Job Description and Person Specification
Project: Abigail Women’s Centre, Finglas, Dublin
Role: Project Worker
Service Objective
The Novas, Abigail Women’s Centre meets the needs of homeless women who require supported accommodation for a temporary period in the Dublin region.
The facility offers a range of rehabilitation and stabilisation interventions designed to engage with residents and create sustainable pathways out of homelessness.
We endeavour to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment for clients through key working and care planning.
The service is committed to best practice protocols including Care and Case Management, Holistic Needs Assessment, Inter Agency Protocols, PASS and Health/ Safety policies and procedure. In addition Novas Initiatives will adhere to corporate governance and financial reporting requirements.
Role Objective
To work directly with clients as part of a team.
Ensure the smooth running of the project on a daily basis.
Project workers report to the Manager and/or the Deputy Manager.
Duties
Assess client needs and operate a key working and care planning system in accordance with the organisations policies and procedures and customs and practices prevalent within the sector.
Ensure the day to day operations of the project run smoothly and in accordance with the policies and procedures of Novas.
Ensure a safe, welcoming and friendly environment is established and maintained.
Assist all clients with health, hygiene, safety and general welfare; including assistance with bathing and personal hygiene if it is required.
Work with all clients and earn their trust and respect. Deal with difficult or problematic situations in a sensitive manner and within the framework of the organisation’s policies and procedures.
Ensure that clients are consulted and involved in the operation of the project to the greatest practical extent.
Facilitate clients to access local services such as medical, welfare, training, education and employment and to advocate on their behalf.
Provide day, evening and weekend cover as set out in work rosters.
To maintain positive and mutually beneficial relationships with external agencies and the local community.
Carry out administrative and financial procedures in accordance with the policies and procedures of Novas.
To be involved with the preparation of reports, statistics and other information that may be required by management.
To work positively and effectively as a member of a team and to contribute to developing the staff team including attending team meetings, training, supervision and external meetings.
The person specification
Have a recognised social care qualification or equivalent.
All staff appointed will understand the nature of homelessness and have experience of working with vulnerable women preferably in homeless services.
Demonstrate the ability to treat the client group in a non-judgemental way in a low threshold setting and with respect at all times.
Have an understanding of working within an inter-agency framework and a harm reduction model of working.
One year’s full time experience of working with a vulnerable group (preferably including women who are /were homeless) and practical experience in keyworking is essential. An understanding of care and case management protocols including; care planning, needs assessment, and other related skills will be hugely advantageous.
The core competencies for the successful candidates will be
Good written and oral communication skills.
Competent I.T. skills.
Strong Interpersonal and teamwork skills
Good conflict resolution skills
The ability to prevent and manage challenging behaviour.
Creative and flexibledecision making.
Be open to change.
Show a commitment to health & safety.
Be focused on positive outcomes.
Novas – Central Office, McGarry House, 7 Alphonsus St, Limerick.
Company Registration No: 6350018C
Telephone: 061-370325, Fax: 061-370326
Approved Charitable Status: CHY13390
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