Merchants Quay Ireland: Project Worker, Community Engagement Worker
Job Title: Project Worker, Community Engagement Worker
Responsible to: Deputy Head of Day Services/Service Coordinator
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.
Reports to: Community Engagement Coordinator
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 type: Permanent
Location: Open Access Service, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.
Hours: Full-time (39 hours per week) and Part-time
Salary: Starting €33,860 (pro rata of full-time hours)
Main Responsibilities
- Cultivating positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders by Operating within the different areas/roles within the service, advice and info, drop-in reception, and door.
- Developing relationships with the Gardaí.
- Building relationships with neighbors, regular meetings, and “check-ins”, addressing issues presented concerning Merchants Quay clients i.e. Trespassing, public injecting, loitering.
- Building relationships with the MQI client group, communicating effectively, in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and respectful way.
- Engage with clients of MQI services, dealing with challenging behaviour.
- Being a visible presence on the street during the service's opening hours.
- To upkeep/maintain the outside of the building, picking up Litter and drug paraphernalia.
- Monitoring the queuing area as required.
- Drug/Syringe pick up in surrounding areas as well as responding to calls to pick up/clean drug-related litter.
- Information, referral to harm reduction and other appropriate services.
- Ensure compliance with organisation policies to ensure consistent delivery of services and maintenance of quality standards including:
- Fire
- Health and Safety
- Confidentiality
- Needs assessment, key working, and care planning.
- Boundaries
- National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare
Administration
- Recording data which will be used in the preparation of reports, statistics, and other information/Service Manager/or the Head of Day Services.
- Participate in regular supervision.
- Carry out administrative procedures under organisation policies.
Collaboration
- Working jointly in collaboration with the Merchants Quay Open Access Services.
- Engage with other team members, support colleagues, participate in meetings as required, and be open to reasonable requests from the Service Coordinator/Lead Worker to ensure effective working relationships.
- To work as part of the team with regular and consistent communication, participating actively in all team meetings and supporting the ethos.
- Reporting to the MQI Community Engagement Coordinator for individual support, supervision, and performance appraisal working within the parameters of the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, HR and H&S policies and procedures.
This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. This is a new role as part of our MSIF project and will be shaped according to the service needs.
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.
- Understand issues relating to National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare- an understanding of issues relating to (homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse) MQI target group, their circumstances and vulnerability.
- Experience in dealing with de-escalating difficult situations, including but not limited to managing challenging behaviour.
- Experience working in a security role is desirable.
If you are currently studying or working towards your Level 7 in Social Care or a relevant field, please click the link to apply as this role is open to all levels of experience.
Benefits
- Sick Pay Scheme (following the probationary period)
- Minimum 23 days Annual Leave plus one Good Will Day
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (after the probationary period)
- Death In Service Benefit (from commencement of employment)
- Learning and Development programme
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and Compassionate Leave)
- Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave, scholarship foundation)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Additional Information:
- Management reserves the right to amend or change this job description as required.
- This position is subject to Garda Vetting Clearance and background checks.
- Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
Merchants Quay Ireland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. We believe in the strength that diversity brings to our team and are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity and fostering a culture of inclusion.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and strive to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and free from bias.
Our commitment to EDI is reflected in our policies and practices, ensuring a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
Application Process:
If you are interested in this exciting role, please click the link below to apply by the 16th of January 2025: