Expand+This course is unique for the following reasons:
• The first and only course in Ireland specifically related to the contexts, needs and holistic assessment and support of people who experience homelessness.
• Partnership approach with major stake...

Hide-This course is unique for the following reasons:
• The first and only course in Ireland specifically related to the contexts, needs and holistic assessment and support of people who experience homelessness.
• Partnership approach with major stakeholders in the Homeless sector (The Homeless Executive) in the design and delivery of the course and in supporting students in practice.
• Innovative teaching methodologies that place the student’s learning style, needs and preferences at the core of teaching and learning activity.
• Course material is informed by contemporary, evidence based research, practice and policy.
• Course assessments involve critical thinking and engagement with the challenges of practice.

About You
This course may suit you if your current role involves working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and if you wish to develop your skills in assessment and support interventions in this area. You should have educational attainment at Leaving Cert level or equivalent and be in a position to engage in online learning (i.e. have access to and ability to use basic computer programmes).

Understanding: Homeless Prevention and Intervention
This course involves the study of homelessness in society and the personal contexts and complex needs of people and families experiencing homelessness. The course aims to help practitioners in homeless related services to develop knowledge and skills in the prevention of homelessness and in the use of effective, supportive interventions with people encountering homelessness.

Course Structure
The Certificate consists of three modules delivered on a part-time basis over 18 months.
The course involves attendance in two day blocks every four to five weeks during semester. Students study the following topics:
• Concepts, definitions and classifications of homelessness; socioeconomic and personal factors that influence pathways to homelessness; Homeless prevention strategies.
• The experience of homelessness and its effects on a person’s/family’s health and social functioning.
• The process and practice of effective assessment, support planning and case management in relation to socioeconomic needs (finance, housing, education, employment).
• Physical health, mental health and substance use problems.
• Methods and processes of working collaboratively with service users and health /social care agencies.