Housing Welfare Officer

Offaly County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and temporary vacancies for a Housing Welfare Officer may be filled throughout the lifetime of the panel.

Duties

The duties of the post will include but will not be limited to the following:

·       The provision of Social Work and welfare services to housing applicants and housing tenants with particular emphasis on key target groups including but not limited to Homelessness & HAP claimants, Older persons, Travellers, Disability cases (Intellectual, Physical, Sensory & Autism) including Children’s Disability cases, Mental Health etc…The role is to support clients of Social Housing Supports in attaining and sustaining tenancies with strong emphasis on inter- agency working to support the Housing client.

·       Visits as required and as necessary to housing applicants and tenants residing in local authority accommodation, and to other housing applicants as assigned by the line manager.

·       Undertake needs assessments for housing applicants and housing tenants, including the key target groups, seeking accommodation supports.

·       Make recommendations on allocations of social housing (include AHB nominations) with particular emphasis on the key target groups, as outlined above.

·       Support the Homeless Team in managing social housing and homelessness services, working directly with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

·       Ensure that tenancy agreements are being observed and report issues arising, to relevant personnel or appropriate agencies.

·       Ensure other support needs are referred to the relevant provider/service if identified.

·       Liaise with other agencies, both state and NGOs and attend inter agency meetings and case conferences as required.

·       Refer child protection concerns to the appropriate agency in accordance with the Children First Guidelines and Council policy.

·       Attend and present at meetings of the Housing Strategic Policy Committees and any other meetings, as requested by the line manager.

·       Assist tenants to engage with other sections of the local authority or government departments from which they may need assistance or advice.

·       Participate in the review of policies and assist in implementation.

·       Assist in the implementation of new and existing initiatives on all housing related matters.

·       Participate in the review of the statutory Traveller Accommodation Plan and all other Plans and Strategies relevant to Offaly County Council’s Housing Services.

·       Keep clear and concise reports of referrals and supported tenancies.

·       Have excellent knowledge of Excel, Microsoft and PowerPoint.

·       Undertake additional training and continued professional development as required.

·       Ensure the maintenance of service user and data confidentiality.

·       The post holder may be designated as a Nominated Contact Person under the Children First Act 2015 and may be required to fulfil related statutory responsibilities in accordance with Children First guidance.

·       Deputise for other employees of the Council when required.

·       To undertake any other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

The ideal candidate for the post will have an ability to work effectively within a team to achieve a common goal, ensuring standards are adhered to and maintained whilst also being capable of working on their own initiative.

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview the following:

•        Possess excellent professional experience, knowledge and skills

•        Experience of social work within a housing context

•        Knowledge and experience of crisis intervention

•        Knowledge and experience of a range of social work models/interventions

•        Experience of working with vulnerable adults

•        Experience in relation to child protection

•        Experience in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and maintaining good working relationships

•        Experience in project management

•        Experience in dealing effectively with conflicting demands

•        Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines

•        Experience in liaising with (external) agencies

•        Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•        Demonstrate ability in leadership and decision-making skills

•        Demonstrate ability to work independently or within multi-disciplinary teams

•        Demonstrate problem solving skills

•        Demonstrate planning and organisational skills

•        Demonstrate proficiency in ICT and presentation skills

•        Demonstrate a good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health & Safety legislation and regulations.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post of Housing Welfare Officer (Professionally Qualified Social Worker) include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Understanding Purpose & Change

Political Awareness

·       Has knowledge and understanding of local authority functions and structures.

Knowledge of Local Government

·       Understands key challenges facing the local authority sector and Offaly County Council.

Networking and Representing

·       Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders. Builds networks of technical and professional contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the organisation they represent.

Bringing about Change

·       Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change.

Role of Housing Welfare Officer (Professionally Qualified Social Worker)

·       Understands the role of Housing Welfare Officer (Professionally Qualified Social Worker) within a Housing context.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

• Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operations. Delegates, tracks and monitors activity. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used effectively to deliver on operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services. Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard. Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Performance through People - Communicating Effectively

Leading and Motivating

·       Motivate others individually and in teams to deliver high quality work and customer focused outcomes. Develops the competence of team members and helps them meet their full potential. Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility and a strong customer service ethos.

Managing Performance

·       Effectively manages performance including underperformance or conflict. Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

·       Recognises the value of communicating effectively with all employees. Actively listens to others. Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Presents ideas effectively to individuals and groups.

Personal Effectiveness – Personal Motivation and Initiative

Relevant Knowledge

·       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. Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

·       Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence. Remains calm under pressure and operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

Integrity

·       Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others.

Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

·       Be enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates shall:

(a) Hold a professional qualification in Social Work prescribed under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended);

(b) Have a Letter of Validation issued by CORU/National Social Work Qualifications Board;

(c) Be eligible for registration with CORU*

(d) Possess a high standard of administrative and management experience; and

(e) Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisations.

*Successful candidates will be required to satisfy the Local Authority that they are registered with CORU before a formal offer of employment will be made.

Desirable (but not essential):

(a)   Possess satisfactory knowledge and experience of social housing policy and legislation.

(b)  Previous experience in client management in a housing context

*Copies of qualifications must be attached to support this application. Failure to provide qualifications will deem this application invalid.

2.     Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels 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.

3.     Driving Licence

The Holder of the Post of shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

4.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

5.     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.

* 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.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1.     The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a period of time at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2.     Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.  Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.   Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.  Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale.  The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €55,761 - €73,081 (LSI 1)

3.     Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

4.     Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

5.     Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

6.     Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

7.     Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.

8.     Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. 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 dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees 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 local authority at 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 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 employees 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.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

9.     Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

10.  Travel:

Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Travel expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.

Offaly County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

11.  Recruitment & Selection Processes:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position.  While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same.  In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short-listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description.  An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.  This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.  It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form.   On occasions a short-listing interview may take place.