Homeless Prevention Officer

The Position:

Waterford City and County Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Homeless Prevention Officer (Grade 5) (3 Year Fixed Term Temporary Contract). The role is based within the Housing Department of Waterford City & County Council, mainly within the Homeless Services Unit.

It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which the position of Homeless Prevention Officer (Grade 5) (3 Year Fixed Term Temporary Contract) will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful applicant will fulfill the following duties;

·       Carry out assessments of clients that present to the Council stating that they are homeless

·       Organise temporary emergency accommodation within the existing services available should it be required

·       Case manage families and individuals in emergency B&B/hotel accommodation, or those in certain other types of emergency accommodation that require support

·       As Case Manager be responsible for engaging the clients who are homeless to identify their individual support needs, help them engage with appropriate services and develop and implement an exit strategy from Homeless in each case

·       Work as part of the Homeless Action Team (HAT) to meet the needs of the homeless clients, or those at risk of Homeless

·       Work in consultation with other support services and specialists to meet the needs of the homeless clients

·       Maintain a caseload of clients and offer clients ongoing support

·       To be responsible for keeping up to date casework records and written assessments, and ensure all necessary information is recorded on the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS)

·       Provide progress reports as required in relation to their caseload

·       As part of the Homeless Action Team (HAT) attend weekly meetings and provide information as required

·       Attend inter-agency meetings and reviews of clients as and when required

·       Participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with your supervisor

·       Undertake other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with your supervisor

Qualifications for the Post

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

• Possess the National Diploma in Applied Social Care Studies awarded by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

OR

• Possess the Diploma in Social Care awarded by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

OR

• Possess the Diploma in Applied Social Studies/Social Care from DIT

OR

OR

·       Possess a full clean drivers licence

·       Excellent report writing and organizational skills

·       Demonstrate initiative, good interpersonal and teamwork skills

·       A good knowledge of services within the homeless sector

·       Proficient administration and computer skills

SALARY

Salary scale: €52,239 - €62,484 (LSI2) per annum (EL 02/26). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Remuneration is paid fortnightly directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

Hours of Work:

The normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Waterford City & County Council requires employees to record their hours using the CORE/TDS Clocking system.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement for the grade is 30 days per annum. The Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council retains autonomy with regard to office closures, (e.g. Christmas Office Closure); any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.

Location of assignment/appointment:

Waterford City & County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

Superannuation:

The relevant Superannuation Scheme will apply. The provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 may apply.

Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority, 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. The provisions of the Spouses and Children’s/Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply.

New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority.

Retirement Age

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act2004.

Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness to carry out the duties to which they have been assigned.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Residence:

The successful candidate shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Drivers Licence:

Homeless Prevention Officer - Grade 5s employed by Waterford City & County Council will be required to use their car on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport.

It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance for business use and to indemnify Waterford City & County Council with the indemnity specified on the insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis.

Code of Conduct/Organisational Policies:

Employees are to be required to adhere to all current and future Waterford City & County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment. A full list of relevant policies is contained on the council Intranet.

Training:

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Commencement:

Waterford City & County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month (subject to notice requirements) and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Waterford City & County Council shall not appoint them.

Reporting Arrangements:

Homeless Prevention Officer - Grade 5 report directly to the Administrative Officer in Homeless Services or to any other employee of Waterford City & County Council as the Chief Executive, Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose. A system of regular appraisal (PMDS) will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Health & Safety:

Waterford City & County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, in so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees. All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk.

Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.