Project Worker

AProject Workerposition is now available in the Good Shepherd Centre, Kilkenny and the START/Homecare Project Kilkenny. Hours will be divided between GSCK Residential and the START Community mental health project. A job description for both is available on request. General details of same are outlined below. Job Description: START / Homecare Project Worker Venue: Tar Isteach Housing, Ormonde House, Barrack St, Kilkenny. Report: Team Leader START / Homecare Introduction to the Model Homecare has been initiated as a customised model of high-level support to promoteindependent living in the community for mental health service users whose tenancies or home occupation are at risk because of ongoing challenges in relation to self-neglect, hoarding and/or incapacity to maintain their home to an adequate standard. It is a collaboration with Carlow County Council, the Carlow/Kilkenny HSE Mental Health Services and the Good Shepherd Centre, Kilkenny. It is informed by the National and Local Housing Strategies for People with a Disability, Sharing the Vision (Dept of Health, 2020), Housing for All- A new housing plan for Ireland(Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 2021) and the HSEs National Recovery Framework (HSE, 2018). Funding has been sourced from the Kilkenny HSE Mental Health Services and the Good Shepherd Centre to employ a project worker through the Grant Aid process.Secure tenancies with support are recognized as the way forward for many of those with complex needs. The START Project requires a project worker to support tenants under the programme. The Good Shepherd Centre in conjunction with Mental Health Service Area 5 Kilkenny and in partnership with Kilkenny Local Authority will provide homecare support and a recovery orientated tenancy sustainment programme. Main Roles and Responsibilities: Work within the framework of the overall objectives and Policies of the Good Shepherd Centre. Ascertaining and supporting the service users preferences in relation to fuller participation in their local and wider communities This contract is a specified purpose contract. Subject to ongoing HSE Statutory Funding Support. To ensure to support tenants in accessing recovery focused training, education and employment opportunities. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and service. To maintain a caseload of clients and offer clients ongoing support until cases are handed over to the appropriate support services. To supervise in conjunction with the manager the health care workers role and duties. To accompany and provide support to clients with appointments to other services, where appropriate To be responsible for keeping up to date casework records, daily logs and written assessments. To work in close liaison and co-operation with other teams across mental health and community-based services, in particular other Statutory and Voluntary Agencies as deemed appropriate To work to the service model and standards of best practice To meet regularly for supervision of work with your assigned Supervisor To attend all nominated training by your line manager To supervise students or volunteers as requested by assigned supervisor or senior manager. To work closely with the homecare support worker in the co-ordination and implementation of the homecare support care plan. To work a flexible roster over 5 days and occasional evenings to meet the objective of the service To implement existing policies and procedures and to input into the development of new ones To provide an on-call role within the organisation on a rostered basis. To plan, implement and evaluate the daily activities. To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Team Leader. 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 engage with the identified service users with a view to facilitating them in defining and attaining their own housing and recovery goals, based on the recovery principles of hope, control and opportunity. The worker will use a strengths-based approach in: Conducting needs assessments, which will inform agreed care plans: This will involve identifying and agreeing how the service user would like to be supported by the worker and a discussion about the needs and actions written into the service users mental health care plan/clinical file. Assisting the service user to navigate processes required by the Local Authority Ascertaining and supporting the service users preferences in relation to fuller participation in their local and wider communities Supporting the service user in developing life skills which will foster independence and autonomy; this may involve assistance with practical tasks Communicating with the service users treating team to review their needs and/or care plan; this will involve direct contact with key MDT members who will have been named in the referral. Facilitating peer support of those with lived experience when appropriate Supporting the service user in sustaining his or her tenancy by addressing the key issues and planning for risk management when required. Supporting the service user to self-advocate when required or advocating on his or her behalf as agreed. S/he may be supporting the service user to engage with the approved advocacy organizations when appropriate. Case managing their referrals to optimize tenancy sustainment and independent living. Promoting the service users safety, health and wellbeing. The GSCK are an equal opportunities employer Essential Criteria 2-year post qualification experience in a related field Level 7 or above in social care Full clean driving license and access to a car Good verbal, Verbal and written skills Excellent problem-solving skills Skills: Excellent communication skills Excellent report writing skills Team working skills