Project Worker, Housing First, South East

Project Worker, Housing First, South East

Location: Kilkenny

Contract: Full Time, 1 Year Fixed Term

The Purpose of this role is to support people who are sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term and multiple exclusion homelessness to move into secure, permanent housing at the earliest opportunity, without preconditions for sobriety or treatment compliance.

What you will do:

Making Contact

- Engage with people sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term or multiple exclusion homelessness in Kilkenny.
- Work collaboratively with Outreach, Emergency Accommodation and other relevant services, including following up on referrals from the Homeless Action Team (HAT).
- Explain the Housing First Service, available supports and how the model differs from other approaches.
- Signpost to appropriate services and obtain consent for referrals, advocacy, record-keeping and information sharing.

Housing Assessment, Access & Allocation

- Assess housing needs, priorities and risks using agreed assessment tools.
- Support participants to access Local Authority housing, HAP/RAS and relevant social welfare entitlements.
- Identify housing preferences, arrange viewings and support participants to make informed choices.
- Liaise and advocate with Local Authorities, the Department of Social Protection, landlords and other relevant agencies.
- Follow the Housing First approach, including housing without preconditions and supporting re-housing where tenancies break down.

Key Working, Support Plans & Case Management

- Complete assessments, risk management plans and individual support plans based on each participant’s needs and choices.
- Provide key-working support across areas including health, mental health, addiction, independent living, employment, education and relationships.
- Coordinate with health, housing, social welfare and other agencies to ensure participants can access appropriate supports and entitlements.
- Provide practical tenancy and independent living support through home visits, advocacy and skills development.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external services, including case management and Homeless Action Team meetings where required.

Addressing Problems & Tenancy Breakdown

- Ensure tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Identify issues that may threaten tenancy stability and coordinate appropriate support with tenants, landlords and relevant services.
- Advocate for participants while maintaining positive relationships with landlords, neighbours and partner agencies.
- Continue supporting participants following tenancy breakdown and work towards re-housing at the earliest opportunity.

Induction to Accommodation

- Attend property viewings and support participants with their move into suitable accommodation.
- Introduce tenants to their property and local amenities where required.
- Explain tenancy agreements, accommodation details, rights and responsibilities.
- Provide guidance on fire safety, health and safety, and the Housing First service model.

Accommodation

- Advocate with external agencies to secure appropriate housing for participants.
- Report property defects and support the timely completion of repairs.
- Maintain positive relationships with landlords, property owners and housing providers.
- Support tenants to maintain successful and sustainable tenancies.

Finance

- Maintain accurate petty cash records and receipts.
- Work with Housing Officers and relevant colleagues to address rent arrears or payment issues.
- Ensure participants access appropriate benefits and financial entitlements.

Record Keeping

- Maintain accurate, professional and up-to-date participant records, including PASS records.
- Produce required statistics and reports for Focus Ireland and statutory agencies/funders.
- Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required.
- Participate in project monitoring and evaluation.

Research & Service Improvement

- Participate in relevant research, audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to service improvement plans arising from evaluation and audit findings.
- Seek and incorporate service-user feedback into service development.
- Remain flexible in responding to changing service needs and new initiatives.

Teamwork & Personal Development

- Work collaboratively within the team while effectively managing an individual caseload.
- Build strong working relationships with voluntary, statutory and interdisciplinary partner agencies.
- Participate in team meetings, HAT meetings, working groups, planning days and supervision as required.
- Engage in ongoing training, professional development and reflective practice.
- Contribute to best practice and the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.

General

- Support the implementation and development of Focus Ireland, HSE and Local Authority services and initiatives.
- Work in line with relevant Homeless Strategies, operational plans and service standards.
- Participate in service monitoring, evaluation, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
- Work flexibly, including unsociable hours where required, and carry out other appropriate duties assigned by the Line Manager.
- Maintain awareness of risk management and relevant HIQA, HSE and National Standards for Homeless Services.

What you will need:

- A third-level qualification at degree level in Social Care or a related area, such as Youth Work, Social Studies, Addiction Studies, Psychology, or similar, and/or be a CORU-registered Social Care Worker.
- 2 years’ experience in residential social care services; preferably in the homeless sector.
- leadership experience in social care services, including supervision of social care staff would be a distinct advantage.
- Extensive experience in working with behaviours that may challenge and supporting care-staff in similar environments.
- Supporting organisational change in a complex environment.
- Recording, reporting and information management.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

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