OVERALL
PURPOSE:
The
role of the refuge team is to provide 24-hour refuge and helpline support for
women survivors of domestic abuse and their children and to support women
survivors in their efforts to enhance the safety and quality of life for
themselves and their children. The relief refuge worker will, as part of a
panel, be available to provide cover to facilitate the ongoing provision of the
24-hour emergency refuge and helpline service.

CORE
RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        
Using
a trauma informed approach, provide practical and emotional support to women
survivors and support their efforts to enhance the safety and quality of life
for themselves and their children;

·        
Maintain
agreed health and safety standards and ensure the safety of residents and the
security of the refuge;

·        
Work
in partnership with other agencies to optimise services users’ access to
relevant services and supports;

·        
Work
as part of the staff team and contribute to the ongoing development of ADAPT
and its services;

·        
Input
all data related to caseload into e-Safe (Salesforce database) in an accurate
and timely manner.

·        
Maintain
appropriate administrative systems and carry out other responsibilities as
appropriate to the position.

Direct
work with women survivors:

·           
Respond
empathetically with help-line callers and provide appropriate information and
support.

·           
Respond
appropriately and empathetically to requests for admission in line with agreed
policy and procedures, paying particular attention to risk assessment.

·           
Make
new residents welcome, provide them with the practical supports they need (e.g.
food, clothes) and make sure they are familiar with the operation of the refuge
and relevant policies and procedures.

·           
Provide
practical and emotional support for women survivors and their children to
address their identified needs.

·           
Work
with other staff to organise activities which meet the social, recreational and
emotional needs of residents – women and children.

·           
Provide
information on aftercare support available to residents on leaving the refuge.

Maintain
Health and Safety Standards

·           
Work
with residents to maintain the daily routine of the refuge and ensure that a
high standard of health and safety is maintained at all times.

·           
Maintain
apartments in suitable condition for new residents – clean, welcoming and appropriately
equipped – and ensure that accommodation is left in good condition.

·           
Follow
procedures to ensure the security of the refuge and the safety of residents and
report health or safety hazards to management.

·           
Ensure
that agreed fire prevention practices are followed at all times and carry out
agreed fire evacuation drills.

·           
Implement
good health and safety practices and carry out basic first aid in accordance
with ADAPT policy.

Advocacy and
Interagency Work

·        
Keep
up to date on relevant services available from external agencies and the
procedures for accessing these.

·        
Advocate
on behalf of service users and facilitate them to access services from external
agencies.

·        
Work
with other agencies to access appropriate accommodation for homeless persons
who can not be accommodated in the refuge.

·        
When
working with external agencies, ensure that appropriate records are maintained.

·        
Adhere
to the Child Welfare and Protection policy of ADAPT and work with Tusla and
other bodies accordingly.

Development
of Staff Team and of ADAPT

·        
Work
with other staff to consistently optimise supports for service users and ensure
appropriate follow-up on queries arising while on duty.

·        
Participate
in supervision, staff meetings and other staff development activities in
accordance with ADAPT policy.

·        
Contribute
to the ongoing evaluation and development of ADAPT and its services, policies
and practices in accordance with ADAPT’s Strategic Plan.

Administrative
and Other Responsibilities:

·        
Maintain
appropriate records, while on duty and ensure that information in relation to
situations requiring follow on action is handed over before going off duty.

·        
Ensure
that the policy and procedures of the refuge are followed at all times and
report any concerns to the appropriate staff members.

·        
Carry
out other tasks as appropriate to the position. 
These may vary depending on the changing needs of the women and children
concerned.