Domestic Abuse Social Worker

Exchange House Ireland now wishes to recruit an

Domestic Abuse Social Worker

Full-time; Maternity Cover

Job Description

Outline of the position

• Working within the Family Support and Crisis Intervention Service or the National Traveller Mental Health Service, in Exchange House Ireland, to provide a comprehensive service response to Traveller families experiencing domestic abuse within the greater Dublin area.

Reporting to

Family Support and Crisis Intervention Service Manager and/or National Traveller Mental Health Service Manager.

Case Work

• Carry caseload of complex cases requiring a high level of social work competency and expertise in the area of domestic abuse.
• Provide specialist one-to-one emotional and practical support to survivors experiencing domestic abuse e.g. crisis intervention, safety planning.
• Partner with survivors experiencing domestic abuse to develop support plans.
• Assist survivors around legal rights, protection orders, child access and entitlements in relation to housing, health, social welfare etc.
• Accompany survivors to court and meetings with relevant agencies.
• Provide advocacy with Gardai, Tusla Child and Family Agency, domestic abuse refuges and other relevant agencies.
• Link survivors with local support services and networks.
• Adhere to procedures outlined in Children First legislation and guidance.

Service Development

• Provide support and guidance to colleagues working domestic abuse cases.
• Supervise and support students and newly qualified social workers, if appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of models of evidence-informed practice in the area of domestic abuse in line with national policies and strategies and international best practice.
• Review and contribute to the organisations' policies, procedures, guidelines to reflect best practice in the area of domestic abuse.
• Participate in the delivery of domestic abuse initiatives including outreach and preventative interventions.
• Participate in the development and delivery of support groups and workshops to engage the community around the issue of domestic abuse.
• Contribute to the development of strategies for raising awareness around domestic abuse within the community.

Inter-Departmental and Inter-Agency Work

• Liaise with the Designated Liaison Person in Exchange House Ireland in all matters related to child protection and safeguarding.
• Work closely and holistically with other Exchange House Ireland departments.
• Contribute to Exchange House Ireland organisational development as required.
• Develop positive working relationship with all relevant agencies, statutory and voluntary, to promote needs of the Traveller community.
• Contribute and participate in Exchange House Ireland EU projects.
• Attend Conferences and seminars as approved by line manager and CEO.
• Represent the organisation at relevant committees and inter-agency forums.
• Improve the capacity of outside agencies to provide equitable access to their service for the Traveller community.

Record Keeping

• Adhere to service's system of record keeping in relation to clients, work records, statistics etc.
• Furnish line manager and CEO with records, statistics as required.
• Provide written reports to line manager or CEO when required.

Other Duties

• Uphold the ethos of Exchange House Ireland, which operates accordingly to the principles of community development.
• Attend relevant internal and external training.
• Participate in documented support and supervision sessions with the Line Manager in accordance with Exchange House Ireland's policy and guidelines of staff supervision.
• Provide cover for other members of staff when required.
• Take on other tasks and duties that will further develop the aims and objectives of Exchange House Ireland as requested by the CEO and Board of Management Directors.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Social Work Qualification.
• Must hold current membership of CORU.

Experience in the following is essential:

• Experience of report writing and completing assessments.
• Experience in working with survivors experiencing domestic abuse.
• Experience of working within a medical/social work/community/statutory work setting.

Experience in the following is desirable:

• Previous experience of working with the Traveller Community.
• Experience of delivering mental health interventions.

Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of social work principles and practice (theories and values) particularly around domestic abuse, trauma and relevant policy and practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of community development approach.
• Ability to communicate effectively particularly with vulnerable survivors.
• Ability to partner with survivors to develop and implement support plans.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Ability to supervise and support staff as appropriate.
• Ability to work in crisis situations.
• Ability to motivate individuals to participate.
• Ability to work with individuals at various levels and in various positions.
• Ability to develop and deliver group work with survivors around domestic abuse.
• Ability to keep accurate records of Social Work intervention.

Attributes and Attitude:

• Commitment to Traveller work and Travellers.
• Have good interpersonal skills.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Have good time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful environments.
• Have an ability to work flexibly and with others.

Terms and Conditions

Based in

• Exchange House Ireland's offices on Great Strand Street, Dublin 1, D01 WC97.
• Outreach and site work will be a part of this work and as such, access to a car is desirable with a full clean license, current NCT, tax and insurance which covers the vehicle for work purposes.

Hours of work

• 35 hours net per week
• Some flexibility may be required on occasion in relation to working hours and travelling.
• Opportunity for hybrid working at manager's discretion.
• 12 Month contract.
• The salary will be as per the HSE's Social Worker scale 2025 €50,120 - €72,356 commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Applications from members of the Traveller community, with relevant qualifications, are especially welcome.
• All positions in Exchange House Ireland are subject to Garda Vetting and full reference checks.
• All positions in Exchange House Ireland are subject to ongoing funding.
• All applicants must have the eligibility to work in Ireland.
• This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position. It may be subject to change based on the organisation's needs and the evolving nature of the role.
• Exchange House Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.