Project Worker - Under 18's Residential Service in Dalkey

About the Role

Focus Ireland invites compassionate social care professionals to apply for the position of Project Worker within the Under 18's Residential Services located in Dalkey, Dublin. This full-time, permanent role involves supporting young individuals aged between 15 and 18 who are currently homeless or facing crisis situations. The Project Worker will foster a secure and nurturing environment where these young people can regain stability and work towards a more hopeful future.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate within the mission and values of Focus Ireland, ensuring alignment with the agency’s objectives.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team adhering to established policies and guidance from project leadership.
• Serve as a key worker to individual youths, collaborating with external agencies to coordinate comprehensive care.
• Develop personalized programs addressing the experiences of homelessness and aid clients in breaking this cycle while preparing them for their transition to suitable placements or independent living.
• Provide support tailored to young people who have endured trauma or exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Act as an advocate for youths to facilitate housing, social work, welfare, education, training, and legal support.
• Support young people following their statutory care plans and assist in creating and maintaining individualized placement plans.
• Refer and support youth engagement with external services addressing their social, educational, employment, legal, and accommodation needs.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with statutory regulations and health and safety standards.
• Contribute to the implementation of Focus Ireland’s settlement policies and strategies.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Project Leader in consultation.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Welfare at Work regulations, promptly reporting any hazards or issues.
• Commit to participating in a 7-day, 24-hour roster schedule.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possess a CORU-approved qualification as a Social Care Worker with evidence of CORU registration application, OR hold a relevant third-level degree such as social care, psychology, or sociology.
• Prior experience in a children’s residential center or working with children having complex needs in other settings.
• Familiarity with the effects of childhood adversity on adolescent development.
• Understanding of HIQA National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres.
• Experience in managing and supporting teenagers in crisis demonstrating challenging behaviors.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Child Protection policies and appropriate response mechanisms.
• Understanding of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention methods.

Employment Benefits

• Annual leave comprising 25 days plus 3 concession days.
• Employer pension contribution of 7%.
• Maternity top-up for 26 weeks.
• Access to a Tax-Saver Scheme and Education Assistance Policy.
• Entitlement to paid sick leave.
• Premium pay rates for unsocial working hours.
• Support via Employee Assistance Programs, reflective practice sessions, supervision, and wellbeing initiatives including monthly meditation.

Additional Information

Focus Ireland is committed to equal opportunity employment. Applicants should be willing to engage fully with all responsibilities detailed and committed to the wellbeing and progress of the young people they support.