Support Worker - Emergency Services

About Dublin Simon Community

Dublin Simon Community is committed to making stable housing accessible to all individuals. We provide a range of services including homelessness prevention, addiction treatment, emergency response, and targeted interventions in partnership with other organizations. We value client-centered care, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace through comprehensive training and active staff involvement.

Emergency Services Overview

Our emergency accommodation services operate on a low-threshold, harm reduction approach, aiming to assist residents in transitioning to and sustaining long-term housing. We offer a comprehensive support system designed to facilitate movement out of homelessness.

Role Description

This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Dublin city centre, requiring 37.5 hours per week with a 7-day liability schedule. As a Day Support Worker, you will provide immediate support to clients and help uphold high standards within emergency accommodation services. This position offers frontline experience with opportunities to progress within the organization, supported by an induction program, ongoing training days, and mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist project and key workers in executing operational and strategic plans, supporting clients to follow through on their support plans and achieve personal goals.
• Develop professional, trust-based relationships with service users, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Provide therapeutic and diversionary support, fostering positive mental health, self-esteem, and motivation.
• Collaborate with voluntary and public sector providers such as housing, healthcare, and social welfare to meet clients' physical and mental health needs.
• Implement personal and social development programs for service users.
• Help manage medication and healthcare routines, arranging and accompanying clients to medical appointments.
• Handle incoming enquiries and referrals for accommodation services.
• Support clients in communicating with landlords and relocating as needed.
• Conduct harm reduction interventions, including overdose prevention and stabilization.
• Perform daily assistance with clients’ mental/physical health, addiction support, personal hygiene, and building maintenance.
• Promote a safe and healthy living environment through fire safety, hazard management, behavior management, and ensuring compliance with accommodation agreements.
• Manage challenging behaviors and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Undertake administrative tasks such as petty cash management, record keeping, filing, and responding to phone inquiries.
• Ensure clear communication through handovers, diaries, incident reporting, and follow-ups aligned with organizational policies.
• Maintain compliance with policies governing fire safety, confidentiality, child protection, data protection, admissions, case management, and disengagement.
• Perform other duties assigned by your line manager as needed.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualification Level 6, 7, or 8 in a relevant discipline with at least 6 months’ experience in a similar environment (including volunteer or college placements), OR
• Qualification Level 5 with a minimum of 12 months’ relevant experience (including voluntary work or placements).
• A strong commitment to assisting people in need.
• Adaptability to work in a dynamic and flexible environment.
• Motivation to learn and develop professionally.
• Experience in performing health and safety audits and inspections.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave
• 5% employer pension matched contribution
• Paid sick leave policy
• Paid maternity leave policy
• Bike to Work scheme participation
• Comprehensive training during the first week of employment
• Career development and progression opportunities