JOB DESCRIPTION:Job Title: Domestic Abuse Service Support worker - Relief Panel Date of Issue: April 24th 2025Responsible to: Client Services Co-Ordinator / Head of Domestic Abuse VISION AND MISSION OF COPE GALWAY COPE Galway's vision is a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life.
Our mission is making a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities.
OUTCOMES:COPE Galway recognises the particular vulnerabilities faced by women and children who experience intimate partner abuse, and works both to support those who fall victim to such abuse, as well as striving to challenge societal norms and attitudes which allow domestic abuse to continue.
Cope Galway's Domestic Abuse Service offers support to women who reside within the Refuge at Modh Eile House, as well as to many more who live in the community and receive support in their locality; we also work with children and young people who have been exposed to violence and abuse in the home.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE POST: Modh Eile House provides temporary, safe accommodation for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse, with the Service supporting women from Galway city & county who both live in and who do not.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Modh Eile operates a panel of relief staff, through which the continuity of care and support to our clients is assured; the objective of this post is to add to that panel.
Shift work as a member of the Relief Panel may include short shifts (as little as two hours), short-notice shifts, evening and weekend work, and live night work.
The overall aim of Modh Eile House is to prioritise the safety and welfare of the client group.
The aims of the Service are: To encourage each woman to determine her own futureTo offer support and information to any woman who requires itTo recognise and care for the emotional needs of childrenTo raise awareness in the community of domestic abuse and its root causesDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A) GENERAL Participate in the operation of the ServiceWork with women who seek support, including making admissions or referrals as appropriate and as per policy guidelines Participate in the induction of new guests into the refugeEnsure family files are properly maintained and all records are updated and maintained, in accordance with policy and practiceProvide a comprehensive service to each client of the Service, in accordance with her needs, which may include support in budgeting, seeking accommodation, engaging with other services / agencies Work with clients of the Service, resident or not, in considering the dynamics of the abuse which they have experienced and in examining paths forward in line with the client's wishesAccompany women to the courthouse to apply for legal protection as appropriate and carry out court preparation with women as required Accompany women to other agencies if appropriate and in accordance with any risk assessments in place Record and maintain records of any incidents and other day to day issues in the appropriate systems of record Keep other staff on duty fully informed of such incidents and issuesCompile statistics, and record relevant information as required Comply with all procedures and guidelines relating to financial matters within the ServiceRemain familiar with safety features of the Service including alarm systems and fire safety equipment Comply with all health and safety checks as required Participate in fire drills when scheduled Be pro-active with regard to keeping updated about changes in all areas relating to work such as social welfare, housing, legal, immigration etcUndertake any other duties as assigned by managementB) WELFARE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN Ensure that the Service has a friendly, warm and inviting atmosphere for the Service usersBe respectful, courteous and patient with women and children at all times and in all circumstancesOffer emotional support to women who require it Address the issues and needs, which women may present to you in the course of your dealings with them Consult and liaise with external voluntary, statutory and professional agencies as appropriate in relation to the needs of individual families Advocate on behalf of women and children with a range of relevant agencies and organisations in the context of a gendered analysis of Domestic ViolenceEncourage and support women in taking responsibility and contributing to their own welfare needs and ensure that women are fully involved in decisions affecting them Keep written records of actions taken in addressing the issues and needs of families, as per systems and policy Support key working with clients as assigned, supporting the conducting of needs assessments and care plans as appropriate Be proactive about seeking feedback from women on the service they receive and support them to become involved in the service as per the COPE Galway Client Involvement Policy Ensure that any information given to women is appropriate and in accordance with COPE Galway policy guidelines Work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the service and the wider organisation while ensuring that any discussions/issues regarding these are raised and dealt with in the appropriate forumLiaise with management with regard to the aftercare of families Engage as required on designated tasks with the SURF (Service User Refuge Forum) forum Ensure that any discussions and information pertaining to women and children is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the COPE Galway Code of PracticeWork in accordance with the Safeguarding and related policiesC) STAFFING Participate in the supervision provided by the Manager or Co-ordinator or other relevant personsParticipate in group supervision/reflective practice sessions as required Contribute a positive attitude to both practice and organisational issuesParticipate in appropriate training programmes as directed by the Manager or Co-ordinatorInform the Manager and Co-ordinator of significant issues and incidents relating to the operation of the Service Ensure that any staff discussions are kept strictly confidentialHave good self-awareness and the ability to manage personal emotions that may arise during working hours in an appropriate manner that is consistent with organisational policies and proceduresMonitor personal behaviour and ensure that it is professional and appropriate to the workplace at all timesEnsure a focus on client issues during team discussions, reflective practice sessions and general discussions on practice issues Ensure a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory approach in the work at all timesSeek support/supervision as soon as possible for any boundary issues that may arise in the work identified by yourself, by other team members or by the ManagerContribute constructively to team discussions, while allowing space for others to do likewise Have a clear understanding of the Manager's role and take direction as required Contribute to a positive working environment for all colleaguesEngage in ongoing reflection on practice as required from both a personal and team perspective Have a flexible and solution oriented approach that seeks to resolve issues in a constructive and collaborative mannerD) THE COMMUNITY Endeavour to publicise and promote the work of Modh Eile House and the other services provided by COPE GalwayContribute to the fostering of positive relations with the local community in addressing and responding to enquiries made to the Refuge Contribute to team discussions on and participate in fundraising events as appropriateE) HEALTH AND SAFETYTake reasonable care for personal safety, health and welfare, and that of others who may be affected by actions or omissions Co-operate with the employer in relation to compliance with statutory requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, Use protective equipment, clothing or other means for securing the safety, health and welfare of employees Report to management, without delay, any defects in the workplace, equipment or systems of work, which may lead to danger Be proactive in the area of self care with regard to identifying any impacts of the work and bring these to the attention of Managers Ensure that Health and Safety policy and procedures as per the COPE Galway Health and Safety Manual are fully adhered to Ensure that high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained in the Service The duties outlined in this job description may be subject to review in the future.PERSON SPECIFICATION The ideal candidate will have a proven interest and experience in the area of Domestic Violence and will have worked in a similar type Service.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: A relevant third level qualification in social care A minimum of one year of employment in the area of social care, with specific experience in the area of domestic violence / abuse Knowledge of Domestic Abuse and its impact on women and children SKILLS AND ABILITIES:An ability to advocate effectively for women and in the context of a gendered analysis of domestic violenceAn ability to maintain positive relations with clients, colleagues, students, volunteers, and other professional agencies An ability to be organised in ones approach to work, to follow through with tasks and to maintain recordsAn ability to work pro-actively and reflectively to ensure best practice in all areas of service delivery An ability to work in a stressful environment and to work effectively within an environment involving shift work Strong ICT skills A commitment to providing the highest level of quality service A client-centred approach, promoting engagement and empowerment A high-level of initiative and openness to challenges A commitment to working with a diverse client groupA high level of integrity, trust and respect DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Experience of direct work with women who have experienced domestic abuse Previous experience of working in a domestic abuse service An interest in the area of violence against women and related gender equality issues The duties outlined in this job description may be subject to review in the futureFrequency of work: As required, there will be no guarantee of shifts The nature of relief work is to cover the annual leave, sickness or other leave taken by the permanent staff.
You are expected to be available for a minimum of 30% of the hours offered over a 3 month rolling period (excluding certified sick leave, annual leave or maternity leave etc)