West Cork Beacon provides specialised domestic and sexual abuse supports and services throughout West Cork. It operates confidential, non-judgemental, trauma-informed supports to women and children experiencing domestic abuse and specialised counselling to women and men who have experienced sexual violence from 14 years upwards. The organisation has grown from a small part-time service of 3 staff to 5 days a week with 9 staff, operating several innovative projects including a safe house, specialised therapy for children living with domestic abuse and providing training to a range of other agencies and organisations on how to respond to abuse. West Cork Beacon works from a client empowerment focus and a gender-based analysis of domestic & sexual violence.

Purpose of the role:

To lead, manage and supervise West Cork Beacon Domestic Violence (DV) & Sexual Violence (SV) support services staff and delivery. Currently there are 6 support staff, 4 DV and 2 SV.  The Support Services Manager will provide leadership to support staff that strengthens cohesion, builds team capacity, ensures the highest standard of client-centred service delivery while ensuring that staff are supported in their frontline practices. As Support Services Manager, you will be a member of a new management team structure.

Reporting arrangements

The Support Services Manager will report to the CEO of West Cork Beacon. 

The postholder will line manage the DV and SV support workers of West Cork Beacon.

Management of DV and SV Support Staff:

Effectively manage support staff, prepare work schedules, and provide supervision to all DV and SV service support staff.

Provide regular supervision to all support staff and maintain supervision records.

Keep records of support staff leave and TOIL and monitor same to ensure that leave periods are implemented and scheduled appropriately.

Ensure appropriate service evaluation procedures are in place with a view to continuous improvements and developments in the services offered, especially the quality and range of supports available for service users.

Oversee and manage adequate staffing levels for the delivery of quality support services.

To assist in the recruitment, induction, and retention of support staff.

Promote good communication and teamwork amongst staff including the facilitation of team meetings and other communication tools.

Ensure that all support staff have access to relevant training and upskilling opportunities to enhance their capacities and strengthen their professional development.

Ensure that support workers are apprised of changes to and receiving relevant information on legislation & policy affecting their work with clients/courts/ gardai /mental health/housing/child protection/social work/child abuse etc.

Advise support staff on any queries or concerns in relation to child protection issues that may arise in the course of their work with service users.

Ensure that the work of support services team adheres to the requirements of relevant legislation and internal policy procedures.

Client Services

Oversee assessment processes for Safe House intake.

Monitor risk assessment issues identified by support staff.

Monitor client activity, responses and needs with a view to identifying how the organisation can improve accessibility, inclusivity and develop relevant supports.

Oversee court accompaniment requests and availability of support staff.

Ensure that there is support staff cover throughout the working week.

Provide guidance to targeted support services such as therapeutic programmes and training delivery.

With the CEO, monitor any budgetary implications for existing services or new service developments.

Ensure that the service participates in case conferences and other meetings in relation to the welfare of service users and their children.

Help to identify gaps in provision of client services and work with staff, CEO, and other management to address these gaps.

General Management

Participate in management meetings and work with the CEO to strategically develop the organisation and its service provision.

Deputise for the CEO during their absence.

Represent the organisation at external fora when appropriate.

Administration

Maintain file management and data collection systems as appropriate to the needs of the service and ensure records are kept up to date.

Provide written reports and other documentation as required for external and internal purposes.

Monitor budgets agreed with the CEO for support services.

Review with the CEO and staff team policies and practices on an ongoing basis with a view to improving and implementing best practice.

To perform other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO.

Attributes & Qualifications

5 years relevant experience in a social care/community/crisis work/NGO setting

Minimum 3 years’ experience managing staff 

Minimum of 3 years working with vulnerable groups/ individuals

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage frontline staff working with people in crisis

Ability to prioritise competing demands

Capacity for high level of responsiveness, flexibility and problem solving

Analytical and critical thinking

Ability to assess needs and respond effectively

Essential:
Prior staff management experience is essential.

Experience of working in support services and/ or crisis service.

Third level qualification desirable in for example: Social Work, Social Care, Education, Youth & Community Work, Community Development.

Full, clean driving licence and access to a suitably insured car.

Desirable:

Practical working experience of supporting individuals experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence a definite advantage.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a full-time post of 39 hours per week, however a part-time arrangement could be considered.

An initial three-year contract is offered, this may be extendable subject to funding.

Salary scale is on the HSE/Tusla Social Care Leader scale (€52,441 – €61,241). 

Location: Primarily based at Bantry office but with some flexibility for hybrid working.