Ava O'Dwyer

07/11/2024 to Present.

Full time, paid employment.

Providing client-centred services to persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including crisis intervention, assessment, prioritisation, assistance to secure crisis accommodation, assistance to secure or maintain long term accommodation, distribution of financial assistance and linkages to appropriate support services.

23/04/2024 - 22/06/2024

Casual, Paid employment.

Worked as a casual staff member in a social care agency covering shifts when organisations had staff shortages. I worked mainly in youth and homeless refuges.

Worked for eight weeks in Launch Housing Cheltenham as a locum IAP worker, completed assessments and discussing housing options with clients.

05/09/2021 - 14/06/2023.

Full time, Paid employment.

Advice and Information Case Manager in a homeless organisation providing support to all customers who accessed the service

I provided advice, information and advocacy on housing, legal rights and social welfare entitlements to persons who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness

I undertook assessments and would develop/implement support plans of peoples personal and accommodation needs

I liaised and advocated with relevant statutory and non-statutory authorities to support persons accessing the service

Managed a caseload and operated an open access drop in/phone/email serviceI established links as appropriate with local services and relevant community groups

I worked individually and as part of a team, and often liaised with other team members to support clients

I worked with a client-centred approach, encouraging autonomy and independence

I maintained accurate records and statistics in accordance with the organisations policy

I have participated in the evaluation and development of the service, including being part of the team when the housing First project was being rolled out in Ireland

I continually liaised with and worked co-operatively and effectively with the employees and management in Focus Ireland in relation to organisational procedures and policies in areas of personal, finance, administration, research, development, education, public awareness and services

Assisted children in completing their homework

Ensuring all children were kept safe and stimulated during play time

Provided support to children with special needs in completing their homework and assisted them in learning through play

Ensure the organisation was kept as a child-safe environment