Health Inclusion – Outreach Worker, Housing First, Mid West

Health Inclusion – Outreach Worker, Housing First, Mid West

Location: Limerick and Clare

Contract: Full Time, 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

The purpose of this role is to work as part of our Housing First services in Limerick and Clare with a strong focus on improving the health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, specifically rough sleepers. This role will be instrumental in connecting customers to stable housing while addressing their immediate and long-term complex health needs in the areas of social, addiction, physical and mental health.

What you will do:

• Work within the framework, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Housing First Service, ensuring all practice aligns with organisational standards.

• Provide an assertive street outreach approach to individuals experiencing homelessness, including those rough sleeping, in order to build meaningful relationships with people who may not have engaged with traditional services in the past.

• Undertake comprehensive health assessments for individuals experiencing homelessness, identifying both immediate health needs and longer‑term or chronic conditions.

• Collaborate closely with healthcare providers and community organisations to support customer access to medical care, mental health services, and substance misuse treatment.

• Advocate for customers within the healthcare system to ensure continuity of care and to help remove barriers that may prevent access to appropriate supports.

• Work alongside customers to develop and implement individualised health plans that align with both their health needs and their housing goals.

• Provide health education, guidance, and ongoing support that empowers customers to manage their conditions, engage in preventative care, and improve overall wellbeing.

• Collaborate with the Housing First multidisciplinary team—including case managers, nurses, and specialist staff—to address the holistic needs of each customer.

• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date, and confidential health records, ensuring progress and outcomes are documented to a high professional standard.

• Keep informed of current healthcare resources, evolving policies, and best practice approaches relevant to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

• Work a flexible rota as agreed with the Housing Services Manager, attend required team and organisational meetings, supervise students or volunteers where assigned, and engage in regular supervision sessions.

• Be vigilant regarding Health, Safety, and Welfare risks in the workplace, report concerns to the Line Manager or Health & Safety Representative, and undertake any additional duties reasonably assigned in consultation with the Housing Services Manager.

What you will need:

• A Third Level qualification at degree level in the area of social care i.e. youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology etc and/or be a CORU registered Social Care Worker 

• Two years’ experience of working with homeless people, substance users, people experiencing

• Experience of working with customers at risk.

• Experience of teamworking.

• Experience of working and liaising with other agencies, including both voluntary &statutory.

• Full Driver’s License with access to a car.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and report writing skills.

• Knowledge and understanding of Housing First and issues affecting people with complex general & mental health and addiction needs.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

#FI2