Donor Care Volunteer

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national voluntary organisation that helps people who are homeless and those caught in addiction. We provide frontline services, practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland, working with a harm reduction ethos. a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness.

Our mission is to offer people dealing with homelessness and addiction in Ireland, accessible, high-quality quality and effective services, which meet their complex needs in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.

Our Vision - An inclusive society that supports the integration and well-being of all.

We believe in a just society where no one has to face homelessness or addiction alone, and where everyone has the support they need to reduce the harm caused by homelessness and addiction and to build a better life; an inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Our Values

Collaboration - We work together (Professionalism, Teamwork, Adaptability)

Compassion - We meet people where they are (Acceptance, Commitment, Support)

Courage - We speak up, challenge & advocate (Integrity, Respect, Diversity)

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH MQI?

• Volunteering with Merchants Quay Ireland offers an opportunity to support people affected by homelessness and addiction in a practical and meaningful way.

• Volunteers are a core part of MQI. The organisation was founded on volunteer support, and their contribution continues to be valued across all services.

• In this role, you will support the Donor Care team by helping to sort and manage clothing and other donations. Your work will directly contribute to the delivery of services for our clients.

• MQI provides clearly defined volunteer roles, along with induction, training, and ongoing support and supervision.

• Volunteers are part of a wider team and are invited to annual events to recognise their contribution.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As a first step, new volunteers will be asked to read and, if happy to proceed, sign the Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct. This role is based in the Donations Room, where volunteers will spend the majority of their shift supporting the organisation, sorting, and upkeep of donations.

You will be supported through induction and training to become familiar with the service, our clients, and the wider work of MQI. This role may involve occasional interaction with donors.

Key duties include:

• Maintain the Donations Room as a clean, organised, and safe space.

• Sort incoming donations and categorise items for use, onward donation, or recycling in line with agreed procedures.

• Follow Health and Safety guidelines and report any faults or concerns.

• Work as part of the team, attending training, meetings, and supervision as required.

• Carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.

• Adhere to all organisational policies, including confidentiality, boundaries, and the Code of Conduct, and support the aims of Merchants Quay Ireland.

General Volunteer Skills and Requirements

• Strong level of communication and ability to follow instructions.

• Ability to carry out light physical tasks, including lifting and moving donation bags.

• Open to learning and following agreed systems and procedures.

• Able to work independently while communicating with staff as needed.

• Respectful, non-judgemental, and mindful of the service environment.

• Availability to commit to a regular weekly shift (approx. 4 hours), ideally on Mondays.

• Garda vetting required through MQI.

• References required.

Location:

Merchants Court, 24 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.

We wholeheartedly thank you for your support in providing the best possible services to our clients. From everyone at MQI.