Project Worker, COPE Galway Homeless Services

About COPE Galway

For six decades, COPE Galway has been a cornerstone in providing crucial social services across Galway. Our efforts focus on aiding individuals and families facing homelessness, assisting women and children suffering from domestic violence, and promoting healthy, independent living for older adults. We envision a society where every individual is cherished, nurtured, and supported throughout life.

Our organization thrives through the deep connection to Galway community and the dedication of our staff and volunteers. This team fuels our capacity to offer diverse support ranging from frontline care and social services to community engagement and administrative roles, ensuring impactful service delivery for those in need.

Role Overview

The Project Worker will deliver hands-on support to people or families engaged in COPE Galway’s Homeless Services, concentrating on helping them acquire suitable housing and addressing health or care-related needs as required. This role provides a chance to build skills and gain extensive experience across several homeless service sectors, including short-term accommodation, private emergency housing support, street outreach, resettlement programs, tenancy assistance, and seasonal initiatives.

Assignment locations within the homeless services will be based on organizational priorities and might rotate periodically. Initially, candidates will begin within the designated service unit as specified in the vacancy notice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage referral processes and perform sensitive client assessments professionally.
• Work intensively alongside clients to find and secure housing, assisting with moves to permanent, independent tenancies supported by community resources.
• Support clients in accessing a comprehensive array of local services including healthcare, welfare, education, employment, and leisure.
• Provide practical help related to client health, safety, and well-being.
• Engage clients actively, build trust, address challenges with empathy and adherence to policies.
• Facilitate client self-advocacy and advocate on their behalf when necessary, encouraging the use of clients’ own strengths.
• Maintain smooth daily operations of the service, ensuring compliance with COPE Galway’s policies and quality frameworks.
• Provide a safe, welcoming environment and involve clients in service decisions where feasible.
• Document incidents, maintain confidentiality per data protection standards, and utilize required database systems like PASS.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team and when working independently, attend meetings, and foster positive external and community relationships.
• Contribute to ongoing service enhancement and professional development activities.
• Assume specific organisational responsibilities such as Health and Safety representation as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 8 or above tertiary qualification in healthcare, social care, social sciences, or equivalent CORU registration as a social care worker.
• At least one year full-time experience working with homeless individuals or vulnerable social groups.
• Deep understanding of homelessness complexities, social inclusion, mental health, addiction, trauma, and associated social issues.
• Strong integrity, communication skills, teamwork, advocacy capabilities, and resilience.
• Commitment to COPE Galway’s vision and values, and an open, adaptable approach to change.
• Lived experience related to service users is welcomed but not mandatory nor questioned.

Additional Information

• A full clean driving license and access to a vehicle may be required depending on the assigned service.
• Contract duration varies by role, typically around one year.
• Annual salary starts at €39,100 (pro rata) paid monthly by bank transfer.
• Entitled to 24 days annual leave (pro rata).

Equal Opportunity

COPE Galway ensures an inclusive hiring process and workplace for all employees, upholding equal opportunity principles thoroughly.