Domestic Violence - Outreach Support Worker

Role Overview

The Outreach Support Worker is responsible for providing a comprehensive community outreach service to individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse. The Outreach Support Worker will deliver post-refuge support to residents returning home or relocating, provide one-to-one case management and facilitate group programmes, and support families transitioning into safe houses while linking former residents with appropriate community-based services. The role also contributes to the delivery and development of domestic violence and abuse awareness training, provides prevention and early intervention support within the community, and actively networks to strengthen referral pathways and raise awareness of domestic violence and available supports.

What we offer you

• Full time, permanent.
• This role is part of the Outreach, Prevention and Training Team.
• Salary: €38,917 per annum.
• Hours of work: 39 hours per week (Monday Friday).
• Location: Central Office - Tallaght/Dublin.
• Probation: 6 months.
• Commitment to work life balance and staff wellbeing.
• Employee Benefits: Pension (7% of annual salary after probation), 25 days of annual leave, additional day off for Good Friday, annual leave purchase scheme, wedding leave, paid sick leave, 100% salary top up during statutory maternity leave, €35 contribution towards two GP visits per year, free access to a digital doctor, education assistance, ongoing training and development, well being App (Wisdom), employee assistance programme, wellbeing days.

Key Responsibilities

• To support women who have been subjected to domestic violence at a safe and suitable location, listen and provide psycho educational and emotional support around their experiences of domestic violence.
• To provide support, assistance and advocacy to clients on practical matters including court, and other rights and entitlements in line with DVA practices.
• To develop and deliver structured care plans with clients, through planned support sessions and encouraging active participation from clients in leading their own care plans and making choices for their safety.
• To assist and support women to remain in their homes where safe, including safety planning and risk assessment in collaboration with external services.
• To deliver and develop SDVS Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness training to a professionally high standard - qualification essential.
• To work according to company policies and best practice at all times.
• To maintain and update accurate records of all files and any associated paperwork, including updating the database notes, in a timely and professional manner.

Networking

• To liaise with other agencies aiding and supporting adult and child victims and survivors of DVA and make referrals as necessary and where appropriate to external services.
• The ability to enhance relationships for the purpose of future training and collaboration.

Administration

• Maintain accurate and up to date records of all case files using our E safedatabase.
• Liaise with and inform the Manager and/or other designated persons, on a regular basis, of issues arising from work.
• Prepare and compile departmental statistics.

Other

• Work as part of a team, liaising with other staff in relation to services for women, children and families.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and colleagues.
• Promote the philosophy of self help and mutual aid.
• Attend court hearing and give evidence as required.
• Work under the direction and guidance of the Manager or other Designated Officer to ensure the highest possible level of care is maintained at all times.
• Perform such duties appropriate to the post, which may be assigned by the Manager or other Designated Officer.
• Ensure standards are maintained and adhered to in line with policy, procedure and legislation.
• Access the designated person on call when required in line with policy and Children's First Legislation.
• Participate in the provision of services as part of the Saoirse team.
• Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis.

Experience / Qualifications

• Third level qualification at degree level in social care, social science or related field.
• Minimum of three years relevant experience working in a social care setting with women/families.
• QQI training qualification or similar, combined with two years' experience delivering training in the community.
• Excellent theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of domestic violence.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the challenges and issues affecting women and children experiencing domestic violence.
• Understanding and working knowledge of the Domestic Violence Act, Children's First Legislation and Child Care Act.
• Risk assessment, safety and care planning knowledge is essential.
• Excellent facilitation training and communication skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• IT packages and database skills.
• Ability to lone work safely.
• Passion to eradicate violence against women and children.
• Flexibility / Adaptability.
• Self motivation / initiative.
• Self sufficiency.
• Empathy.
• Experience of inter agency working.
• Full driving licence and access to own transport.