Focus Ireland is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Project Worker
Long Term Housing, Cork and Kerry

Location: Cork and Kerry

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary Scale: Aligned to Focus Ireland Scale

Starting Salary €36,687 - €39,856.49

The purpose of this role is to work as a member of the Housing Support Services Team providing Housing support and management for customers accessing Focus Ireland Housing Services in Cork and Kerry.

What you will do:

• To work as a member of the support Team based in Cork and Kerry.
• To work under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader.
• Ensure that rent and any other charges are paid by all residents, adhering to the Focus Ireland Rent Policy at all times.
• To key work a number of the clients on the Housing Support Programme and ensure Tenancy and License Agreements are understood by the residents.
• Work on an individual basis with clients, addressing self-identified issues such as bereavement, addiction, relationships, self-awareness, esteem, and home-making, providing tailored support and guidance to promote personal growth and well-being.
• To liaison with other agencies involved and make referrals as appropriate.
• To provide Housing Management and Tenant Support for a number of Long Term Residents residing in a mixed community and to provide a floating model of housing management and support to projects off-site either Focus Ireland owned or managed.
• To liaise with outside Agencies to establish appropriate support to meet the identified needs of Residents to enable independent living.
• Adhere to Focus Ireland Policy in maintaining records and submit necessary written reports as required.
• To ensure that each resident's apartment is maintained to a reasonable standard and that the residents’ responsibility in reporting of repairs maintenance is carried out.
• Collaborate and work seamlessly with other divisions within Focus Ireland, ensuring effective communication and coordination regarding organizational procedures and policies in personnel, finance, administration, research, development, education, public awareness, and services.
• Collaborate and work seamlessly with other divisions within Focus Ireland, ensuring effective communication and coordination regarding organizational procedures and policies in personnel, finance, administration, research, development, education, public awareness, and services.
• To liaise with and inform the Project Leader regularly of issues arising from work with individuals living in the community.
• Initiate contact and establish connections, as appropriate, with local services and relevant community groups in various areas of the city and/or county.
• Collaborate with team members to create information packs for new tenants, encompassing services in the local areas, including our own offerings.
• Maintain detailed records on all aspects of the work, utilize the Database and MIP systems, and actively contribute to the review, evaluation, and development of services.
• Efficiently liaise with project staff and organization colleagues to optimize customer service delivery.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, contribute to policy development, and execute daily operational tasks essential for project and service delivery.
• Generate monthly reports for supervision and deliver informative talks to secondary school students within the hub's catchment area.
• Engage in lone work with individuals and families in the community, including homes and remote locations. Adhere to the Lone Working policy and guidance, incorporating local systems within the Project(s).
• Attend regular supervision sessions with the Project Leader and participate in training and development courses as agreed.
• Undertake additional duties as reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Project Leader.
• To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Representative.

What you will need:

• Third-level degree in Social Care or relevant field.
• Extensive experience in social care settings.
• Proficient in professional supervision.
• Teamwork experience.
• Skilled in group work, particularly facilitation.
• Proven key-working expertise.
• Background in housing or homelessness.
• Understanding of basic homelessness issues, with experience in advocacy and liaising with other agencies.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to cope with and manage lone working, including out-of-hours duties.
• Possession of a full driver’s license with access to a car.

To apply please submit your CV Here
Closing date for applications: 12.00 p.m., 2nd of May 2024

Health Inclusion Outreach Worker
Housing First, Limerick and Clare

Location: Limerick and Clare

Contract: Full-time, 1 Year-Fixed Term

Salary: DOE

The purpose of this role is to work as part of our Housing First services in Limerick and Clare with a strong focus on improving the health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, specifically rough sleepers. This role will be instrumental in connecting customers to stable housing while addressing their immediate and long-term complex health needs in the areas of social, addiction, physical and mental health.

What you will do:

• Work within the framework of the overall objectives of the Housing First Service.
• Work within the overall policies and procedures of the Housing First Service.
• Provide an assertive street outreach approach to those experiencing homelessness in the community, often those that are rough sleeping in order to connect and build relationships with individuals who in the past may have been difficult to reach through traditional means.
• To undertake comprehensive health assessments for individuals experiencing homelessness, identifying immediate and chronic health concerns.
• To collaborate with healthcare providers and community organisations to facilitate access to medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment services.
• Advocate for customers within the healthcare system to ensure continuity of care and the removal of barriers to access.
• Work closely with customers to develop and implement individualised health plans that align with their housing goals.
• Provide health education and support to empower customers in managing their health conditions and preventative care.
• Collaborate with Housing First multidisciplinary team including case managers, nurses and other
  specialists, to address the holistic needs of customers.
• Maintain accurate and confidential health records, documenting progress and outcomes.
• Stay informed about evolving healthcare resources, policies, and best practices.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance health related knowledge and skills.
• To work a flexible rota as agreed with the Housing Services Manager.
• To work to the service model and standards of best practice.
• To attend Team, Section, Divisional, Agency and external meetings, including handovers, and training as required.
• To supervise students or volunteers as requested by assigned supervisor or Housing Services Manager.
• To engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Housing Services Manager.
• To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Housing Services Manager.
• To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Representative.

What you need:

• A recognised third level qualification in social care (minimum Level 8), mental health nursing,
  psychology, addiction studies or a related field.
• Two years’ experience of working with homeless people, substance users, people experiencing poor general and/or mental health and/or other socially marginalised groups.
• Experience of working with customers at risk.
• Experience of team working.
• Experience of working and liaising with other agencies, including both voluntary & statutory.
• Full Driver’s License with access to a car.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and report writing skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Housing First and issues affecting people with complex general & mental health and addiction needs.
• Ability to plan and implement programmes.
• Strong understanding of health disparities, social determinants of health, and trauma informed care.
• Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, multidisciplinary teams, external
  agencies and local authorities.

To apply please submit your CV Here
Closing date for applications: 12.00 p.m., 2nd of May 2024

Project Worker
Advice and Information Service, Carlow

Location: Carlow

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Starting Salary €36,687 - €39,856.49

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 persons who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
• Undertake assessments and develop/implement support plans of people’s personal and accommodation situation needs.
• Liaise and advocate with relevant statutory authorities to support persons accessing the service.
• Manage a caseload and operate an open access drop in/phone/email service.
• Make contact with and establish links as appropriate with local services and relevant community groups.
• To refer people to external agencies which can more appropriately assist people with their personal, social, legal and accommodation needs.
• Work with and under the supervision and direction of the line management within the project.
• Work individually and as part of a team, and provide team support on daily basis
• Work within a client-centred approach, encouraging autonomy and independence.
• Be familiar with and comply with all relevant Focus Ireland policy e.g. Child Protection Policy, Confidentiality Policy, Customer Complaints Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Personnel Policy.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics in accordance with Focus Ireland policy.
• Participate in the evaluation and development of the service.
• Liaise with and work co-operatively and effectively with the employees in Focus Ireland in relation to organisational procedures and policies in areas of personnel, finance, administration, research, development, education, public awareness and services.
• Be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your Line Manager or Health & Safety representative.
• Attend and contribute to Team, Section and Agency meetings as required.
• Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Project Leader or Team Leader.
• Engage in Reflective Practice to support professional development.
• Participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with your Project Leader/Team Leader.
• Undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Project Leader.
• Work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.

What you will need:

• Relevant third level degree in the area of social care i.e. youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology, law.
• 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.
• A working knowledge of services in the homeless sector.

To apply please submit your CV Here
Closing date for applications: 12.00 p.m., 2nd of May 2024

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer