The Social Worker will have a pivotal role within the Housing First Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). This team forms part of a collaborative consortium between Coolmine and Ana Liffey Drug Project, who are working in partnership to establish a Housing First MDT and deliver an integrated Housing First model. Together, the organisations bring their combined expertise to support individuals with complex needs, ensuring the delivery of coordinated, client-centred care. The Social Worker will provide specialist input within this MDT, contributing to high-quality, clinically informed practice

The ideal candidate for the Housing First Social Worker role will be an experienced, values-driven professional with clinical expertise in complex care needs. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to the core principles of the Housing First model, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and unconditional support. As a clinician within the multidisciplinary team, the postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping social work support within the team and ensuring person-centred care for Housing First tenants.

The MDT work within a collaborative framework and potential candidates will be open to developing within this model of care. This is an exciting opportunity for a social worker willing to develop their competencies with individuals presenting with a history of homelessness and complex needs whilst being supported by a collaboration-focused multi-disciplinary team.  This is a new role within the MDT and the ideal candidate will be offered appropriate support and supervision to develop their competencies within a dynamic and growing service. 

Role & Responsibilities:

Professional & Clinical Practice

• Be responsible for the development and management of the day-to-day provision of the social work service within the MDT. 
• Take direct responsibility for a defined caseload as required, in particular cases that require a high level of experience and expertise. 
• Provide an initial assessment service to identified Housing First clients and to develop referral procedures with other social work networked services. 
• Work with and advise the multi-disciplinary team in the relevant areas on assessment outcomes. 
• Contribute to the care, support and protection of people who are at risk to themselves or others. 
• Undertake complex psychosocial assessments of Housing First participants, focusing on housing sustainment, health, and social needs.
• Develop, implement, and review individualised care plans in collaboration with clients, respecting their choices and recovery goals.
• Provide direct interventions, advocacy, and crisis support to participants with multiple needs.
• Support participants in accessing entitlements, family supports, and community resources.
• Promote fidelity to the Housing First model: permanent housing as a right, harm reduction, recovery orientation, and client choice.
• Seek the advice of relevant personnel when appropriate / as required.

Multidisciplinary Teamwork

• Collaborate with the wider team including Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, addiction specialists, intensive case managers, and peer workers to deliver integrated supports.
• Participate in MDT meetings, contributing social work expertise to holistic care planning.
• Ensure continuity of care through effective communication and shared decision making.
• Act as a key liaison between the MDT and external agencies (HSE, Tusla, Local Authorities, Probation Service, NGOs).

Supervision & Development

• Identify training needs and contribute to the professional development of the team, particularly in safeguarding and trauma‑informed practice.
• Participate in national Housing First training workshops and contribute to knowledge sharing across the consortium.

Safeguarding Leadership

• Serve as the designated safeguarding lead for the Housing First MDT.
• Ensure compliance with national safeguarding policies, Children First Act 2015, and HSE safeguarding protocols.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and training to MDT colleagues on safeguarding concerns, risk management, and child/adult protection.
• Liaise with Tulsa, HSE Safeguarding Teams, and statutory agencies to ensure timely safeguarding referrals.
• Lead on the development and of safeguarding protocols within the Housing First project.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate case records and safeguarding documentation in line with HSE and consortium policies.
• Prepare reports for consortium management and statutory agencies as required.
• Record and review incidents, safeguarding concerns, and risk assessments, ensuring appropriate escalation.
• Contribute to evaluation and audit of Housing First services, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to national standards.

Governance and Quality

• Ensure compliance with CORU registration, HSE, Mental Health Commission, HIQA, and Housing First clinical governance standards.
• Maintain professional standards and contribute to audits, risk management, service improvement, and the embedding evidence-based practice.
• Participate in service review planning, policy/protocol development, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Build effective working relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies, ensuring coordinated pathways of care
• Document accurate records, ensure timely reporting, and contribute to data collection/evaluation to inform service outcomes.

Education and Development 

• Promote continuous professional development across the MDT. 
• Support induction, in-service training, and mentorship for staff and students as and when required.
• Stay informed of emerging trends and best practice in mental health, addiction, and harm reduction. 
• Provide mentorship, supervision, and opportunities for continuous professional development across the Housing First teams. 
• Share best practice approaches in line with Housing First values and support workforce development through training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, dual diagnosis, and disability/mental health-specific interventions. 
• The above key duties and responsibilities are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved.  Consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Requirements 

Essential:

Required Qualifications 

Education

• Third-level qualification in NFQ Level 7 Social Work degree or related field.
• Desired: NFQ8 / NFQ9 Degree in a Social Work or related degree  
• Registered member of CORU – Social Worker

Experience

• Minimum 3 years post‑qualification experience, with at least 1 year in a senior or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness, housing systems, addiction, and mental health and intellectual disabilities services in Ireland.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and inter‑agency collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead within a multidisciplinary team and promote Housing First principles.
• Evidence continuing professional development.
• Have strong organisational and communication, IT skills (e.g.MS Office). 
• Ability to coordinate and work across community and outreach settings with the Housing First case management teams and other multidisciplinary partners
• Have a ‘can do’ pragmatic attitude and approach to their work. 

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage clients with multiple and complex needs
• Demonstrated commitment to Housing First values of harm reduction, unconditional support, and housing as a human right
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing client and service needs
• Team player, with the ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary approach
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage caseload and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice
• Respect for diversity, equality, and the ethos of Coolmine and the wider Housing First consortium