Domestic Abuse - Refuge Support Worker

Vision and Mission of COPE Galway Our vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life. COPE Galway has been improving lives and strengthening communities for 60 years. Deeply embedded in the Galway Community, we are founded on the belief that together, we can make a positive difference for people during challenging times in their lives. Overall Objectives of the Post Modh Eile House offers short-term, trauma-sensitive accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. This role is part of a team that provides holistic, empowerment-based care, with a focus on collaborative goal-setting and survivor-defined outcomes. The overall aim of Modh Eile House is to prioritise the safety and welfare of the client group. The aims of the Service are: Safety: Create physical and emotional safety for all clients. Trustworthiness: Maintain clear, consistent boundaries and transparency. Choice: Honor each woman’s autonomy in decision-making. Collaboration: Work with women and their children Cultural Humility: Recognise and respect diverse backgrounds and experiences. Duties and responsibilities: Support Work Planning and Implementation Provide warm, non-judgmental initial support to new clients, prioritising emotional safety and informed consent during needs/risk assessments. Co-create individualised care plans with women, centering their priorities and using a strengths-based, survivor-led approach. Respond to 24/7 helpline calls with a calm, non-judgmental presence, prioritising the caller’s immediate emotional and physical safety. Maintain confidential, trauma-sensitive records, ensuring women have access to their own information. Provide a comprehensive service to each client of the Service, in accordance with her needs, which may include support in budgeting, seeking accommodation, engaging with other services / agencies Accompany women to court/agencies only with explicit consent and after safety planning. Adapt communication and interventions to avoid triggering trauma responses (e.g., offer choices, explain processes clearly). Devise an after-care plan for women moving on from refuge General Participate in the operation of the Service Work a variety of rostered shifts which include late evenings and weekend work, and is subject to change periodically Record and maintain records of any incidents and other day to day issues in the appropriate systems of record Remain familiar with safety features of the Service including the fire alarm system and other fire safety equipment Comply with Staff Code of Conduct Comply with all health and safety checks as required, including fire drills when scheduled Be pro-active with regard to keeping updated about changes in all areas relating to work such as social welfare, housing, legal, immigration, legislation etc Undertake any other duties as assigned by management  Welfare of Women and Children Foster a calm, predictable environment in the refuge (e.g., minimise loud noises, provide clear routines). Normalise reactions to trauma: Validate emotions and avoid pathologising behaviours. Collaborate with Solas Óg team to ensure child-centered, trauma-aware support for children. Ensure that any discussions and information pertaining to women and children is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the COPE Galway Code of Practice Work in accordance with the Safeguarding and related policies You and your team Participate in trauma-informed supervision and reflective practice sessions. Model self-care and boundaries to promote sustainable practices for staff and clients. Engage in community education that challenges victim-blaming, and centers survivor voices. Participate in regular trauma-informed supervision that prioritises emotional processing, not just case management. Engage in reflective practice sessions to examine power dynamics, implicit biases, and systemic barriers in service delivery. Normalise vulnerability: Model sustainable self-care practices (e.g., boundary-setting, breaks) to reduce burnout culture. Proactively identify trauma-specific training needs (e.g., neurobiology of trauma, cultural safety). Participate in debriefing sessions after critical incidents, led by a facilitator trained in vicarious trauma. Confidentiality with care: Balance privacy with ethical transparency (e.g., "What’s shared here stays here, unless safety is at risk"). Emotional regulation: Use team agreements Boundary accountability: Flag boundary crossings promptly in supervision (e.g., over-identification with clients). Clarify roles with explicit attention to power differentials (e.g., how decision-making is shared across positions). Distribute leadership: Rotate facilitation of meetings to empower all staff voices. Health and Safety Take reasonable care for personal safety, health and welfare, and that of others who may be affected by actions or omissions Co-operate with the employer in relation to compliance with statutory requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 & 2005 Use protective equipment, clothing or other means for securing the safety, health and welfare of employees Report to management, without delay, any defects in the workplace, equipment or systems of work, which may lead to danger Ensure that Health and Safety policy and procedures as per the COPE Galway Health and Safety Ensure that you are familiar with the fire safety procedures in place at Modh Eile House including the fire warden duties and responsibilities in the event of a fire occurring and evacuation of the premises in such an event and when fire drills are being conducted   The duties outlined in this job description may be subject to review in the future. Person Specification The ideal candidate will have a proven interest and experience in the area of Domestic Violence and will have worked in a similar type Service. Essential Requirements: A relevant third level qualification in social care or similar  Knowledge of Domestic Violence and its impact on women and children   Desirable Requirements: Lived experience of marginalisation or allyship with marginalised communities. Previous experience of working in a domestic violence service An interest in the area of violence against women and related gender equality issues and a commitment to its eradication Demonstrated understanding of trauma’s impacts on the brain, body, and behaviour.  Skills and Abilities: A demonstrable attitude of warmth, patience and acceptance for every woman and child who reaches out to this Service  Being kind Active listening without judgment; ability to sit with discomfort and avoid "fixing." Advocacy rooted in intersectionality (awareness of racism, disability, issues, etc.). Flexibility: Adapt support to each woman’s cultural, linguistic, and emotional needs. Self-awareness: Recognise personal triggers and biases; commit to ongoing learning. An ability to work pro-actively and reflectively to ensure best practice in all areas of service delivery Strong ICT skills A commitment to providing the highest level of quality service A high-level of initiative and openness to challenges A high level of integrity, trust and respect The duties outlined in this job description may be subject to review in the future  Key Terms and conditions: Hours: 24 hours per week Contract: Permanent  Pay Scale: Social Care Scale