Jane’s Place is looking for a Volunteer Hairdresser

Jane’ s Place is a women’s only service for people experiencing homelessness, addiction and/or mental health difficulties. The service, staffed only by women, provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which women can access support.

Jane’s Place is a purpose-built fully wheelchair accessible, trauma informed building that provides basic physical and mental health support, 1:1 key-working support, 1:1 counselling, psycho-educational groups, social groups/outings, holistic therapies, multi-agency wraparound support and in-reach supports provided by specialised services. We also provide shower facilities and have a salon space for women to get their hair done recognising the whole person, and the need for self-care and self-love.

A Brief History

In 2019, Merchants Quay Ireland and Dr Sarah Morton of UCD conducted research into the complex needs of women who are homeless and in addiction. This research showed that women are often unable or unwilling to access existing services. Higher rates of gender-based violence, sex work and coercive control among women can leave them too ashamed, stigmatised and afraid to seek the help they need.

International research shows that female-only spaces facilitate greater emotional and physical safety for women, especially those who have experienced trauma and abuse.

In response to these findings, MQI has introduced Jane’s Place, a gender-specific service for women who are homeless and/or in addiction in Dublin city centre. The service, staffed only by women, provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which women can access support.

Our Volunteer Hairdresser will support the Jane’s Place team in supporting our clients. This role involves working with our female clients using your skills to help them build self- esteem within our women’s only centre in a welcoming and safe environment.  

We currently need Volunteers for a 2 to 4 hour shift, 1 day a week/fortnight or monthly, who can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months duration

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

The first responsibility for new volunteers will be to read and if you agree, sign the Volunteer Agreement and code of conduct. Thereafter we will ask you to spend time getting to know the Service and our Clients. You will be supported in this through the MQI induction and volunteer training modules. 

• Manage the Jane’s Place Hairdressing salon during your volunteer times, Chat with clients, wash cut and style hair, offer hair care advice. 
• Engage with our Jane’s Place clients in a welcoming and supportive manner. 
• Maintain high personal hygiene standards. 
• Comply with Health and Safety regulations. 
• Adhere to all necessary training. 
• Report faulty equipment. 
• Participate as a team member. 
• Participate and carry out any additional duties as required by your line manager. 
• Help fulfil Jane’s Place aims and objectives 
• Perform volunteer duties to the best of your ability 
• Adhere to the signed volunteer agreement 
• Develop working relationships with clients. 
• Help in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. 
• Attend support and supervision sessions. 
• Comply with all administration, filing and paperwork requirements in the service 
• Adhere to the organisations boundaries and confidentiality policy in all interactions with clients. 
• Adhere to the organisations Code of Conduct 

General Volunteer Skills:  

• Volunteers should be empathetic, non-judgemental, patient, and supportive towards others. 
• Reliable, flexible with a willingness to get involved and help out. 
• All volunteers will require Garda clearance through MQI for this position. 
• Volunteers are required to produce two references. 
• We offer a wash, cut and blow dry. We do not currently offer hair colouring.

Role Specific Qualifications 

Qualified Hairdresser/stylist. 

Location: 

MQI, Jane’s Place, Merrion Square, D2. Merchants Quay Ireland provide financial assistance to cover public transport travel costs incurred travelling to and from the service when supported by receipts.