Job Description

Project Worker, Housing First, South East

Location: Tipperary

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.

What you will need:

• A third-level qualification at degree level in Social Care or a related area, such as 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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