Working in ireland. visa/permit question?

I'm a 28yr old Australian hoping to work in Ireland for 6 months to a year. I am a youth/social worker. what visa /permit do i need to apply for?

From what I can tell with the greencard you have to have a job already set up (which isn't the case) and the 1 year working visa says I can only work casually.

Also, my father is Irish. Does this affect my application ( i know that in the uk I'm entitled to work for 8 years, as my mum was born in uk).

Any help would be great!

Latest news is not good in Ireland Republic. Sorry to put a downer on things, but where I work all Australian work permits have been refused renewals BUT...

If you have an Irish (Republic) parent (or grandparent) then you can apply for an Irish passport and work in Ireland or any other EC country for as long as you like.

First of all do you mean Ireland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland (U.K.)?

Both are seperate countries and have different procedures regarding what you are wanting to do.

Neither country offers green-cards, that would be America and a green-card proves you are a legal permanent resident of the United States - this as nothing to do with what you are asking or hoping to do.

Furthermore, where do you get that you are entitled to work for 8 years in the United Kingdom? I have seen no such official documentation stating this.

In the United Kingdom you are legally allowed to come over as a tourist/visitor and look for/apply for work and attend the job interviews. If your job interview was successful then the employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf by contacting Work Permits (UK) and filling out an application form. You would then have to return home and obtain entry clearance as a work-permit holder.

For Ireland, a non-EEA national requires a Work Permit and you can apply for a work-permit for an "Employment" visa through your local Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Also both countries offer a working-holiday scheme. Ireland you are definitely eligible and their scheme is for 1 year. The United Kingdom you may be eligible but without knowing more about your circumstances then I cannot say for sure. Visit the websites below for more information.

I would certainly look into the working-holiday scheme.