Child and Youth Keyworker
At Saoirse Domestic Violence Service we're looking for a Child and Youth Keyworker to join our team.
Part-time · Refuge - South West Dublin
Child and Youth Keyworker
Saoirse Domestic Violence Services (SDVS) provides a range of life-saving and life-changing supports empowering women and children on their journey to safety and recovery. We do this by:
• Providing accommodation and specialist domestic violence support services to families.
•Working with communities to educate and challenge attitudes to domestic violence through prevention and awareness raising.
• Campaigning and advocating for social change, legislation and government policy.
Reports to the Child & Youth Services Manager.
Salary: starting point €36945 (pro rata), point will be commensurate with experience
Location: Southwest Dublin
Probation: 6 months
Hours of work: 25 hours spread over 2 x12.5 hour shifts.
Employee Benefits
25 Days Annual Leave (pro rata)
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
Paid Maternity Leave - after 1 year
7% Company Pension - after probation
Employee Wellbeing App, regular supervision, reflective practice, team wellness days and Employee Assistance Programme with 24-hour support and counselling for staff and their families.
Paid Sick Leave Scheme
Funding towards two Doctor Visits per year
Free Digital Doctor
Education Support
The primary purpose of the job is to provide refuge-based support to children, young people and mothers impacted by domestic violence.
To achieve this the Child & Youth Keyworker will work in collaboration with the mother to address each child’s holistic needs. They will support the family by engaging them in support to counteract the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) related to domestic violence and other complex issues by developing a child-centred care plan to support their holistic needs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Support children, young people, and mothers in refuge, ensuring they settle in and have access to services.
Develop and review care plans for each child, coordinating with professionals to meet physical, social, and educational needs.
Provide emotional and practical support, helping families navigate services and liaising with key professionals.
Deliver Healthy Relationships Talks and collaborate on group programs for children and parents with community agencies.
Support children’s participation in domestic violence projects like Barnardos' Empower Kidz and TLC Kidz.
Organize seasonal activities such as summer, Easter, and Christmas events for children.
Prioritize child safety, following child protection policies and carrying out mandated person duties.
Engage with child welfare services like Tusla, attending meetings and preparing reports for active cases.
Support families through the Child Protection Referral process while maintaining strong relationships with parents.
Build strong relationships with statutory, voluntary, and community services to create referral pathways for children.
Collaborate with agencies on groupwork programs to share resources and strengthen partnerships.
Attend community and statutory network meetings to stay informed and contribute to local services.
Collaborate with Child & Youth Services and other SDVS teams to ensure seamless support for families.
Actively participate in team meetings, offering input and support for service development.
Provide peer support, share ideas, and help maintain continuity of care across SDVS services.
Maintain accurate records of case files and report regularly to the Manager on arising issues.
Complete administrative tasks such as departmental statistics, travel reports, and other duties as assigned.
Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and legislation while upholding professional boundaries.
Attend court hearings, provide evidence when required, and assist with childcare during legal proceedings.
Engage in regular supervision, training, and professional development to enhance skills and support the SDVS mission.
Uphold the organization’s standards, values, and strategic goals throughout all work activities.
The above is a non-exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as assigned by the manager to meet the objectives of the organisation. Please, ask for full job description prior to interview.
Qualification & Work Experience:
Third level Qualification at degree level in Social Care, Early Childhood Studies or Community/Family Development.
Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge and insight into the issues affecting women and children of domestic violence and the impact on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
Knowledge of child development and the potential long-term impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Knowledge of procedures and practices relating to child protection and the safeguarding of children and young people.
Knowledge of national policies that influence our work with children, young people and families.
Strong independent risk management, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work with complex need client groups with creative ideas for successful engagement.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Must have experience of using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to record work and possess good IT and report writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, colleagues and external services.
If you are interested in this role, please apply here with your CV and Cover Letter
This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform that may be required either now or in the future.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not always possible to respond to all applications. Only shortlisted Candidates for interview will be contacted. A panel may be formed of unsuccessful candidates from the interview stage, for future roles. Thank you for your interest in our opportunities.
Saoirse Domestic Violence Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer