Domestic Violence Services - Refuge Keyworker

Sdvs; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension 7%

25 days annual leave

Wedding leave

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Paid sick leave

Maternity top-up of salary

Job summary

Saoirse Domestic Violence Service is seeking a Refuge Keyworker to support women and children fleeing domestic abuse. You will develop structured care plans, engage clients with empathy, and collaborate with external agencies to ensure coordinated, confidential care.

The role emphasizes empowerment, self-help and mutual aid within the Refuge Team, with a 37.5-hour week and a comprehensive benefits package. Dublin-based position with probation and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• NFQ Level 7 in social care or a related field with at least 2 years' experience in social care.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in client databases (Salesforce preferred) and strong IT skills.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to engage with clients and colleagues effectively.
• Knowledge of Domestic Abuse: Understanding of its impact on women and children, including physical, emotional, and psychological effects.
• Risk & Safeguarding Expertise: Strong grasp of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding procedures for children and young people.
• Relevant Experience: Experience in supported residential services and working with individuals with complex needs is desirable.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Emergency Accommodation & Support: Provide immediate support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse, including emotional and practical assistance.
• Care Planning & Client Engagement: Develop and implement structured care plans, empowering clients to lead their own recovery.
• Team Collaboration & Holistic Support: Work closely with colleagues and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to client care.
• Helpline & Confidentiality: Operate the 24-hour Refuge Helpline and maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery.
• Safety, Hygiene & Maintenance: Ensure a secure, clean, and welcoming environment by enforcing safety protocols, reporting maintenance issues, and assisting with cleaning duties.
• Record-Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate documentation, adhere to company policies, and health and safety regulations.
• Training, Meetings & Advocacy: Participate in team meetings, training, court hearings, and advocacy efforts while upholding the ethos of Saoirse Domestic Violence Services.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Education

NFQ Level 7 in social care

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

At Saoirse Domestic Violence Service, we're looking for a Refuge Keyworker to join our team.

Role Overview

The Keyworker is a key member of the Refuge Team reporting directly to the Refuge Coordinator, or the Manager. The KeyWorker will participate as part of the Refuge team offering support through structured care planning to clients of Saoirse in a non-judgmental, compassionate way and promoting empowerment and confidence building, through a philosophy of "self-help and mutual aid". The KeyWorker is expected to work in accordance with Saoirse Domestic Violence Services ethos and values in all aspects of the work.

What we offer you

• Salary: €42,524 per annum.

• Probation: 6 months

• Location: Dublin

• This role is part of the Refuge Team.

• Benefits: All employee benefits outlined on page 4.

• Commitment to work-life balance and staff wellbeing.

• Hours of work: 37.5h per week, on 12.5h per shift.

Employee Benefits

• Pension: The company contributes 7% of an employee’s annual salary into the employee’s Pension following completion of the probation period.

• Annual leave: As an employee of SDVS, you will receive 25 days annual leave per annum.

• Company Day: At SDVS, Good Friday is offered as an additional day off.

• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: SDVS have an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme in place where employees can apply to purchase an additional week’s annual leave each year.

• Wedding Leave: We offer employees with 1 year’s service who are getting married, an additional 1 day paid leave for their wedding.

• Paid Sick leave: We operate a paid scheme leave scheme upon successful completion of probation period.

• Paid Maternity leave: SDVS top up an employee’s salary to 100% for the period of Statutory Maternity Leave. Employees are eligible after completion of 1 year of service, on the date they go on maternity leave.

• Doctor visits: Employee well-being is important to us at SDVS. We offer employees €35 contribution towards 2 GP visits per year.

• Digital Doctor: Free access to a digital doctor for employees and their families.

• Education Support: At SVDS we offer an Education Assistance policy for employees to apply for funding towards further education.

• Training & Development: Access to excellent training opportunities and continuous professional development.

• Well-being App: All employees have access to the Wisdom app to support employees in all 4 pillars of their well-being.

• EAP: We offer a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for employees and their families to avail of counselling support confidentially.

• Wellbeing Days: We host several employee wellbeing activities across the year for employees to take time out to focus on team building and their own wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Emergency Accommodation & Support: Provide immediate support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse, including emotional and practical assistance.

• Care Planning & Client Engagement: Develop and implement structured care plans, empowering clients to lead their own recovery.

• Team Collaboration & Holistic Support: Work closely with colleagues and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to client care.

• Helpline & Confidentiality: Operate the 24-hour Refuge Helpline and maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery.

• Safety, Hygiene & Maintenance: Ensure a secure, clean, and welcoming environment by enforcing safety protocols, reporting maintenance issues, and assisting with cleaning duties.

• Record-Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate documentation, adhere to company policies, and health and safety regulations.

• Training, Meetings & Advocacy: Participate in team meetings, training, court hearings, and advocacy efforts while upholding the ethos of Saoirse Domestic Violence Services.

Additional tasks are performed as needed to support the organization’s goals. Please see full job description on our recruitment pack here.

About you

• Qualifications & Experience: NFQ Level 7 in social care or a related field with at least 2 years' experience in social care.

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in client databases (Salesforce preferred) and strong IT skills.

    • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to engage with clients and colleagues effectively.

      • Knowledge of Domestic Abuse: Understanding of its impact on women and children, including physical, emotional, and psychological effects.

        • Risk & Safeguarding Expertise: Strong grasp of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding procedures for children and young people.

          • Relevant Experience: Experience in supported residential services and working with individuals with complex needs is desirable.

            • Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.