Title:                                Project Worker, Advice & Information

Reporting to:               Project Leader

Contract:                        Full time, Specific purpose contract 

Section:                          Limerick

Location:                       Catherine Place

Primary Purpose:    To work directly with people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness with a view to meeting their accommodation needs.
 

Key Responsibilities:
• Work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.

• To provide clear and precise information and advice on emergency accommodation, housing, Social Welfare and legal rights to people in need.

• To refer and place people in emergency accommodation.

• To undertake an assessment of people’s personal and accommodation situation needs.

• To advocate on people’s behalf for housing, Social Welfare and other resources.

• To refer people to external agencies which can more appropriately assist them with their personal, social, legal and accommodation needs.

• To implement the existing policies and procedures of the project and of the Focus Ireland Agency.

• To undertake any other responsibilities and duties as may be reasonably be assigned by your Manager or Divisional Head.

• To engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Project Leader.

• To participate in relevant training and development courses.

• To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Director of Services.

Essential:

• Working knowledge of services for people experiencing homelessness.

• Good knowledge of social welfare and health board systems and payments and have experience of assisting people to access both.

• Proven experience in carrying out case work including assessments and formulating care plans to assist people experiencing homelessness in securing suitable accommodation.

• Excellent communication skills with particular emphasis on written and verbal advocacy while being able to deal with vulnerable and marginalised groups in a very busy environment.

• Excellent knowledge of the principles of good practice for the protection of children, and a good working knowledge of child protection procedures.

• Good knowledge of Local Authority and voluntary housing agencies with experience in referral and advocacy to each.

Desirable:

• Social Care qualification or relevant other.

• Previous experience of dealing with challenging behaviour.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.