Resettlement Support Worker

The Resettlement Support Worker is the link between the refugee family and the community into which they are resettled. They will report to the Implementing partner and the Resettlement Inter-agency Working Group at a local level.

The role of the Resettlement Support Worker is :

·       to support refugees in the first weeks after they are resettled within the community,

·       to develop programmes and activities to promote participation and inclusion of the refugees in wider society

·       to develop mechanisms that promote self-sufficiency, and independent living.

 

The role of the Resettlement Support Worker during the initial months is to ensure that the resettled refugees can move seamlessly into their new homes, that they are linked with the local service providers, that they have a point of contact should issues arise and that they are in receipt of applicable benefits and entitlements. The RSW also ensures that programme refugees are linked to mainstream service providers in the immediate period after resettlement. Key services include childcare, dental and optical services, medical appointments as well as linkages to sporting and other local activities.

 

Other tasks undertaken by the RSW include:

·       monitoring and reporting incidents of racism and discrimination ;

·       making appropriate provision for persons with special needs, including working with mainstream service providers to access appropriate services outside of the area;

·       identification, in consultation with the programme refugees, of any training programmes needed to prepare for entry into the labour market as well as liaising with the mainstream service providers to encourage participation in such programmes; and

·       attending and reporting to the Inter-agency Resettlement Working Group meetings.

 

The Resettlement Support Worker is not intended to replace mainstream service provision but should identify where gaps arise and should guide the refugee in how to access mainstream services.

 

The Resettlement Support Worker links the refugee families to programmes and activities available in the community, such as after-schools programmes, women’s groups and sports clubs to promote participation by the refugees in the community.

The Resettlement Support Worker should identify resources that will promote the long-term integration of the families. He/she also organises drop-in clinics for families to discuss any issues arising with regard to service provision and should develop strategies for addressing such issues and report to the Inter-Agency Working Group.

Exit Strategy. At this point, refugee families should be in a position to manage their lives independently. The Resettlement Support Worker is required to submit interim and annual reports, including reports on budgets and expenditure to the Inter-Agency Working Group.

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:

a)    Hold a recognised qualification (at least level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant discipline such as community development, education or social science.

b)    Have at least 3 years’ experience working in a similar type role with diverse groups in a community development setting;

c)     Possess a good working knowledge of the mainstream model of integration and the policies which govern Ireland’s International Protection system, Irish Refugee Protection programme and Temporary Protection programme;

d)    Have experience of providing individual support and outreach;

e)    Have experience of working with other external agencies and organisations including both voluntary and public sector;

f)      Possess a good working knowledge of the youth sector and the ability to connect International Protection (IP) applicants, Programme Refugees and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) aged 15-24 years with the appropriate support services;

g)    Have a strong understanding of the concept of cultural diversity and the ability to adapt working approach to embrace many different nationalities and cultures;

h)    Have a thorough knowledge of the principles and processes of community development with expertise in a broad range of development models, particularly those appropriate to minority ethnic groups;

i)       Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

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 background or specific knowledge of international development.

·       Fluency in written and spoken English.

·       An understanding of the cross-cultural issues affecting families arriving from a war-torn state under traumatic circumstances, and an ability to deal with those families empathetically while maintaining an ethical and professional stance.

·       Knowledge of other languages especially those likely to be spoken or understood by Programme Refugees.

 

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.

Type of Post

Future relevant temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, 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 Senior Staff Officer)

Point

01/08/2025

1

€57,322

2

€58,689

3

€60,356

4

€63,491

5

€65,363

LSI 1

€67,690

LSI 2

€70,030

 

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.€57,322

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 role will involve flexible working hours and will include evening and weekend work for which overtime will not be paid but time-off-in-lieu will be available.

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.