Housing Estate Liaison Officer

Galway City Council has an exciting opportunity for the role of Housing Estate Liaison Officer and is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition.

The successful candidate will form part of the Housing Services team in the Social Development Directorate and will report to the Director of Service or such officer or offices of Galway City Council that the Chief Executive or Director of Service may designate for this purpose.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The holder of the post will perform duties, as may be assigned from time to time, involving the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of Galway City Council’s Housing Department, with a focus on tenant support and engagement, estate management and anti-social behaviour.

The role will involve direct liaison with tenants, social housing applicants, residents’ associations and community groups. The post holder will be expected to have a close working relationship with council staff across all sections and have the ability and experience to liaise and work effectively with other statutory and voluntary agencies.

Duties shall include but are not limited to:-

• The development and delivery of tenancy training for new tenancies, to include advice on tenancy agreement obligations;

·       To promote tenant engagement and facilitate the establishment of residents’ associations, where required, or support the activities of existing residents’ groups in the estate;

·       To make the necessary arrangements to have Tenancy Agreements signed and keys handed out to new tenants;

·       To mediate and liaise, where possible, on tenant and resident conflicts and seek to resolve disputes;

·       Investigate reports of anti-social behaviour and other breaches of tenancy in accordance with the Council’s Estate Management and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategies. This includes conducting interviews with tenants, complainants, and witnesses and preparing appropriate follow-up actions;

·       Record, monitor and track complaints on a CRM system (or similar):

·       Liaise effectively with statutory and voluntary agencies to address specific tenant circumstances or support individual needs, including include An Garda Síochána, the HSE, education authorities, Probation and Welfare Services, MABS, Approved Housing Bodies, and other relevant organisations;

·       Prepare and serve warning letters/notices and attend in court to give evidence, as required;

·       Inspect council houses, as required, to ensure that tenants are compliant with the terms of their Tenancy Agreement and play a role in housing stock management, including the investigation of illegal occupancy of Council houses, unauthorised works and abandonment;

• Advise and report in relation to transfer of tenants, permission to reside applications, differential rent review and other post-tenancy work;
• Assist in the development and implementation of policy in relation to Traveller issues, where appropriate, including the Council’s Traveller Accommodation Programme;

·       Liaise with the housing maintenance staff in relation to maintenance and repairs and assist other sections of the Council with issues pertaining to tenants, for example, social inclusion, community development, control of horses, control of dogs, illegally parked caravans, waste and litter management;

• Liaise with the Homeless section of Galway City Council, where appropriate;

·       Keep necessary records, in accordance with the requirements of GDPR, and compile relevant statistics and reports for reporting to management, elected members and government departments;

• Identify and initiate pilot projects relating to tenancy engagement and community activities in social housing;
• Undergoing training as and when required.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     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.

3.     Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          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

               v.          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

             vi.          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

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(1)      (a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a pass), in Higher or Ordinary level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics,

AND

(b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics), or,

(2) Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, or,

(3) Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

Driving Licence Requirement Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below).

https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licences

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·       A qualification in community development, social housing, estate management or other relevant discipline (not essential).

·       A good knowledge of relevant legislation, particularly that relating to the management of antisocial behaviour.

·       Be highly motivated.

·       Strong interpersonal, communication, organisational and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop effective working relationships with staff and local communities.

·       Ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team, as required.

·       A satisfactory knowledge of the background to, and policies governing, the provision of social housing.

·       An awareness and understanding of issues relating to estate management.

·       Ability to work directly with a diverse range of agencies and bodies.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Management & Change

·       Effectively and efficiently manages resources in compliance with all governance protocols.

·       Demonstrates creativity and innovation to secure successful outcomes

·       Effectively manages the introduction of change;

·       Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change.

·       Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.

Performance Through People

·       Leads and motivates staff and provides clear direction to others inspiring high standards of performance.

·       Identifies, manages and deals with escalated issues of unacceptable or poor performance and conflict to reach beneficial solutions and positive outcomes in

line with HR and procedure policies.

·       Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibilityand a strong customer service ethos.

Delivering Results

·       Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change.

·       Challenges the status quo to see how systems, processes and practices may be improved.

·       Can work with multiple stakeholders to implement change

·       Implement change in an orderly and determined manner.

·       Recognises that people react differently to change and manages this accordingly

·       Understand the need for change and get this across persuasively to others.

·       Make a positive case for change and elicit commitment from others.

Personal Effectiveness

·       Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility.

·       Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role.

·       Demonstrates appropriate and positive self confidence.

·       Remains calm under pressure and values the wellbeing of self and others by managing stress levels and work-life balance.

·       Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes.

·       Manages time and workload effectively and can operate in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

·       Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role.

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

·       Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government including service requirements.

·       Knowledge of current local government issues.

·       Understanding of the role of a Housing Estate Liaison Officer.

·       Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Galway City Council.

·       Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The annual salary (Circular EL 07-2025, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1st August 2025) is as follows:

(Analogous to pay scale of Staff Officer)

Point

01/08/2025

1

€51,722

2

€53,266

3

€54,844

4

€56,454

5

€58,076

LSI 1

€59,967

LSI 2

€61,865

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €51,722

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

(c)       such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 35 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport. Expenses incurred in work related travel will be recompensed in line with departmental circulars.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of the State Pension Contributory).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

New Entrants From 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

FOR NEW ENTRANTS recruited on or after 1st January, 2013 as well as former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution.

Retirement Age:

Retirement age will be determined on previous Public Sector Service (if any) and will be advised on appointment.

Former Public Service Employees

Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including:

·       Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

·       Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

·       Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes.  This is a non-exhaustive list and any queries should be directed to the applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. 

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or the collective agreement outlined above. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Offer of Appointment

Galway City Council shall require persons to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint them.

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence of qualifications or experience claimed in their applications

Applications must be made on the official application forms and all sections must be completed in full. When completing the application form accuracy is essential as it will be used as a computer input document. The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the short listing process. Galway City Council’s decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going forward to stage two of the process may be determined based on this information.

Where, by reason of the number of persons seeking admission to the competition and the standard of knowledge, training or experience in general of such persons, Galway City Council consider that it would be reasonable not to admit all the persons to the competition, Galway City Council may admit to the competition only persons who appear likely to them to attain in the competition a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Galway City Council are satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the Regulations or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important therefore, for you to note the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense, as Galway City Council will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred.