Community Engagement Project Worker

Merchants Quay Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchants Quay Ireland is seeking a Community Engagement Project Worker to join the Riverbank Open Access Service in Dublin 8. You will engage with clients, local residents, and businesses to reduce anti-social behaviour and support harm-reduction goals.

You will patrol the surrounding area, provide information and referrals, manage difficult situations, and collaborate with MQI teams to maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in social work or equivalent.
• At least 1 year full-time or equivalent experience in low-threshold services.
• Experience in de-escalating challenging situations and working with vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular patrols of the Riverbank area to monitor activity and maintain safety.
• Engage directly with MQI clients, residents, and local businesses with respectful, non-judgmental support.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders including An Garda Síochána.
• Support harm-reduction goals and refer clients to appropriate MQI services.
• Record accurate data for reports and participate in supervision and team meetings.

Skills

De-escalation

Community engagement

Trauma-informed

Communication

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Job Title: Community Engagement Project Worker

Reports to: Service Coordinator

Responsible to: Service Manager

Responsible for: Engaging with the Community (clients, neighbours, and local businesses) in reducing anti-social behaviour and issues relating to substance misuse and homelessness associated with street activity.

Objective: To operate within the Merchants Quay mission by working as a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness, minimising the impact of Merchants Quay services on the local community, including anti-social behaviour and community engagement.

Contract type: Contract of Indefinite Duration

Location: Open Access Service, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Mon to Sun)

Salary: €36,372 - €38,586 per annum dependent on experience

Who We Are –

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national voluntary organisation who helps people who are Homeless and those caught in addiction. We provide frontline services , practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland.

Our Vision is one of an “inclusive society” where the integration and well-being of all is supported and everyone is treated with Dignity and Respect. Our Mission is to work as a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness. We provide accessible, high quality and effective services, which meet the complex needs in a non judgemental and compassionate way.

Community Engagement Team – What is it?

The Community Engagement Team supports local residents and businesses within the surrounding areas of the MQI Riverbank service offering advice whilst also removing drug paraphernalia and disposing of used needles. We also link with rough sleepers in the area regarding drug use, anti-social behaviour and drug overdoses.

The role is centred on maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in and around MQI’s Riverbank Open Access Day Centre. A key aspect of the position involves carrying out regular patrols (outreach) of the surrounding area to monitor activity, address community concerns, and ensure the space is clean and safe for clients, staff, and the public.

The post-holder will engage directly with clients accessing MQI services, offering respectful, non-judgmental support while safely managing challenging behaviour when required. In addition, the role involves positive engagement with members of the public, local residents, businesses, and community partners by fostering trust, addressing issues promptly, and promoting understanding of the services provided at Riverbank.

Overall, the role plays a vital part in strengthening community relations, supporting harm-reduction goals, and ensuring the Riverbank Centre operates smoothly and safely for all.

Service Delivery Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders while rotating across all service areas (advice and information, drop-in floor and reception, door duties).
• Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with An Garda Síochána.
• Build strong relationships with local residents and businesses through regular meetings and check-ins, addressing concerns related to Merchants Quay clients (e.g., trespassing, public injecting, loitering).
• Engage respectfully and effectively with the MQI client group, ensuring communication is sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma informed.
• Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours presented by clients.
• Maintain a visible presence on the street during service operating hours to support public safety and community engagement.
• Support the provision of safe, high-quality and holistic services to clients accessing Open Access Services- the one-stop service located at Riverbank.
• Monitor and manage the Open Access Service client queuing area as required.

Environment Community Safety

• Maintain cleanliness and safety around the building, including litter and drug-paraphernalia pick-up.
• Conduct routine drug paraphernalia/syringe collection in surrounding areas and respond to community calls to remove drug-related litter.
• Provide information and referrals to harm-reduction supports and other appropriate services.

Compliance Quality Standards

Ensure adherence to MQI organisational policies and relevant national standards, including:

• Fire safety
• Health Safety
• Confidentiality
• Needs assessment, key working, and care planning
• Professional boundaries
• National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare

Administration

• Record accurate data for use in reports, statistics, and other documentation required by the Service Coordinator, Service Manager or Deputy Head of Dublin Services
• Participate in regular supervision.
• Complete administrative tasks in accordance with organisational procedures.

Collaboration Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with Merchants Quay Open Access Services and other internal teams.
• Support colleagues and participate in team meetings, maintaining open and consistent communication.
• Respond to reasonable tasks or directions from the Service Coordinator or Lead Worker to ensure the effective operation of services.
• Report to the MQI Community Engagement Coordinator for supervision, support, and performance appraisal, operating within the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare as well as MQI People and Culture (HR) and Health Safety policies.

Person Specification

• Relevant third-level qualification in social work and at least one-year full time or equivalent experience of working within low-threshold services.
• Understand issues relating to National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare- an understanding of issues relating to MQI client group (e.g. homelessness, mental health, trauma and substance misuse), their circumstances and vulnerability.
• Experience in dealing with de-escalating difficult situations, including but not limited to managing challenging behaviour.

If you are interested in applying, please do so by 29th September 2026.

This position is subject to Garda Vetting Clearance.