The Outreach & Inclusion Worker provides support to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence and abuse, specifically with women from migrant communities, Traveller or Roma communities, and rural communities across County Meath. Women engaged with the Outreach programme may be in various stages of a relationship with an abusive partner, and the Outreach & Inclusion worker will provide each service user with individualized, survivor-led, and empowerment-based support. The worker will deliver case management, provide case related accompaniments, organise and co-facilitate group programmes, build strong interagency relationships, and advocate for women both on an individual level and in the broader community. The Outreach & Inclusion worker will work to promote equity and service accessibility for women who experience complex, intersecting challenges.

While some direction and support will be provided by the Outreach Team Leader, it is a new dedicated area of focus for the organisation and the role will involve a large amount of developing relationships with other agencies, drawing on own initiative and independent working. This role would suit a person who had previously worked in an outreach case management role and is looking for further development and progression.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To support marginalised individuals in the community who have experienced domestic abuse, listen and provide emotional support around their experiences of domestic violence, and collaborate with them to consider their unique options for safety.
• To develop and deliver structured support plans with clients through planned support sessions, and to encourage active participation from clients in leading their own care plans and making choices for their safety.
• To provide support, assistance, and advocacy to clients on practical matters and refer clients to services including court, housing, health, social welfare, rights, and entitlements. 
• To seek out networking opportunities and develop links with local service providers to identify and strengthen referral pathways.
• To complete thorough risk assessments that will inform safety planning and support plan objectives, with consideration of intersecting challenges. 
• To liaise and work cooperatively with staff, especially the Outreach Programme, Children’s Programme and Refuge staff, around ensuring that a suite of supports is made accessible to women.
• To facilitate groups and programmes for women experiencing domestic abuse, both within the service and with external partners.
• To record, update, and maintain accurate records of all files and any associated paperwork on our CRM system (eSAFE). This includes updating the database notes, in a timely and professional manner.
• To observe and practice a policy of strict confidentiality at all times in relation to all aspects of the work.
• To represent the work and ethos of the organisation in a professional and respectful manner at all times. This includes promoting the organisation’s feminist analysis through the practices of empowerment and trauma informed care.
• To work according to Children First guidelines and MWRSS Child Protection and Welfare policy, and to access the designated person on call when required in line with policy and Children’s First Legislation.
• To work according to organisational policies and best practice at all times, including adherence to Health and Safety.
• To attend and participate fully in all team planning, meetings, training, supervision as part of your professional development provided by the organisation.
• To work under the direction and guidance of Management to ensure the highest possible level of care is maintained at all times. Communicate with Management on a regular basis and advise them in a timely manner of issues arising from work.
• To perform such other duties appropriate to the post, which may be assigned by the Community & Outreach Team Leader or other designated officer.

Qualification, Knowledge, and skills required

• Third level qualification at degree level in social care, social work, community work or a related field
• A minimum of 1 year relevant experience working in a social care setting or related context with women/ families/children
• Eligibility for CORU registration
• Full driving license and access to own transport
• Excellent theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, and the challenges and issues affecting women and children experiencing domestic violence. This includes the ability to work with complex issues with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of intersectionality, marginalisation, and cultural competency.
• High initiative and resourcefulness to develop the role proactively.
• Understanding and working knowledge of Domestic Violence Act/Children’s First Legislation/Child Care Act
• Risk assessment/Safety and Care planning knowledge
• Excellent group facilitation and communication skills
• Excellent report writing skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• IT packages and Database skills
• Ability to lone work safely

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform that may be required either now or in the future

Salary: €46,483.84 (MWRSS Salary Scale)

This position is full time and funded by CUAN through the Department of Justice.

Place of work: Based in Navan, Co. Meath with travel across Co. Meath.

Remote working: Some opportunities for remote working will be available to the successful candidate; the current policy is up to one day per week after initial training and subject to satisfactory work from home arrangements.

Hours of work: 37 hours per week Monday to Friday (flexible working will be required outside of normal working hours e.g., evenings and weekends and TOIL policy is in place)

Contract Type: Permanent contract subject to 6 months’ probation

Reporting to: Community & Outreach Team Leader