Purpose of Job:
The primary purpose of the job is to:
Provide support and structured services for the children of residents in Refuge and engaged through our community services, with an emphasis on participation in children’s activities.
Ensure the safety and security of children resident in Aoibhneas.
Represent the work and ethos of Aoibhneas.

Key Job Responsibilities
Client Services
Under the general direction of the CEO and in consultation with the children’s mothers.
To welcome new residents with children and ensure that they are familiarised with house rules, practices, services and activities available.
To make an initial assessment of a child’s support needs and refer children in need of a more in-depth assessment to the relevant agency in conjunction with the Social Care Leader and and other designated persons.
To accompany children and mothers to Child Guidance Clinics, Courts, Sexual Assault Units etc, when necessary.
To play a part in meeting the unique needs and interests of each child as part of an agreed plan paying particular attention to their family circumstances.
To provide ongoing emotional support to all children in crisis and to create opportunities for each child to share their feelings about his/her home situation, their fears and anxieties.
To manage each child’s behaviour by creating a friendly, safe, happy and caring environment for all children.
To identify behavioural difficulties and implement a behaviour management plan.
To develop and implement suitable programmes to meet the needs of the children in refuge and community services.
To create plenty of opportunity for children to engage in non-directed play to explore the playroom environment, choose their own activity and develop relations with other children in their own time and space.
Where possible and appropriate, organise and structure activities such as arts, crafts or games. These activities must be developed to meet the particular needs, interests and ages for the children in residence at the given time. Therefore Social Care Workers need to be highly flexible and have the ability to adapt to the changing client group.
To provide regular outings for children and utilise the local resources and amenities
To encourage and welcome mothers to join in playroom facilities with their children including and when workers are off duty.
To provide parenting support to mothers and to facilitate individual/group parenting classes if appropriate.
To help mothers arrange temporary school placements for their children.
To provide advice, information and support to non-residents by telephone and in person.
Administration
Maintain accurate and up to date records of all case files.
Liaise with and inform the Direct Line, on a regular basis, of issues arising from work.
Prepare and compile departmental statistics
Other
To manage play areas, paying particular attention to safety, hygiene, fire prevention and use of equipment.
To maintain adequate stocks of suitable play equipment and to advise the Direct Line of the need to purchase new equipment.
To work as part of a Refuge team, liasing with other staff in relation to services and supports for children/families.
To supervise and co-ordinate volunteers and placement students as assigned to children’s worker duties.
To maintain appropriate professional boundaries with residents and colleagues.
To promote the philosophy of self-help and mutual aid.
Attend child protection case conferences and case conference reviews
To attend court hearings and give evidence as required.
Work under the direction and guidance of the CEO or other Designated Officer to ensure the highest possible level of care is maintained at all times.
Perform such duties appropriate to the post, which may be assigned by the CEO or other Designated Officer.
Ensure standards are maintained and adhered to inline with policy, procedure and legislation.
Access the designated person on call when required in line with policy and Children’s First legislation.
Participate in relevant training and development courses.
Participate in the provision of services as part of the Refuge team.
Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis.

Person Requirements
Essential
Third Level Qualification at degree level in child care, social science, social care or related field.
A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience working in a social care setting with children/youth.
Experience of key-working clients or individual case-work .
Excellent knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and issues affecting women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Understanding and working knowledge of Children’s First Legislation/ Child Care Act.
Excellent facilitation, training and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria
Flexibility/Adaptability
Integrity
Dependability
Concern for others
Independence
Resilience/ Stress tolerance
Initiative
Self Control
Experience of inter-agency working
Full driving License
Terms & Conditions
Full time post, 39 hour week
3 year fixed term contract
Salary scale is €32,480- €47,025
Application process
Clearly outline post you are applying for
Applicants to submit a cover letter detailing experience and suitability relevant to post and a CV
Cover and CV should be sent to Cristina Santamaria, Head of Services, Po Box 5504, Dublin 17/ Email: admin@aoibhneas.org
Closing Date
Closing date for applications is 19th June at 5pm

Selection Process
Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 29th June 2020. Please note that these may take place using an electronic format e.g. Zoom
Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we cannot respond to every application. If you have not heard from us, it will mean that you have not been shortlisted for interview.
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