Homeless Accommodation Placement Services

Reporting to the Administrative Officer, Homeless Section, Housing Directorate, the Office Manager in the Homeless Accommodation Placement Service will be responsible for the effective organisation, coordination, and management of the Homeless Accommodation Placement Office, including the supervision and management of staff.

The role supports the delivery of homelessness services by ensuring the efficient operation of accommodation placement processes, administrative systems, and office procedures. The Office Manager will provide leadership in managing operational activities, maintaining service standards, overseeing financial and administrative processes, and ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals and families by ensuring a responsive, customer-focused, and efficient service. The role also involves stakeholder engagement, performance monitoring, reporting, and contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of the service in line with the objectives of Cork City Council.

DUTIES

Service Management and Operations

• Manage and administer the day-to-day operations of the Homeless Accommodation Placement Office.

• Supervise, support and manage staff, including work allocation, performance management and staff development.

• Develop, implement and review office procedures and operational processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

• Ensure the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused service to service users and stakeholders.

• Act as the primary point of contact and liaison on operational matters relating to the service.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Oversee financial administration within the section, including monitoring expenditure and ensuring invoices are processed and paid in a timely manner.

• Support budget monitoring and reporting in line with the Council’s financial management procedures.

• Maintain accurate administrative and financial records in accordance with organisational requirements.

Governance, Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and Council policies, including Safety, Health and Welfare at Work requirements.

• Ensure appropriate security procedures are implemented and maintained, including CCTV systems, alarms, and access controls.

• Manage and respond to Freedom of Information requests, data protection requirements and press queries as appropriate.

• Support risk management processes and ensure adherence to internal controls and governance standards.

Information Management and Reporting

• Ensure accurate data management, reporting and record-keeping systems are maintained.

• Prepare reports and provide operational data as required by the Council and relevant Government Departments.

• Co-ordinate with the IT Department regarding the provision, maintenance and effective use of IT systems and equipment.

Facilities and Office Management

• Ensure the office environment is maintained to a high standard, including facilities management and office supply co-ordination.

• Support the maintenance of safe and appropriate working conditions for staff and service users.

Stakeholder Engagement and Service Development

• Liaise with internal departments, external agencies and service providers to support service delivery.

• Contribute to service planning, development and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Promote effective communication and collaborative working relationships across the organisation.

General Duties

• Deputise for more senior staff when required.

• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, consistent with the requirements of the post.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the role and the service.

The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder may be required to perform additional duties appropriate to the post as assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

a) Hold a minimum of a Leaving Certificate or have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard.

b) Have at least 3 years satisfactory relevant experience in office management and administration.

Driving License

The holder of the office may be required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of their duties. Accordingly, candidates should hold a current full driving licence for Class B vehicles, free from endorsement or disqualification.

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to the effective delivery of homelessness services within Cork City Council:

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse complex situations, identify solutions, and implement effective outcomes.

• A proven ability to deliver high-quality services and manage performance effectively in a busy operational environment.

• Good knowledge and understanding of housing legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks.

• Relevant experience in office management, administrative management, or a similar operational role.

• Excellent information technology skills, including experience working with administrative systems and data management.

• Experience working with or supporting vulnerable individuals or groups.

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and the challenges faced by individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

• Knowledge of housing provision structures and housing markets in the Cork area, including the private rental sector.

• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate competence in the following areas relevant to the role:

• Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Managing Performance

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€57,895 €59,276 €60,960 €64,126 €66,017 €68,367 (LSI 1) €70,730 (LSI 2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

• The standard working week is 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, require evening or weekend work.

• Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

• All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.

Garda Vetting

This post may come within the scope of the Local Authorities Garda Vetting Scheme. Further information is available in our Candidate Information Booklet, which provides details on vetting requirements, the format of the competition, the principal conditions of service, and data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Cork City Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, civil or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion, or belief.