Project Worker, Advice and Information, Kilkenny
Location: Kilkenny
Contract: Full time, Permanent
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.
* Conduct assessments and develop/implement support plans addressing personal and accommodation needs.
* Liaise and advocate with statutory authorities to assist service users in accessing supports.
* Manage a caseload and operate an open-access drop-in, phone, and email service.
* Establish 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, both independently and as part of a team.
* Apply a client-centred approach that promotes autonomy and independence.
* Comply with all relevant organisational policies, including Child Protection, Confidentiality, Health & Safety, and Personnel policies.
* Maintain accurate records and statistics in line with organisational requirements.
* Participate in service evaluation, development, team meetings, supervision sessions, reflective practice, and agreed training.
* Undertake additional duties as reasonably assigned, working within the framework of the organisation's overall objectives
What you will need:
* A Third Level qualification at degree level in the area of social care i.e. youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology, Law etc and/or be a CORU registered Social Care Worker
* At least 2 years' experience in the social care field working with disadvantaged single people and families
* 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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