About the job

To provide short notice and planned cover for full-time workers on leave, as the need arises.

The Relief Support Worker is a key member of the SDVS Team reporting directly to the Refuge Assistant Manager, or the Refuge Manager. The Relief Support Worker will provide support services to clients of Saoirse through actively supporting their Care Planning in conjunction with their Keyworkers in a non-judgemental, compassionate way and promoting empowerment and confidence building, through a philosophy of ‘self-help and mutual aid’.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience in a social care setting. You must be available to work both day and night shifts on a rotating roster. The successful candidate will be highly flexible and have the ability to adapt to the changing client group. You will possess the ability to treat service users in a non-judgemental and respectful manner adhere to professional boundaries and work in a professional manner at all times. The successful candidate will ensure the efficient operation of the service while on duty and provide support to the women and children in the Refuge.

Rate of Pay: 16.80 per hour (premium for night and Sunday shift)

Location: Tallaght and Rathcoole

Contract Type: Casual permanent

Reports to Assistant Refuge Manager

Main Duties:

• To welcome and provide emergency accommodation for women and children subjected to domestic abuse and ensure they are familiarised with facilities, house rules, practices and services available.
• To respond to the immediate needs of women and children in crisis and distress by offering support and services, both emotional and practical as appropriate.
• To participate in the provision of services as part of the Refuge team including supporting a client’s Care Planning in conjunction with the Keyworkers, Child and Youth Workers, and Outreach Workers who hold the responsibility of the case management of clients.
• To provide non-directive and non-judgemental information to residents and non-resident clients both in person and on the Helpline.
• To operate the 24-hour helpline while on shift and respond compassionately and professionally to anybody seeking support or practical information from our service.
• To promote a safe and relaxed environment for women and children during their stay in the Refuge by ensuring all safety and security protocols are observed.
• To observe and enforce a policy of strict confidentiality at all times in relation to all aspects of the service and in line with GDPR.
• To work according to company policies and best practice at all times.
• To ensure that a high level of cleanliness and hygiene is maintained throughout the Refuge by actively participating in the cleaning of the Refuge as necessary and encouraging residents to play their part effectively.
• To prepare rooms for re-allocation after a family/individual vacates their room.
• To report any building maintenance requirements to management and document in the maintenance record book.  
• To ensure that all procedures in relation to the Health and Safety Statement are clearly understood and acted upon at all times including Lone Working practice and procedures.
• To maintain and update accurate records of all files and any associated paperwork including updating the client database in a timely and professional manner.
• To liaise/make appropriate referrals with other agencies in providing assistance, advocacy and support to clients in conjunction with their keyworkers and associated care plans.
• To attend and participate fully in all team meetings, training and supervisions provided by the company.
• To work according to Children First Guidelines and Saoirse’s Child Protection and Welfare policy.  
• To represent the work and ethos of Saoirse Domestic Violence Services in a professional and respectful manner at all times.
• To work under the direction and guidance of Management to ensure the highest possible level of care is maintained at all times. Communicate with Management on a regular basis and advise them in a timely manner of issues arising from work.  
• To attend court hearings and give evidence as required.  
• To perform such other duties appropriate to the post, which may be assigned by the Refuge Manager or other designated officer.

About you

Knowledge and Skills Required

•Must have minimum NFQ level 6 in a relevant area of social care, social studies, etc.

•Must have minimum of 1 years’ experience in a social care field.

•Must have experience of using client databases and have/possess good IT skills, as well as good report writing skills.

•Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

•A working knowledge and insight into the issues affecting women and children of domestic abuse and the impact on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being and development.

•An understanding of risk and needs assessment and of the principles of risk management.

•Thorough knowledge of procedures and practices relating to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People.

•Experience working in supported residential services is desirable.

•Experience working in a support service for people with complex needs is desirable

•Ability to work well in a team environment.