Saoirse Domestic Violence Services: Relief Support Worker – deadline Friday 9th October

Location: Dublin
Contract: Relief / as required
Salary: €18.05 per hour
Reporting to: Refuge Coordinator
Probationary period: Six months
Shift pattern: 12.5-hour shifts across a seven-day roster, Monday to Sunday

About the Role

Saoirse Domestic Violence Services (SDVS) is seeking compassionate and committed Relief Support Workers to join our Refuge Team.

The purpose of this role is to provide planned and short-notice cover for permanent employees during periods of leave or other absences. As shifts may become available at short notice, candidates must have a high level of flexibility and availability.

As a Relief Support Worker, you will provide practical and emotional support to women and children subjected to domestic abuse. Working collaboratively with keyworkers and the wider Refuge Team, you will support clients’ care plans in a compassionate, non-judgemental and trauma-informed manner.

You will promote empowerment, confidence and independence while helping to maintain a safe, respectful and welcoming refuge environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive rate of €18.05 per hour
• 8% annual leave entitlement, based on hours worked
• My Future Fund Pension Scheme
• Free access to a Digital Doctor service for employees and their families
• Confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support for employees and their families
• Access to the Wisdom wellbeing app, supporting the four pillars of wellbeing
• Excellent training and continuous professional development opportunities
• Access to our Education Assistance Policy, with opportunities to apply for funding towards further education
• Employee wellbeing and team-building activities throughout the year
• An organisational commitment to employee wellbeing and work–life balance

Responsibilities of the role

In this role, you will:

• Welcome women and children into emergency refuge accommodation and help them settle safely into the service.
• Provide compassionate, non-judgemental emotional and practical support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
• Respond appropriately to clients experiencing crisis or distress.
• Operate the 24-hour helpline while on shift, providing professional support, information and crisis assistance.
• Work collaboratively with keyworkers and the wider Refuge Team to support clients’ care plans, referrals and advocacy needs.
• Provide clients with clear, non-directive information about available services and supports.
• Help maintain a safe, secure, respectful and welcoming refuge environment.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, including updating the client database and completing all required documentation.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the Refuge, including maintaining cleanliness, preparing rooms for new residents and reporting maintenance issues.
• Participate fully in team meetings, training, supervision and other organisational activities.
• Represent the values and ethos of SDVS in a professional and respectful manner.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role, as assigned by the Refuge Coordinator or another designated manager.

Further information is available in our Recruitment Pack.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable, flexible and able to respond calmly and professionally in a busy residential service.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must:

• Hold a minimum NFQ Level 7 degree in Social Care, Social Studies or another relevant discipline.
• Have at least one year of experience working in a social care setting.
• Have experience using client databases, along with strong general IT and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Have a good understanding of the issues affecting women and children subjected to domestic abuse, including the potential impact on their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing and development.
• Understand risk and needs assessments and the principles of effective risk management.
• Have a thorough knowledge of safeguarding procedures and practices relating to children and young people.
• Be able to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrate a high level of availability and flexibility, including the ability to provide cover at short notice.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a supported residential service.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Previous experience working within a domestic abuse or crisis-support service.

Click here for more information and to apply.