Fire Warden

Job Purpose

The Fire Warden is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe environment for all residents, staff, contractors, and visitors within the Emergency Accommodation Centre. The role focuses on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, evacuation management, and ensuring compliance with Irish fire safety legislation and organisational policies.

Working within an accommodation service supporting people displaced by the war in Ukraine, the Fire Warden plays an important role in protecting vulnerable residents through proactive safety measures, regular inspections, effective communication, and calm leadership during emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

Fire Safety

• Conduct regular fire safety inspections throughout the accommodation facility.
• Ensure all fire exits, escape routes, stairwells, and assembly points remain unobstructed and clearly marked.
• Carry out routine checks of fire doors, extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other fire safety equipment.
• Report any fire hazards, defects, or maintenance issues immediately.
• Maintain accurate fire safety inspection records and documentation.

Emergency Response

• Respond promptly and effectively to all fire alarms and emergency incidents.
• Lead and coordinate safe evacuations of residents, staff, and visitors.
• Assist emergency services by providing information on building occupancy, fire locations, and any vulnerable persons requiring assistance.
• Ensure assembly points are managed safely and conduct headcounts where required.
• Remain calm and provide reassurance to residents during emergencies.

Resident Safety

• Promote fire safety awareness among residents.
• Explain emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements to new residents.
• Encourage safe behaviours regarding cooking, smoking, electrical appliances, and personal heaters.
• Recognise that many residents may have experienced trauma and communicate clearly, respectfully, and sensitively during emergency situations.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Local Authority Fire Safety requirements
• Organisational Fire Safety Policies
• Participate in fire drills and emergency planning exercises.
• Support fire risk assessments and implement recommended control measures.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Centre Management, Security Personnel, Maintenance Staff, and external contractors.
• Liaise with Dublin Fire Brigade and other emergency services when required.
• Assist in investigating fire alarm activations and identifying preventative measures.

Record Keeping

Maintain accurate records of:

• Fire safety inspections
• Fire alarm activations
• Fire drills
• Equipment checks
• Incident reports
• Corrective actions taken

General Duties

• Promote a culture of health, safety, and wellbeing throughout the centre.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Treat all residents with dignity, respect, fairness, and cultural sensitivity.
• Support safeguarding and welfare policies for vulnerable adults and children.
• Carry out other reasonable duties as assigned by management.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Fire Warden or Fire Marshal certification.
• Good understanding of fire safety procedures and emergency evacuation practices.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good observational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to complete reports and maintain accurate records.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Desirable

• Three years previous experience in emergency accommodation, hospitality, healthcare, residential care, or social services.
• First Aid certification.
• Manual Handling training.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults or families.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

Key Competencies

• Vigilance and attention to detail
• Professionalism
• Calm decision-making
• Integrity
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Cultural awareness
• Empathy and respect
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution

Working Conditions

The role requires regular patrols throughout the accommodation facility, including internal and external areas, the ability to climb stairs, respond quickly to emergencies, and remain standing or walking for extended periods. Shift work is required to ensure continuous fire safety coverage (flexibility and availability to work whenever rostered, Monday to Sunday, rotating shifts - morning, afternoon or night sfifts).

Equal Opportunities

Deer Park Accommodation is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and creating an inclusive environment where all employees and residents are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

Health & Safety

All employees are required to comply with organisational Health & Safety policies and procedures, participate in mandatory training, and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of colleagues, residents, contractors, and visitors.