Traveller Housing Liaison Officer

Traveller Housing Liaison Officer Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference to your community and county, South Dublin County Council is a great place to work and for many people already provides an attractive career and working environment. Working for South Dublin County Council will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. We recognise the value of our employees, can offer a diverse range of job and career options, can provide plenty of scope for career progression and can provide structured training and personal development We also offer flexible working arrangements including blended working arrangements, a positive work environment, training and development opportunities, a defined career path and the opportunity to make a difference. Everything you need to know about South Dublin County Council The role The Traveller Housing Liaison Officer will work as part of a team within the Traveller Accommodation Unit of the Housing Department, Social and Community Development Department reporting directly to the Traveller Accommodation Unit Senior Staff Officer. The Traveller Housing Liaison Officer will involve assisting the Team in the provision of services, advice, and support to Travellers in all matters relating to Housing. The Traveller Housing Liaison Officer will liaise with Traveller organisations and NGOs and attend meetings as required. Some duties will be outside normal working hours. The Traveller Housing Liaison Officer will be responsible for Traveller accommodation needs, the management / control of halting sites and dealing with illegally parked Traveller caravans. This will include scheduling meetings/clinics and appointments and recording of such on-IT systems. This role requires a significant amount of time on site visiting halting sites, group housing schemes, and homes of Traveller families. It will also involve assisting the team in the provision of services, advice, and support to members of the Travelling Community in all matters relating to housing. Emphasis will be on developing and updating policies with specific consideration on human rights and equality. The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary €50,206 - €51,705 - €53,236 - €54,799 - €56,374 - €58,209 (1st LSI) - €60,051 (2nd LSI). Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days. Only applications received electronically through the Councils e-Recruitment system will be accepted and must be received no later thanmidnight on Thursday, 13th February 2025 Qualifications Character Candidates will be of good character. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Essential Education, training, experience Each candidate must, on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms must - 1. Have a third level qualification in Housing, Community Development, Social Science, or a related discipline. Or three years relevant experience working in the Housing / Community or similar sector. Demonstrate experience of working with community / residents groups, statutory bodies, and other agency groups. Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the principles of tenant sustainability, community development and social inclusion. There will be a requirement to travel to various locations within South Dublin County therefore a full, unendorsed Irish drivers licence is required. Holders of the office will drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain the car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Desirable Education, training, experience Be highly organised and able to manage a varied workload, able to prioritise effectively to produce high quality work within set deadlines. Have a knowledge of Housing legislation and best practice. Be experienced of service improvement delivery. Building effective partnerships with relevant agencies such as An Garda Sochna, TUSLA and Approved Housing Bodies. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and having a coordinated working approach. Work in residents first environment with increased resident engagement within area / neighbourhood-based teams. Have experience of budget management and accurate financial reporting. Have excellent working knowledge of IT. Key competencies / skills Delivering results Performance management Personal effectiveness Local government knowledge and understanding Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. Duties The duties include, but are not limited to the following: Reporting to the Councils Senior Staff Officer in the Traveller Accommodation Unit The provision of a community outreach / liaison service to the Traveller Community and their representative organisations within South Dublin County Council. To develop a strong working relationship with the members of the Travelling community on all halting sites and Traveller specific accommodation in South Dublin County Council. Support members of the Traveller Community with all aspects of the housing application process including CBL Process, assessment of housing need process and allocation process. Provide relevant pre-tenancy training to the Travelling Community in relation to residential halting site bays and group housing accommodation. Engage with residents of Traveller specific accommodation to develop and support resident participation and estate management in Traveller specific accommodation. To assist in the completion of the Annual Estimate of Accommodation of Traveller Families. To liaise and assist in the preparation, and implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme. Liaise with residents of Traveller Specific accommodation on topics such as Estate Management, Fire Safety awareness workshops and other relevant topics. Liaise with any statutory and voluntary organisations engaged in work on behalf of Travellers. Undertake administrative functions as required by the role. Work in compliance with all council policies and procedures. Performance of such other duties under the post as may be assigned from time to time. To facilitate meetings and consultations between the Traveller Accommodation Unit and families in progressing the Traveller Accommodation Programme. To proactively develop, review and update Traveller related policies and procedures with particular emphasis on human rights and equality. To introduce initiatives that raises cultural awareness of Travellers for staff within the Council and the wider community. To assist with and help resolve any estate management issues regarding Traveller accommodation. To investigate complaints of anti-social behaviour and estate management issues in Traveller accommodation. To issue warning letters, prepare legal files, and attend Court to give evidence where necessary. Performance of such other duties under the post as may be assigned by my manager from time to time. The duties of the office may involve activity outside normal working hours and additional remuneration will not be payable in respect of evening or weekend work (including bank and public holidays). Time off in lieu will be granted at the convenience of the Council in respect of extra hours worked. These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Why work in Local Government?