Homeless Services Leadership Executive

Job Overview

Cope Galway is seeking a dedicated Homeless Services Manager to lead our Fairgreen Hostel team.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years' experience in management roles within comparable areas, such as homeless services or community services. They should also possess a recognised third-level qualification in Social Care or a related field and at least two years' specific experience working with people experiencing homelessness or those who are socially disadvantaged.

A commitment to Cope Galway's vision, mission, and values is essential, along with a thorough understanding of the nature of homelessness and its complex needs.

• Lead the Fairgreen Hostel team and build capacity within the team
• Participate in staff recruitment and induction processes
• Line manage and provide support and supervision to staff, including the Team Leader
• Support the rollout of Trauma Informed Practice in the service
• Model leadership behaviours and embed a positive values-led culture
• Contribute to reflective practice development in the service
• Develop and imbed proactive approaches for working with people at risk of homelessness or already experiencing it
• Identify service gaps and work towards reducing them through service development

• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations in line with COPE Galway policies and procedures
• Carry out administrative and financial tasks according to organisation policies
• Establish and maintain administration and recording systems
• Oversee database use, including PASS (Pathway Accommodation & Support System)
• Record incidents, emergencies, events, and handovers using existing systems
• Maintain facility upkeep and resolve maintenance issues
• Consult and involve clients in project operations to the greatest practical extent
• Work in line with NQSF (National Quality Standards Framework for Homeless Services)
• Process complaints in accordance with policy and procedure
• Provide regular performance reports as required

• Create a safe, welcoming environment in the operation of the service
• Develop and implement a proactive, flexible approach to client engagement
• Perform assessments professionally, sensitively, and appropriately
• Oversee referral processes to the service
• Ensure care and case management focuses on assisting and supporting clients to exit emergency accommodation and homelessness into long-term housing and accommodation
• Support the team in addressing challenging client behaviors according to Trauma Informed Practice principles
• Support key working processes that facilitate clients accessing local services like housing, welfare, medical, education, training, employment services
• Proactively address difficult situations while maintaining sensitivity and directness within organisational policies and procedures
• Establish effective communication and consultation procedures with clients
• Support future service development

• Collaborate effectively with Galway City and County Councils and other necessary bodies
• Communicate respectfully with colleagues and clients
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with external agencies
• Contribute to fostering positive relations with the local community and immediate neighborhood by responding to inquiries
• Report on work and activities to funders as appropriate

• Maintain adherence to health and safety standards, including COPE Galway's Safety Statement and related policies
• Ensure domestic, health, and hygiene standards in the building are maintained at the highest levels
• Foster a Health and Safety culture in the service

• Work positively and effectively as a member of a team and wider organisation
• Attend and contribute to Homeless Services Leads team meetings and other required meetings
• Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and assist with job-related training needs
• Continuously learn and develop professionally through participating in training and workshops
• Ensure adherence to the COPE Galway Child Protection and Welfare Policy & Procedure and Children First Guidelines
• Maintain confidentiality according to COPE Galway Data Protection Policies and Procedures and agreed information sharing protocols
• Adhere to all COPE Galway policies and procedures
• Participate in on-call management duties
• Perform any other reasonable duties requested