Prevention Project Worker, Family Centre

Location: Dublin

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

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 families at risk of homelessness in order to prevent them entering homeless services.

What you will do:

• To work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
• To work in compliance with Focus Ireland’s policies and procedures.
• To provide information, advice and advocacy on tenants’ rights, legal rights, and social welfare entitlements for families at risk of homelessness.
• To deliver this service through a range of mediums including a drop-in service, telephone support, website and social media.
• To undertake an assessment of families personal and accommodation needs.
• To offer relevant support to people presenting to the service, appropriate to their needs.
• To advocate and/or negotiate on behalf of individuals and families with landlords, local authorities and the RTB, where appropriate.
• To advocate and/or negotiate on behalf of individuals and families with Community Welfare Officers in relation to Social welfare entitlements and supports or with Local Authorities in relation to Housing Assistance Payments.
• To build professional and accountable relationships with statutory and voluntary services to brokerage specific support services, such as budgeting, social work, parenting and training.
• To refer people to external agencies which can more appropriately assist them with their personal, social, legal and accommodation needs.
• To keep accurate records including customer files and statistical information and to report on these as required.
• To attend team, sectional, divisional and any other organisational meetings as required.
• To engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the relevant supervisor.
• To participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with the Line 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 and/or Health & Safety Representative.
• To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Line Manager.

What you will need:

• A Third Level degree qualification in social care or a related field.
• A good knowledge of housing and homeless policy in Ireland.
• A good knowledge of tenants’ rights legislation and social protection policies, payments and supports.
• A very good understanding of homelessness in general and service provision in Ireland.
• Experience in carrying out case work and assessments to assist people who have experienced homelessness and/or people who are at-risk of homelessness.
• Excellent communication skills with particular emphasis on written and verbal advocacy while being able to deal with vulnerable and marginalised groups in a busy environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Child Protection and Welfare guidelines and principles of good practice.
• Good knowledge of Local Authority and voluntary housing agencies and experience of advocacy with both.
• Previous experience of dealing with challenging behavior (desirable).

 To apply please submit your CV Here
Closing date for applications: 13th of January 2025

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.