Role Objective: The Outreach Project Worker will seek out and provide information, assistance, assessment, support and referral for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, sleeping rough or in unstable accommodation and have issues with alcohol, drugs or substances. They will also act as a bridge to Cork Simon and other services.
Key tasks include:
Spend time on the streets, on Soup Run, in the Day Service/Rough Sleeper Service and in the Emergency Shelter as required to enable contact.
Visit people where they are staying / sleeping (within the policies and procedures of Cork Simon Outreach)
Build a relationship based on respect and trust by spending time with people, actively listening to people and challenging people positively
Refer people to Cork Simon Services/ Day Service/ Emergency Shelter and advocate on their behalf
Advocate for and support people in accessing accommodation, medical services, addiction services, rights and entitlements
Implement case management approach
Develop care plans with people in co-operation with the Day Service/ Emergency Shelter staff and other relevant medical and mental health services
Develop harm reduction programmes and supports for those who are not ready, willing or able to abstain from using alcohol/drugs/substances
Generate accurate statistics on people who are sleeping on the street, in squats and/or accessing outreach services
Maintain accurate and up to date records/ service user files to facilitate provision of care
Ensure the PASS system is kept updated for those using the service
Ensure HRB forms are filled in for everyone using the service
The ideal candidate for this post will have:
A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a care setting working with marginalized groups
Previous experience working with & empowering homeless women, men and young people
Previous experience working with people with addictions, mental health issues
A relevant third level degree
MQI/UCD Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory & Intervention Skills or Arbour House Certificate in Addiction Studies or an equivalent course
High level of communication and interpersonal skills
Assessment, care planning & key working/case management skills
Strong IT skills
Advocacy skills
A knowledge of addictions, drug, alcohol, substances, gambling and a range of responses including treatment models
The ability to motivate, facilitate and empower people
Application Forms and a Role Profile and Personal Specification are available on our website https://www.corksimon.ie/jobs/ or can be requested by e-mail recruit@corksimon.ie or by telephone 021 4929408.
The closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 4pm Friday 18 August 2017.
Interviews will take place on week commencing 28 August 2017.
Cork Simon Community is committed to equality of opportunity.
This post is funded by the ‘Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force’, through the ‘National Development Plan’.