Traveller Accommodation Officer

The Position

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Traveller Accommodation Officer (analogous to the Administrative Officer grade for pay purposes).

Donegal County Council has a requirement for a Traveller Accommodation Officer to drive and manage the planning and implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme, and is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position.

The Traveller Accommodation Officer will be expected to work closely with colleagues and other stakeholders / agencies to drive and coordinate the planning and delivery of accommodation options for, and housing needs of members of the Travelling Community.

It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel. The Traveller Accommodation Officer will report directly to the Senior Executive Officer, Housing & Municipal District Services, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Donegal County Council. The Traveller Accommodation Officer will work as part of a team.

The role and responsibilities of the Traveller Accommodation office would include the following non exhaustive list of duties.

• Consultation with stakeholders in the preparation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme.

• Coordinate the work of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, and participate in meetings of the committee including the preparation of reports, updates and discussion documents.

• Work closely with all the statutory service providers and key stakeholders such as HSE, An Garda Siochana, Tusla, Department of Education etc.

• Participate in and represent the Council on many, varied Working Groups, Multi-Disciplinary Groups, Interagency Forums, Tenant Participation and the Regional Traveller Accommodation Officers Group.

• Participate in, and present reports to elected members for consideration at Council / Strategic Policy Committee meetings.

• Facilitate and manage communications with members of the Traveller Community via regular call clinics, face to face meetings and site visits e.g. assisting with housing needs / applications for services etc.

• Offer support and advice to Traveller Tenants, responding to referrals in relation to members of the Travelling community experiencing difficulties etc., and referring to other agencies as appropriate.

• Chair Daily & Weekly meetings with members of the Traveller Community.

Traveller Accommodation Officer Information for Candidates

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Traveller Accommodation Officer (analogous to the Administrative Officer grade for pay purposes).

Donegal County Council has a requirement for a Traveller Accommodation Officer to drive and manage the planning and implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme, and is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position.

The Traveller Accommodation Officer will be expected to work closely with colleagues and other stakeholders / agencies to drive and coordinate the planning and delivery of accommodation options for, and housing needs of members of the Travelling Community.

It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel. The Traveller Accommodation Officer will report directly to the Senior Executive Officer, Housing & Municipal District Services, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Donegal County Council. The Traveller Accommodation Officer will work as part of a team.

The role and responsibilities of the Traveller Accommodation office would include the following non exhaustive list of duties.

• Consultation with stakeholders in the preparation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme.

• Coordinate the work of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, and participate in meetings of the committee including the preparation of reports, updates and discussion documents.

• Work closely with all the statutory service providers and key stakeholders such as HSE, An Garda Siochana, Tusla, Department of Education etc.

• Participate in and represent the Council on many, varied Working Groups, Multi-Disciplinary Groups, Interagency Forums, Tenant Participation and the Regional Traveller Accommodation Officers Group.

• Participate in, and present reports to elected members for consideration at Council / Strategic Policy Committee meetings.

• Facilitate and manage communications with members of the Traveller Community via regular call clinics, face to face meetings and site visits e.g. assisting with housing needs / applications for services etc.

• Offer support and advice to Traveller Tenants, responding to referrals in relation to members of the Travelling community experiencing difficulties etc., and referring to other agencies as appropriate.

• Chair Daily & Weekly meetings with members of the Traveller Community.

Traveller Accommodation Officer Information for Candidates

• Work directly with all Donegal Travellers Project staff on accommodation related matters (accommodation, primary healthcare, community development etc.)

• Manage all administrative duties required for the delivery of traveller Accommodation including the duties associated with the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.

• Manage staff as necessary.

• Build effective housing support structures within the Council in all the Municipal Districts through the Area Management Structure, and Housing Capital.

• Participate in project meetings with Architects and Engineers in relation to new and existing Traveller Accommodation Projects.

• Agree management and maintenance programmes on Traveller-specific sites in consultation with varying service contractors.

• Apply for and obtain funding for projects and programmes via internal and external funding sources.

• Manage procurement, finance and budgets for individual sites, mobile home procurement, etc., and ensure for value for money.

• Identify and agree work programmes, targets, deadlines and ensure their subsequent implementation.

• Implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme in collaboration with various stakeholders.

• Implementation of Fire Safety Guidance and Recommendations in Traveller-specific accommodation.

• Process, manage and implement the Illegal Encampment Strategy.

• Implementation of Caravan Loan scheme and Emergency Replacement of caravans / mobile homes in consultation with the Traveller Accommodation Unit in the Department.

• Complete Annual Count (Census).

• Prepare all recoupment, returns and applications to the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• Assist in the preparation of material for various Council reporting requirements including the annual report, annual budget etc.

Official Languages (Amendment) Acts, 2021

So that the Local Authority may meet its statutory obligations, a satisfactory competence in the Irish Language is deemed essential for appointment/assignment/re-assignment to Gaeltacht-based offices and offices serving Gaeltacht areas. Competence to be of a level where one can operate through the medium of Irish and provide services to the public in Irish, as per the provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Acts, 2021. An assessment of this competence may form an integral part of the recruitment and selection process.

(a) Character:

Candidates shall be of good character.

(b) Health

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

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Medical advisor prior to appointment.

(c) Education, Training, Experience etc.

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

(a) Have a good standard of education.

(b) Have at least 5 years satisfactory relevant experience working with vulnerable and/or marginalised persons, families and communities.

(c) Have experience of working in a Local Authority setting or other statutory agency for example but not limited to the Health Service Executive, Education and Training Board, TUSLA (Child and Family Agency).

(d) Have knowledge and understanding of issues affecting the Traveller community and of the role of the local authority in relation to housing and other supports for vulnerable and/or marginalized groups.

(e) Have awareness of key legislation and policy including but not limited to – housing, local government, Traveller accommodation.

(d) Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a good knowledge of Housing legislation and regulations;

• Have experience of dealing with complex matters and managing conflict resolution;

• Have experience of interagency working in the delivery of projects;

• Have managed budgets and have experience of public procurement;

• Have experience of working with the Traveller Community;

• Have an appreciation and understanding of the Traveller culture and issues facing the Traveller Community;

• Possess excellent IT skills;

(e) Core Competencies

Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the following skills, having regard to the duties and responsibilities as outlined:

Delivery of Results.

• Demonstrates experience of delivering on key targets.

• Demonstrates ability in problem solving, and addressing challenges with a view to ensuring positive outcomes.

• Demonstrates experience of delivering housing solutions.

• Demonstrates an ability to work under pressure in a cross functional / agency environment.

Building and Maintaining Relationships.

• Demonstrates a strong focus on Customer/Client Service.

• Demonstrates an ability to manages the expectations of others and is skilled in negotiation and gaining agreement. Is credible and confident when communicating with others.

• Demonstrates ability to maintain effective working relationships with customers, other stakeholders and colleagues, and an ability to collaborate effectively.

• Demonstrates experience of presenting information in a professional, confident, logical and convincing manner, both verbally and in writing to a variety of stakeholders and proactively identifies and develops strategically important relationships.

Operational planning and decision making.

• Demonstrates ability to analyse and identify key issues/demands.

• Demonstrates ability to pinpoint critical information, to address issues logically, and to understand the context and impact of decisions made.

• Demonstrates strong judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrates Organisational and planning skills, and ability to manage resources, and deliver upon demands.

• Demonstrates ability of putting in place efficient and effective working structures in order to meet objectives.

Personal Effectiveness

• Demonstrates enthusiasm about their role, with a positive and helpful attitude, while remaining motivated in the face of difficulties.

• Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence and remains calm and composed when providing leadership under pressure.

• Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace and demonstrates initiative and capacity to work autonomously.

(a) General

Donegal County Council proposes to create a panel of qualified candidates for the position of Traveller Accommodation Officer from which it will fill any vacancy that may arise.

(b) Probation

The successful candidate shall be required to be on probation for an initial period, as determined by the Council. This period may be extended at the discretion of the Council.

(c) Remuneration

The current annual pay-scale is €61,217 minimum to max LSI2 €79,583 (as per Circular EL 04/2026).

Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.

New entrants will commence on the minimum point of the scale.

(d) Base

The base for the post of Traveller Accommodation Officer shall be Milford Public Services Centre, or as determined by the Council.

The role of Traveller Accommodation Officer will involve some travel, with some trips involving overnight stays and associated costs covered by the appropriate allowances.

(e) Residence

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

(f) Working Hours / Annual Leave

The normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

Annual leave allowance will be a maximum 30 days for all applicants.

(g) Requirement to Drive

Candidates may be required:

(a) to possess a full current category B Driving Licence.

(b) to have their own vehicle available for use while performing their duties and the associated costs will be covered by the appropriate allowances.

(h) Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms;

(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.

(i) Conflicts of Interest

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his duties as a local authority employee.

(j) Garda Vetting

Candidates for the post of Traveller Accommodation Officer may be subject to Garda Vetting. Please note all candidates must attain a satisfactory Garda Vetting Disclosure prior to appointment, otherwise the offer of employment will be withdrawn.

In the event where a Garda Vetting Disclosure indicates that there is a case pending, then the appointment cannot proceed at that time and the offer of employment will be withdrawn. The candidate will however retain their position on the panel and will be considered for the next vacancy should same arise within the lifetime of the panel.

A. Application Form

• Applications must be made on the official online application form and all sections of the form must be fully completed.

• Please do not submit a CV with your application. Only information contained in the online application form will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for the post.

• Applications must be received by the deadline specified on the system.