Project Worker, Advice and Information Service, South East

Project Worker, Advice and Information Service, South East

Location: Wexford

Contract: Full Time, Specific Purpose

The purpose if this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland’s Advice and Information Service, to deliver a dedicated, advice, advocacy and support service to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

What you will do:

• Provide information, advice, and advocacy on housing, legal rights, and social welfare entitlements to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

• Undertake assessments and develop/implement support plans addressing personal and accommodation needs.

• Liaise and advocate with statutory authorities to support service users in accessing necessary services.

• Manage a caseload and operate an open-access service via drop-in, phone, and email.

• Build and maintain links with local services and community groups to enhance support networks.

• Refer individuals to external agencies for assistance with personal, social, legal, and accommodation needs.

• Work under the supervision and direction of line management and contribute effectively as part of a team.

• Apply a client-centred approach, promoting autonomy and independence.

• Maintain accurate records and statistics in line with Focus Ireland policies and procedures.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies(e.g., Child Protection, Confidentiality, Health & Safety) and participate in service evaluation and development.

• Attend team meetings, engage in supervision sessions, reflective practice, and participate in training and development as agreed.

• Collaborate with Focus Ireland colleagues and external agencies, remaining vigilant to health, safety, and welfare risks, and undertake other duties as reasonably assigned.

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, Law 

• At least 2 years’ experience in the social care or legal field

• Experience of supporting marginalised households with high risk and challenging behaviour

• A working knowledge of issues affecting people out-of-home and their impact on people and their physical, emotional and psychological development/status.

• Proven advocacy skills.

• Experience of dealing with child protection and welfare responsibilities and responding appropriately to any concerns.

• Experience in carrying out assessments, including risk assessments.

• Experience in developing support plans and carrying out reviews.

• Ability to work on own initiative, working alone and in a team setting.

• Ability to display flexibility in the role.

• Full clean driver’s licence. (Desirable)

• A working knowledge of services in the homeless sector. (Desirable)

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

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