Outreach Project Worker – Fixed Term Contract

Join Cork Simon Community and Make a Difference

Cork Simon Community stands in solidarity with men and women experiencing homelessness in Cork, offering critical housing and support as they work toward independent living. We are motivated by a deep commitment to social justice and are dedicated to creating a society free from homelessness.

Our work is grounded in six core values: Community, Diversity, Social Justice, Voluntarism, Commitment to Care, and Inclusion. These principles guide everything we do and shape the compassionate, respectful environment we provide for both our residents and our staff.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Cork Simon Community, we truly value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Working Hours: Early starts and finishes may suit candidates looking to balance their work-life commitments, with flexibility on shift times.
• Professional Development: We provide comprehensive induction and ongoing training to support your growth and learning in the role.
• Career Development: Opportunities to progress to other roles across the organisation.
• Well-being Programme: Prioritizing your mental and physical health through various supports.
• Private Pension Plan (for Permanent Staff): Permanent staff members will be eligible to join our pension scheme.
• Diverse and Inclusive Environment: We foster a culture of inclusion and value diversity in both our team and the wider community.

Your Role as an Outreach Project Worker

Cork Simon Community is currently seeking motivated and compassionate individuals to join our team as an Outreach Project Worker. In this critical role, you will seek out and provide vital support to people experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough, or in unstable housing. Acting as a bridge between these individuals and Cork Simon’s services, you will offer information, assessment, and referral for support, while also promoting harm reduction and safe practices.

This is an incredibly rewarding role that allows for continued learning and professional development, guided by Cork Simon’s values and best practice care models such as Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction.

Some Key Responsibilities:

• Street Outreach & Relationship Building: Spend time on the streets, in the Day Service, and in the Emergency Shelter to build relationships with people experiencing homelessness.
• Assessment & Care Planning: Carry out initial assessments of people’s housing, addiction, health, and social needs to inform care plans and ensure appropriate referrals.
• Support & Advocacy: Act as an advocate, helping people access housing, addiction services, medical care, and other supports.
• Harm Reduction & Health Promotion: Provide information on harm reduction practices, including needle exchange and addiction services, and promote health and safety among those you engage with.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely with the Street Outreach team, volunteers, and external agencies to provide coordinated support.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Experience: At least 2 years of previous experience working with homelessness, addictions, or mental health issues in a care setting is essential.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Empowerment: Ability to motivate and empower people to access services and improve their quality of life.
• Knowledge: Understanding of homelessness, substance misuse, mental health, and related support responses such as harm reduction and case management.
• Qualifications: Relevant third-level degree in social science, social care, or youth work (or equivalent). Additional qualifications in mental health or addiction studies are desirable.
• Attention to Detail: High standard of written and numerical skills for accurate record keeping and reporting.

How to Apply

Are you ready to work with us and contribute to a better society? You can do this by accessing the Recruitment Pack and Application Form below, or visit our website at www.corksimon.ie/work-with-us, or request it via email at recruit@corksimon.ie or by phone at 085 874 3435.

To Apply: Complete the job Application Form (attached below) as detailed above.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 30th July 2025 at 12 Noon.

Cork Simon Community is committed to equality of opportunity.