 1st December 2022 with no less than 3 of these appointments occurring since 1st June 2023 Candidates must also demonstrate that they have: Relevant post qualification experience (minimum of 5 years) working with children and families within the child protection and/or child welfare systems.
Knowledge and awareness of quality practice including children's rights, the voice of the child, and the legal and policy systems affecting these.
Clear understanding of current policies and legislation affecting children (e.g.
Child Care Act, Children's Act, Children First, UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, National Strategy on Children and Young People's Participation in Decision making).
Experience of legal/courts and social work systems including knowledge of GAL service provision.
The capacity to work independently and to manage their time effectively and efficiently.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with a proven ability to prepare and provide detailed reports and present complex information and in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to represent views and best interests of children to an expert level.
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail with the ability to work calmly under pressure, handle multiple assignments, deal with changing priorities and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated resilience, adaptability and self-confidence necessary to cope with challenging and/or sensitive situations.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, impartiality and discretion.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills with a demonstrated capacity to engage and work effectively and constructively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
A commitment to continued professional development including keeping updates and fully informed on current research and development in relevant areas (Social Work, Child Care, Child Welfare).
A current full driving licence, valid in Ireland (Category B), and/or have access to a car.
The Closing Date for this competition is Thursday, 15th of January at 3pm.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.