Job Title
Community Engagement Worker
Reporting Line
Deputy Head of Day Services
Responsible for
Engaging with the Community (clients, neighbours, and local businesses) in reducing anti-social behaviour and issues relating to substance misuse and homelessness associated with street activity.
Objective
To work within the Merchants Quay mission by working as a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness, minimising the impact of Merchants Quay services on the local community, including anti-social behaviour and community engagement.
Contract & Location
Permanent – Open Access Service, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.
Hours & Salary
Full-time (37.5 hours per week) and Part-time – Starting at €35,659.
Overview
The role is centred on maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in and around MQI's Riverbank Centre.
A key aspect of the position involves carrying out regular patrols of the surrounding area to monitor activity, address community concerns, and ensure the space is clean and safe for clients, staff, and the public.
Responsibilities
Cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders while rotating across all service areas (advice and information, drop-in reception, door duties).
Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with An Garda Síochána.
Build strong relationships with local residents and businesses through regular meetings and check-ins, addressing concerns related to Merchants Quay clients (e.g., trespassing, public injecting, loitering).
Engage respectfully and effectively with the MQI client group, ensuring communication is sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed.
Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours presented by clients.
Maintain a visible presence on the street during service operating hours to support safety and engagement.
Monitor and manage the queuing area as required.
Environment & Community Safety
Maintain cleanliness and safety around the building, including litter and drug-paraphernalia pick-up.
Conduct routine drug/syringe collection in surrounding areas and respond to community calls to remove drug-related litter.
Provide information and referrals to harm-reduction supports and other appropriate services.
Compliance & Quality Standards
Fire safety
Health & Safety
Confidentiality
Needs assessment, key working, and care planning
Professional boundaries
National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare
Administration
Record accurate data for use in reports, statistics, and other documentation required by the Service Manager or Deputy Head of Dublin Services.
Participate in regular supervision.
Complete administrative tasks in accordance with organisational procedures.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Work collaboratively with Merchants Quay Open Access Services and other internal teams.
Support colleagues and participate in team meetings, maintaining open and consistent communication.
Respond to reasonable tasks or directions from the Service Coordinator or Lead Worker to ensure the effective operation of services.
Report to the MQI Community Engagement Coordinator for supervision, support, and performance appraisal, operating within the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare as well as MQI HR and Health & Safety policies.
Person Specification
Attained or working towards a Level 7 Social Care or similar field qualification.
12 months experience or part-time equivalent working in a similar low-threshold environment.
Understanding issues relating to National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare – knowledge of homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse and the MQI target group.
Experience in dealing with de-escalating difficult situations, including but not limited to managing challenging behaviour.
Experience working in a security role is desirable.
Application Statement
If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit your application by 6th February ****.
The position is open to all levels of experience and to those currently studying or working towards a Level 7 in Social Care or a relevant field.
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