Key Worker. Irlanda

The Key Worker role provides emergency accommodation to Women and Children fleeing Domestic Abuse; welcomes new families into the service and ensure the provision of practical and emotional supports. Keyworkers operate the 24-hour free Helpline, carry out assessments of support needs; provide information, advocacy and referral services; develop and implement suitable programmes to meet the needs of women and children in refuge.

The Keyworker role provides support and structured services to residents in the Refuge and Community setting, with an emphasis on progressing needs; ensure the safety and security of women and children resident in Aoibhneas and represent the work and ethos of the organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Services

•    Provide emergency accommodation to Women and Children fleeing Domestic Abuse.

•    Welcome new resident women and children and ensure that they are familiarised with house rules, practices, services and activities available.

•    Ensure the provision of practical and emotional supports to all residents in Aoibhneas.

•    Operate the 24-Hour Refuge Helpline.

•    Make an initial assessment of a woman’s support needs via the refuge/ drop-in/helpline service.

•    Advise and assist women on legal, housing, social welfare, rights and entitlements

•    Provide information, advocacy and referrals to appropriate services

•    Discuss all the options available and advise women on how to access the relevant services

•    Accompany woman to Courts, Sexual Assault Units, solicitor appointments etc, when necessary.

•    Meet the unique needs and interests of each woman as part of an agreed plan paying attention to her family circumstance

•    Provide ongoing emotional support to all women and children in crisis and to create opportunities for each woman to share their feelings about his/her home situation, their fears and anxieties.

•    Create a friendly, safe, happy and caring environment for all women and children.

•    Develop and implement suitable programmes to meet the needs of the women and children in the refuge.

Linkages

•    Develop referral links for women with local support services and networks

•    Develop links with local service providers, Gardaí, schools, women’s groups etc.

•    Attend and represent Aoibhneas at committees tasked to provide a community response to domestic violence

Administration    

•    Maintain accurate and up to date records of all case files using service database.

•    Liaise with and inform the CEO and/or other designated persons, on a regular basis, of issues arising from work.

•    Prepare and compile departmental statistics

Person Requirements

Essential

•    Third Level Qualification at degree level in social science, social care or related field.

•    Experience of key-working clients or individual case-work.

•    Excellent knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and issues affecting women and children experiencing domestic

•    Understanding and working knowledge of Domestic Violence Act/ Children’s First Legislation.