About the job

The Refuge Support Worker is a key member of the Refuge Team, providing support services to clients of Saoirse through actively supporting their Care Planning in conjunction with their Keyworkers in a non-judgemental, compassionate way and promoting empowerment and confidence building, through a philosophy of ‘self-help and mutual aid’.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience in a social care setting. You must be available to work both day and night shifts on a rotating roster. The successful candidate will be highly flexible and have the ability to adapt to the changing client group. You will possess the ability to treat service users in a non-judgemental and respectful manner and adhere to professional boundaries and work in a professional manner at all times. The successful candidate will ensure the efficient operation of the service while on duty and provide support to the women and children in Refuge.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To welcome and provide emergency accommodation for women and children subjected to domestic abuse and ensure they are familiarised with facilities, house rules, practices and services available.
• To respond to the immediate needs of women and children in crisis and distress by offering support and services, both emotional and practical as appropriate.
• To participate in the provision of services as part of the Refuge team including supporting a client’s Care Planning in conjunction with the Keyworkers, Childcare Workers and Outreach Workers who hold the overall responsibility for the case management of clients.
• To operate the 24-hour helpline while on shift and respond compassionately and professionally to anybody seeking support or practical information from our service.
• To liaise/make appropriate referrals with other agencies in aiding, advocacy and support to clients in conjunction with their keyworkers and associated care plans.
• To work under the direction and guidance of Management to ensure the highest possible level of care is maintained at all times.
• To attend court hearings and give evidence as required.
• To observe and enforce a policy of strict confidentiality at all times in relation to all aspects of the service and in line with GDPR.
• To ensure that a high level of cleanliness and hygiene is maintained throughout the Refuge by actively participating in the cleaning of the Refuge as necessary and encouraging residents to play their part effectively.

What We Offer You

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave (pro-rata)

  Company Day: Good Friday offered as an additional days leave

  Purchase Annual Leave Scheme: Opportunity to purchase an additional working week worth of annual leave

• Pension: 7% employer contribution after probation
• Maternity Benefit: Topped up to 100% Paid during period of statutory maternity leave (subject to 1+ year service)
• Wellbeing: Free access to online GP service, doctor visit allowance, EAP programme, paid sick leave, and team-building events
• Learning & Growth: Education support and continuous professional development opportunities

About you

• Must have minimum education to Degree to NFQ level 7 in a relevant area of social care, social studies, etc.
• Must have minimum of 1 years’ experience in a social care field.
• Must have experience of using client databases and have/possess good IT skills, as well as good report writing skills.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A working knowledge and insight into the issues affecting women and children of domestic abuse and the impact on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being and development.
• An understanding of risk and needs assessment and of the principles of risk management.
• Thorough knowledge of procedures and practices relating to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People.
• Experience of working in supported residential services is desirable.
• Experience of working in a support service for people with complex needs is desirable
• Ability to work well in a team environment.