Housing Support Worker - Rented Accommodation Scheme - Limerick

Housing Support Worker - Rented Accommodation Scheme - Limerick 

Location: Limerick, Ireland

Description: Project Worker, RAS Housing Support Worker, Limerick

Contract: 1 Year, Fixed Term Contract

Location: Limerick

Salary: DOE

The Purpose of this role is to provide support to Tenants that are currently in the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The aim of this service is to provide alternative accommodation for RAS Tenants that enables the Tenants to avail of a secure Tenancy under Rental Accommodation Scheme Guidelines & Policies.

What you will do:

• Work as part of the Rental Accommodation Scheme Team within Limerick City & County Council.
• Carry out an assessment on current or new RAS Tenants that require new/alternative or to transfer accommodation under Limerick City & County Council Guidelines and to request required additional supports from relevant agencies for Tenants when or if the need arises to enable the Tenant to sustain their Tenancy.
• Visit individuals in their local community and where appropriate in their own home.
• Make contact, establish links and network as and when appropriate with local agencies, community groups and services that will enable the Tenant to sustain their Tenancy and live a good quality of life.
• To be aware of responsibilities and respond appropriately to any situation, where Child Protection and Welfare is a concern. Have update knowledge of relevant referral and notification procedures when informing TUSLA or An Garda Siochana of Child Protection and Welfare concerns.
• Work with a client-centred and non-judgemental attitude approaches, encouraging autonomy and independence.
• Liaise with and inform Line Manager on a regular basis of issues arising from engagement with Tenants, Landlords/Estate Agents and other relevant Services.
• Engage in regular supervision with RAS Line Manager and the Organisation’s Project Leader.
• To work with and under the supervision and direction of the line management within the Rental Accommodation Scheme Department and Limerick City & County Council Housing Department.
• To be familiar with and comply with all relevant Limerick City & County Council policies e.g. Child Protection Policy, Confidentially Policy, Customer Complaints Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Personnel Policy.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records and report writing.
• Work in close liaison and co-operation with other Limerick City & County Council Housing Departments.
• Supervise and support other colleagues/staff when required.
• Participate in the review, evaluation and the development of the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
• Participate in relevant training and development courses.
• Attend and contribute to Team, Section and Agency meetings when required.
• Prepare regular monthly reports for supervision or as requested by Line Manager, Executive Officer or Director of Services within Limerick City & County Council Housing Department.
• Liaise, work co-operatively and effectively with other Limerick City & County Council Departments in relation to organizational procedures and policies in areas of personnel, finance, administration, research, development, education, public awareness and services.
• Work within the framework of the overall objectives of Limerick City & County Council.
• Undertake other work that is assigned by Line Manager, Executive Officer or Director of Services within Limerick City & County Council Housing Department.
• The standard working week will be 37 hours per week. Limerick City & County Council reserves the right to alter your working hours from time to time.

What you will need:

• A third level qualification to degree level in Social Care i.e. Youth Work, Social Studies, Psychology, Addiction etc.
• Proven extensive experience working in a Social Care setting.
• Very good understanding of Child Protection and Welfare responsibilities, and appropriate responses to any concerns.
• Ability to carry out Client Assessments i.e. Risk, Housing Needs Assessments etc.
• Ability and willingness to work alone.
• Ability to deal with challenging behaviour.
• Willingness to develop professional skills as identified through supervision.
• Own car and have a full clean driving licence.
• An understanding of Social Housing Supports available to Clientele.
• Advocate on behalf of Clientele/Tenants or similar Client Group.
• Experience of working within Housing/Homeless Sector.