PURPOSE OF ROLE: 1. To provide care and support for the young people resident in the project as they prepare for independent living. 2. To work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland. 3. To work with and under the supervision of the Management Team. 4. To provide keywork to a number of assigned young people. 5. To undertake an assessment of the young people's personal, family, social, accommodation situation and support needs. 6. To contribute to the development of the young person's aftercare plan, in conjunction with their Aftercare Worker, which will inform the young person's support plan. 7. To advocate on behalf of residents for housing, social work, social welfare / financial, education, training and legal rights. 8. To liaise with and make referrals to relevant outside agencies. 9. To provide individual support and key working to residents of the Project. 10. To assist young people in finding suitable move-on accommodation. 11. To facilitate group work sessions for residents of the Project from time to time, when necessary. 12. To assist in maintaining a good standard of hygiene in the general upkeep of the Project (Including resident accommodation). 13. To attend Project, Team, Divisional and Agency meetings as required. 14. To maintain accurate and up to date case records, client files, statistics, support plans and individual crisis management plans in line with local policy and procedure. 15. To assist in the evaluation of the Aftercare Residential Project. 16. To implement the policies, procedures and standards of the Aftercare Residential Project and of Focus Ireland, as well as the Tusla National Aftercare Policy. 17. To assist in the implementation of the settlement policies and strategies of Focus Ireland. 18. To work in close liaison with and co-operate with other Focus Ireland projects, and other appropriate services which the young person may be engaging with. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: Relevant work experience working with young people in care or marginalised young people. Degree in social care or related field. Experience of key working clients or individual case work. Experience of managing challenging behaviour desirable. Good understanding of the issues affecting young people leaving care and in aftercare. Flexibility. Understanding of Child Protection / drugs and alcohol policy and Health and Safety policy. Report writing skills A working knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic crisis intervention model.
