Homeless Support Worker - Wicklow
This post is supported from Area Development resources allocated by the Board of Dublin
Simon Community. Twelve month contract. Provision for full time (35hrs) or part
time(19hrs) position.
Primary purpose of the role:
Profile and work with Homeless
individuals.
Source move on accommodation.
Report writing.
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
Profiling and carrying out assessment of needs
based in the county.

Carry out assessment, support plan and referrals
with agreed case load with line manager.

Establishment and maintaining ‘Drop In’
centres.

Source move on accommodation suitable to the
needs of the individual.

Where appropriate to the client provide visiting
support to resident over a fixed period of time.

Deliver quarterly reports on status of homeless
in the county:
o Identify services available
o Make recommendations.
o Update status of action plan.
Revised Job Description 5/11/10 PG
Job title:
Homeless Support Worker - Wicklow
Role purpose:
To provide and develop services in Wicklow County
Reports to:
Head of Housing Services. Simon Community.
Location:
Wicklow County.
1. Work with homeless people responding and adapting to their needs, enabling them to
maximise their potential and move out of homelessness.
2. Engage with and build a professional trusting relationship with people treating them with
dignity and respect in order to work within the values of Simon.
3. Work in cooperation and partnership with other agencies, both voluntary and statutory
ensuring good communication and cross-agency flexible working practices to minimise
obstacles to a person getting access to supports, services and/or accommodation.
4. Implement a care and case management system.
5. Carry out an assessment with homeless people and provide follow up support in order to
provide quality evidence based service, facilitating movement towards independent
living, in accordance with Simon Community’s policies and procedures.
6. Source and secure “move-on” options for service users suitable to their needs.
7. Engage service users with appropriate independent living and support services required as
identified in support plan.
8. Produce quarterly reports including :


The presenting needs of people who may be at risk of homelessness as well as those
who are homeless in order to produce a comprehensive and accurate profile in
Wicklow.
All relevant agencies, statutory and voluntary, to ascertain the extent of homelessness
and identify the specific factors contributing to it.
9. Responsible for the preparation of reports, statistics and other information as required in
order to inform future strategy and responses.
10. Participate in regular supervision and performance review, contributing to the
identification of own job related targets and training needs.
11. Ensure homeless people are consulted and involved in the operation of the project as far
as possible.
Requirements of all staff

Commitment to the purpose of Simon Community and to work within the values,
policies and procedures of the organisation and in the context of current legislation
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Revised Job Description 5/11/10 PG
and regulations.

To participate in regular supervision with your line manager

To actively participate in team and staff meetings and service reviews/ evaluations and
to contribute to the development of policy and practice with your area of work and
within Community as a whole

To report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner

To show reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of
the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required.

Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organisational change,
development and review of best practice.

Participate in and engage with a performance management programme.

Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities
appropriate to the role

To be 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

To participate in the efficient flow of information within the organisation by sharing
and seeking information as appropriate

To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time

To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly, flexible and informal.
Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work
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Revised Job Description 5/11/10 PG
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Qualification
Degree or higher level in a relevant
discipline.
Knowledge
Understanding of why people
become homeless and the needs
they have.
Desirable
Understanding of mental health,
addictions, domestic violence and
other issues
Key Working Skills
Experience
2 years paid employment in a
relevant setting with at least one
year in a homeless field.
Record keeping, report writing,
Holistic needs assessment,
care and case management
Experience in other
services such as settlement
or addiction service would
be an advantage.
Knowledge of Dublin
Simon Community.
Knowledge of rights and
entitlements of homeless
persons.
Knowledge of the
Wicklow Homelessness
sector
Core
competencies
Good oral and written
communication skills, effective
letter and report writing skills.
Interpersonal and teamwork skills
Conflict resolution skills.
Ability to work well under pressure
Planning and organisational skills
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Revised Job Description 5/11/10 PG
Advocacy skills
Dealing with challenging behaviour
Ability to act calmly in emergencies
and respond in a professional
manner to challenging and stressful
situations.
Computer skills – ability to use MS
Word and email systems, with
experience using the internet for
research.
Client focused
Commitment to good practice and
to the organisation, and results
oriented, dedicated and dependable
Good problem solving abilities
Keeps up to date with best practice
in area of work
Adaptable / flexible and
demonstrate sound judgement
Commitment to the values of the
organisation
Signature: _______________________________Date:________________
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Revised Job Description 5/11/10 PG