HAP Placefinder (Grade V)

CLOSING DATE: 12 noon on Friday, 27th March 2026.

The Role: The role of the HAP Placefinder is to identify and source private rented accommodation with a view to transitioning individuals and families directly from homeless services into the private rented sector under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP). The role of the HAP Placefinder will be to engage directly with letting agencies, private landlords, service providers, An Garda Síochána, support agencies and individuals and families in homeless services. The Placefinder will also be responsible for producing statistical analysis and reports to meet the requirements of the Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

The duties of the post of HAP Placefinder include, but are not limited to: ➢ Supporting and preventing homelessness ➢ Assisting with transition from homeless services ➢ Sourcing private rented accommodation ➢ Engaging and negotiating with landlords/letting agents/service providers ➢ Administration of Homeless HAP payments ➢ Case management and reporting ➢ Statistical returns and reporting ➢ Contributing to the local authority’s statutory housing obligations ➢ Supporting tenancy sustainment ➢ Mediating with tenants/landlords ➢ Attend court where necessary ➢ Keeping up to date with trends in local housing markets ➢ Co-ordinating with interagency teams ➢ Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time including any future requirements for reallocation of work and/or redeployment

Character: Each candidate must 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.

Citizenship: Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: (a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or (b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or (c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or (d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or (e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or (f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

Education/Experience, etc.: Each candidate must, on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms - (a) be well educated and (b) possess a level of administrative experience including office administration and control of staff to enable the candidate to successfully perform the duties of the post (c) Hold a full clean driving licence.

It is desirable that each candidate shall: i. Possess a recognised 3rd Level QQI Qualification in Social Care, or equivalent Community Development qualification ii. A minimum of one year’s experience of working with landlords and / or letting agents to securing private rental accommodation for social housing in Carlow County iii. An understanding of social housing supports with a particular emphasis on the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme, HAP iv. An appreciation and understanding of the causes of homelessness and the issues and challenges encountered by people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness v. Knowledge of legislation governing the private rented sector vi. Experience of statistical analysis and reporting vii. A proven ability in the areas of Delivering Quality Work and Services, Communicating Effectively and Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions