Community Engagement Worker

Job Title:                                   Community Engagement Worker

Responsible to:                           Deputy Head of Day Services

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.

Reports to: Service Coordinator OAS

Objective:                                    To work 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:                                Permanent

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

Hours:                                            Full-time (37.5 hours per week) and Part-time

Salary:                                            Starting at €35,659

The role is centred on maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in and around MQI’s Riverbank Centre. A key aspect of the position involves carrying out regular patrols 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 managing challenging behaviour when required. In addition, the role involves positive engagement with members of the public, local residents, businesses, and community partners—building 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 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 safety and engagement.

• Monitor and manage the queuing area as required.

Environment & Community Safety

• Maintain cleanliness and safety around the building, including litter and drug-paraphernalia pick-up.

• Conduct routine drug/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 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 HR and Health & Safety policies.

If you are currently studying or working towards your Level 7 in Social Care or a relevant field, please click the link to apply as this role is open to all levels of experience.

Person Specification

• Attained or working towards a Level 7 Social Care or similar field qualification.

• 12 months experience or part-time equivalent working in a similar low-threshold environment.

• Understand issues relating to National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare- an understanding of issues relating to (homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse) MQI target group, their circumstances and vulnerability.

• Experience in dealing with de-escalating difficult situations, including but not limited to managing challenging behaviour.

• Experience working in a security role is desirable.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please click the link below to apply by the 23rd of December 2025 https://merchants-quay-ireland.hirehive.com/community-engagement-worker-dublin-v0G8tn