About Us: At Dublin Simon Community, we're dedicated to making home a reality. We empower individuals to access and sustain housing through services like prevention, addiction treatment, emergency response, and targeted interventions, in collaboration with our partners.If you share our values and want to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. We're looking for client-focused, friendly, and adaptable individuals to join our team.We prioritise best practices in HR, including staff training, communication, and involvement in decision-making, to create a supportive and effective work environment.Job Purpose: To provide counselling and suicide prevention t o the clients of Dublin Simon Community & external services who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.Working Hours: 30 hours per week, Tuesday to FridayType of Contract : PermanentLocation : Ellen Hall InchicoreReporting to Counselling Service Manager.Requirements Specific to the Role:ClinicalTo conduct assessment and individual therapy with adults. With a strong empathise on females experiencing homelessness. The Counsellor is required to maintain a clinical caseload in proportion to other duties of the role. Assist in the development & delivery of group facilitation & training programmes.To establish appropriate contracts in relation to clients to facilitate the counselling processTo attend for regular external clinical supervision in accordance with professional code of ethics and organisational policy.To inform and facilitate clients in accessing other appropriate mental health supportsFacilitate informal drop-in counselling clinic programme as directed by manager.Maintain accurate, confidential records of clinical practice in line with code of conduct, ethics and to operate within the organisations policies and procedures.Support clients who may be presenting with suicide ideation.To support suicide prevention freephone on an on call basis 5.30pm-10pm Mon-Fri & 4.00pm-10pm Sat and Sunday (Phone on call duty monthly)OrganisationalTo attend meetings, conferences etc., as required by counselling managerTo liaise with relevant statutory and voluntary agenciesIn the exercise of his/her duties the counsellor therapist will endeavour to implement the aims, objectives and policies of the organisation.To assist in & undertake research projects as directed by counselling manager. Administration & AccountabilityTo prepare reports as required by the counselling manager.To engage in in-service and other relevant training opportunities and to keep up to date with new developments in the area of counsellingTo compile weekly statistics as requiredTo implement counselling software systems as per service requirementsTo utilise impact measurement instruments as per service requirements. Service Development and Evaluation:To play an active role in the promotion and development of the serviceTo engage in clinical audit, quality initiatives and service evaluationTo engage in administrative duties as required for the delivery of the serviceTo liaise with referral agents and relevant others to ensure appropriate referral to the service, manage communication regarding queries about referrals etc. Person SpecificationQualifications :A degree in counselling/psychotherapyOrA Diploma in counselling and a Degree in Psychology, Social care or Social Work Knowledge/Skills:Understanding of the impact of childhood abuse and traumaUnderstanding of why and how people - particularly females - become homeless and the needs they have in order to exit their situation out of homelessnessAssessing clients' suitability for counselling/psychotherapyWorking within a range of therapeutic approachesProviding short and long term therapy contractWorking effectively and confidently with challenging client processesWorking with traumatised clients in one-to-one and group settingsResponding appropriately to a range of mental health issuesOperating notification procedures in relation to child protectionAssessing risk and manage it appropriatelyIncorporating relevant legislation, agreed policy directives and professional guidance into work practiceOperating professional and personal boundariesAppreciation of the importance of professional and personal support systemWorking effectively as part of a team including working independentlyManaging client records effectively and to produce counselling reports as requiredTo evaluate information and make effective decisions Experience :Full or part time experience providing counselling in a social or care setting.Experience of supporting clients experiencing suicide ideation.Experience of counselling evaluation tools & management software applications.Experience of developing and delivering a range of clinical & psychoeducational groups.Experience of conducting client assessments Desirable for the role:Masters in counselling/psychotherapyOver one year full accreditation with accreditation bodyFull driving licenceAbility to speak Polish or Russian would be an advantage.12 months full time providing counselling in a homeless service. Experience of providing outreach and in reach informal counselling.Experience of facilitating groups to clients who are vulnerable to homelessness.Knowledge of the CAMS approach to suicidalityClient Centeredness:Promoting choice, independence, health and well being.Focused on outcomes Effectiveness & Professional Practice:Commitment to effective Professional Practice and adherence to code of ethicsPlanning and organisingAnalysis & problem solvingInitiative and taking responsibility Working Together :LeadershipInfluencing and negotiatingResilience and positive outlook Please note: If you are unsure of any of the requirements, please contact the Recruitment Team at Shortlisting will continue throughout the recruitment process.Dublin Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.