Project Worker, Advice and Information Service, South East
Location: Wexford
Contract: Full Time, Specific Purpose
The purpose of this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland's Advice and Information Service, to deliver a dedicated advice, advocacy and support service to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
What you will do:
* Provide information, advice, and advocacy on housing, legal rights, and social welfare entitlements to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
* Undertake assessments and develop/implement support plans addressing personal and accommodation needs.
* Liaise and advocate with statutory authorities to support service users in accessing necessary services.
* Manage a caseload and operate an open‑access service via drop‑in, phone, and email.
* Build and maintain links with local services and community groups to enhance support networks.
* Refer individuals to external agencies for assistance with personal, social, legal, and accommodation needs.
* Work under the supervision and direction of line management and contribute effectively as part of a team.
* Apply a client‑centred approach, promoting autonomy and independence.
* Maintain accurate records and statistics in line with Focus Ireland policies and procedures.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant policies (e.g., Child Protection, Confidentiality, Health & Safety) and participate in service evaluation and development.
* Attend team meetings, engage in supervision sessions, reflective practice, and participate in training and development as agreed.
* Collaborate with Focus Ireland colleagues and external agencies, remaining vigilant to health, safety and welfare risks, and undertake other duties as reasonably assigned.
What you will need:
* A third‑level qualification at degree level in the area of social care (e.g., youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology) and/or be a CORU registered Social Care Worker.
* At least 2 years' experience in the social care or legal field.
* Experience of supporting marginalised households with high risk and challenging behaviour.
* A working knowledge of issues affecting people out‑of‑home and their impact on people and their physical, emotional and psychological development/status.
* Proven advocacy skills.
* Experience of dealing with child protection and welfare responsibilities and responding appropriately to any concerns.
* Experience in carrying out assessments, including risk assessments.
* Experience in developing support plans and carrying out reviews.
* Ability to work on own initiative, working alone and in a team setting.
* Ability to display flexibility in the role.
* Full clean driver's licence (desirable).
* A working knowledge of services in the homeless sector (desirable).
Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
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