HSE Funded Role - Social Inclusion Liaison Worker

About COPE Galway

COPE Galway has been providing essential social services in Galway for 60 yearsWe respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, women and children subjected to domestic abuse, and we support older people towards healthy, independent ageing. Our vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for, and supported at every stage of life.

COPE Galway is deeply embedded in the Galway community. We are founded on the belief that together we can make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve and our community.

Our People

Our People, COPE Galway staff and volunteers, are the driving force behind everything we do. Their passion, commitment, and professionalism enable us to deliver a wide range of services, support more people, and make a real impact in the community.

We have a diverse range of roles, from frontline support workers and social care professionals to catering, community engagement and other professional roles. Each role is crucial in ensuring we deliver our services effectively and make a positive impact in the community.

Our Culture

We foster an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace, where diversity is valued. Our team is united by a shared mission and a genuine passion for empowering people and creating meaningful change. We take a trauma-informed approach to the way we work and foster this culture in every aspect of the organisation, including a focus on the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Homeless Services

COPE Galway Homeless Service supports families and individuals in Galway who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We provide residential and non-residential services, including a day centre, street outreach, supported temporary accommodation and seasonal cold weather responses. Our family services offer family-focused support, emergency accommodation, and specific developmental support for children. Our resettlement service and Housing First programme teams work with individuals moving on from homelessness to secure long-term housing.

Reporting Relationships:

This post is funded by the HSE and your work will be directed by the HSE Homeless Health Lead - Galway/Mayo/Roscommon. The HSE Homeless Health Lead will be your primary reporting relationship for allocation of duties and responsibilities, and assessment of work performance.

As a COPE Galway employee, you will report to the Head of Homeless Services for employer/employee- related matters (e.g. timesheets, leave requests, mandatory training, contract queries etc.).

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Engagement and Assessment

• Proactively identify and engage with service users experiencing homelessness
• Complete comprehensive assessments and identify health and social care needs.
• Assess how the Service can assist them and prioritise their support needs.
• Complete screening/ initial assessment, develop and implement care/support plans, and conduct regular meetings as appropriate to the service user's needs.
• Undertake risk assessments and develop appropriate risk management and safeguarding plans where required.
• Respond appropriately to individuals presenting in crisis and implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies.

Health and Care Coordination

• Assess physical health, mental health, addiction and social care needs and facilitate timely access to appropriate services.
• Act as a liaison between residents and HSE Primary Care, Mental Health Services, Addiction Services, General Practitioners, hospitals and other specialist services.
• Support individuals to attend health appointments and advocate on their behalf where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and improve continuity across services.
• Promote preventative healthcare, health screening, immunisation programmes and access to community health supports and support the facilitation of health initiatives as required

Housing and Social Inclusion

• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, housing providers and homelessness services to support pathways out of homelessness.
• Facilitate successful integration into accommodation and support services.

Partnership and Interagency Working

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with COPE Galway staff, HSE teams, Local Authorities and voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and interagency meetings.
• Promote effective communication between agencies to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Build strong community links to improve access to wrap-around supports and long-term positive outcomes.

Case Management and Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records in accordance with HSE, COPE Galway and GDPR requirements.
• Monitor client progress and evaluate outcomes
• Prepare reports and maintain appropriate documentation as required.
• Collect data and contribute to service evaluation, quality improvement and reporting requirements.

Professional Practice

• Deliver services in accordance with HSE policies, COPE Galway procedures and professional standards.
• Work within a trauma-informed, culturally competent and rights-based framework.
• Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate excellent ethical practice.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute positively to service development and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

This job description will be subject to review to take account of any changes necessary in response to changing needs and development of the services over time.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A recognised third-level qualification (Level 8 or higher) in Social Care, community development or another relevant health or social care discipline.
• A minimum of three years' relevant experience working with vulnerable adults, people experiencing homelessness or individuals with complex health and social care needs.
• Demonstrated experience of coordinating health services to meet the needs of socially excluded groups.
• Knowledge of homelessness, health inequalities, trauma-informed practice and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational, administrative and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Teams, SharePoint and electronic case management systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Full, clean Category B driving licence and access to a vehicle for business travel.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within integrated care or community healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of HSE structures and community health services.
• Experience in service development, quality improvement or project implementation.
• Training in motivational interviewing, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice or related approaches.

Key Competencies

• Person-centred and values-driven practice.
• Partnership and collaborative working.
• Clinical and professional judgement.
• Planning and organisational ability.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Accountability and professionalism.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and quality service delivery.

Key Terms and Conditions

• Location: With responsibility for service delivery across Mayo and Galway/Roscommon Integrated Health Areas, there is openness to engagement in respect of flexibility around location.
• Frequency of Work: 37 hours per week average
• Contract Period: Specified Purpose Contract - date of termination linked to availability of HSE Funding
• Salary/Pay-scale: Equivalent to HSE GRADE VI salary scale - Point 1 €58,477
• Method of Pay: Monthly by credit transfer
• Annual Leave: 24 days per annum pro rata

Equal Opportunity Employer

COPE Galway is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environments for all our employees.