Relief Van Driver

About SVP

SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of volunteers and employees, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society.

SVP is an equal opportunity employer committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. We are dedicated to protecting everyone we encounter from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation, in accordance with Irish equality legislation. All employees are expected to adhere to SVP's Dignity & Respect and Safeguarding policies, including those pertaining to children and vulnerable adults.

The founder of the Society, Blessed Frederick Ozanam, was a devout Christian and his legacy of spirituality remains a key element of the make-up of every Conference within the Society. It is normal practice within the Society that prayers are said at the beginning and end of Conference meetings or at other meetings where members are in attendance, as this underpins the ethos of the Society. You are not required to take part.

Purpose of the Role

The role places furniture handling at its core, with a strong focus on maximising sales, productivity, revenue opportunities and customer satisfaction. This is achieved by efficiently collecting and redistributing donated furniture, excess donated goods and stock items between donors' private homes and premises and Vincent's charity shops in the region, delivering goods to customers' private homes and premises, and managing other logistical needs as required.

Key responsibilities include the safe and efficient handling, lifting and movement of furniture, along with bric-a-brac, donation bags and similar items, ensuring that all goods are transported, loaded and unloaded with due care.

Additional duties support the wider logistical needs of the service as required. All duties must be carried out promptly and in full compliance with the Society's retail standards, relevant legislation and the SVP's policies and ethos.

Guidance and Authority

The post holder is expected to operate with considerable autonomy, referring matters to their line manager when:

• Significant resistance is encountered in implementing good practices or policies.
• Actions may place stakeholders such as children, vulnerable adults, scheme participants, volunteers or the Society's reputation at risk.
• Decisions could substantially impact the workload of others.

Principal Accountabilities

The role holder will be responsible for:

Safe Driving

• Follow all road rules and regulations in accordance with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) guidelines (December 2013 and subsequent updates).
• Report any accidents immediately.
• Keep the vehicle in a roadworthy condition through regular servicing.

Teamwork in Logistics and Warehouse

• Work closely with the Order Fulfilment Centre Manager and Shop Managers.
• Work closely with the Furniture Shop Manager and, when required, the Order Fulfilment Centre Manager and Shop Managers.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and initiatives.
• Assist in the furniture shop as required.

Health and Safety in Loading and Unloading

• Observe all health and safety guidelines during the lifting, loading, unloading and general handling of furniture and other donated goods to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Inform warehouse staff of any risks upon return to the warehouse.
• Inform furniture shop staff of any risks upon return to the furniture shop.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections of:
• Keep the vehicle clean and tidy.

Record Keeping

• Complete daily worksheets.
• Review and discuss records with your line manager when required.

Communication and Work Environment

• Keep your Line Manager informed of any workplace concerns.
• Participate in supervision meetings.
• Identify and communicate training needs with the Line Manager.

Risk Assessment and Adaptability

• Reassess operational risks in light of market, economic, legal or technological changes.
• Address concerns in collaboration with management or relevant departments.

Compliance with SVP Policies

• Adhere to SVP guidelines on financial and stock control, handling cash and staff purchases.
• Report compliance issues to the Line Manager.
• Ensure alignment with relevant legislation and best practices.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges in this role, largely determined by the scale, complexity, voluntary nature and high levels of local autonomy within the Society.

• Acceptance of the dynamics of a complex national membership organisation and an understanding of how this both contributes to and constrains the work.
• Influencing others who are not under direct authority.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer.

The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training or meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement or change.

Employees are responsible for notifying their manager in writing of any statutory rest period or break to which they were entitled but were unable to avail of on a particular occasion, together with the reason for not availing of such rest period or break within one week.

The Society is committed to the Right to Disconnect Code of Practice, which applies to all employees irrespective of where they work, whether in an office, service, home or other remote location, or their working pattern, including core hours, shift work or flexible hours.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills RequiredQualifications

• Full Clean Category B Driving Licence is required.

Experience

• At least one year's driving experience with a clean driving licence (Essential).
• Experience of lone working and the ability to use initiative.
• Experience in a similar role (Desirable).
• Multi-drop delivery experience (Advantage).

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the local roads of Navan and Dublin (Essential).
• Knowledge of the roads in Meath, Westmeath, Louth, Monaghan, Cavan and Longford (Desirable) for the Northeast and Midlands Region.
• Knowledge of Vincent's Shops (Desirable).
• Knowledge of the Society (Desirable).
• Complete familiarity with current Health and Safety procedures.
• Knowledge of best practice in manual handling.

Skills

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Customer-focused with strong interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships on an ongoing basis.

Salary

€16.66 per hour