Description
Project Worker, Aftercare
Location: Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary
Contract: 2 Years Fixed-Term, Full-time
The purpose of this role is to work as part of the Aftercare Team to provide care and support for the young people exiting the care system and who are identified at most at risk of homelessness.
What you will do:
1. Work within the framework of the overall aims and objectives of Focus Ireland
2. Draw up suitable care plans to prepare and support each resident to be able to move towards independent living whilst using the Housing First for Youth Model.
3. Support young people holistically, focusing on their practical self-care needs, health, budgeting, education and training and domestic skills. To play a part in promoting and building the confidence and self-esteem of young people leaving care
4. Advocate on behalf of residents for housing, social work, social welfare, education, training and legal rights.
5. Liaise with and make referrals to relevant outside agencies.
6. Vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Representative
7. Attend Team, Divisional and Agency meetings as required.
8. Maintain accurate case records and statistics.
9. Report to external stakeholders where necessary
10. Liaise with and inform the team Leader/Project Leader, on a regular basis, of issues arising from work with individual cases
11. Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Team Leader
12. Participate in relevant training and development courses and in project evaluation
13. Implement the existing policies and procedures of the project and of Focus Ireland and adhere to the Standards of Customer service.
14. Assist in the implementation of the settlement policies and strategies of Focus Ireland.
15. Work in close liaison with and co-operate with other Focus Ireland projects in particular Focus Housing.
16. In consultation, to undertake other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Project Leader, Section Manager or Divisional Head.
What you will need:
• Extensive, relevant work experience working with young people in care or marginalised young people.
• Third Level Qualification at degree level in social care or related field.
• Experience of key-working clients or individual case-work.
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour.
• Full Clean drivers license.
• Good understanding of the issues affecting young people leaving care and in aftercare.
• Flexibility.
• Understanding of Child Protection.