Traveller Liaison Officer

THE ROLE Reporting to the Administrative Officer, Traveller Accommodation Unit, Housing Operations Directorate; the Traveller Liaison Officer will work closely with Traveller families, providing hands-on assistance in both formal halting sites and private residences, managing Traveller-specific accommodation and helping to resolve housing-related challenges. The Traveller Liaison Officer will also coordinate with other Council departments, external agencies, and social services to offer a holistic approach to improving the living conditions of Traveller families. Regular on-site visits, consultations, and maintaining up-to-date records are critical aspects of this role. You will also have a vital role in responding to and managing unauthorised Traveller encampments and will be a pivotal liaison in conflict resolution and compliance with local authority regulations. The role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by fostering positive relationships between the Council and the Traveller community, contributing to improved outcomes for this marginalised group. If you have experience working with vulnerable communities and are passionate about driving social change, this role provides a challenging yet rewarding opportunity.

The Traveller Liaison Officer (Grade VI) duties shall include but are not limited to the following; 1) Making regular visits to Traveller Specific Accommodation both official and unofficial sites as well as home visits to Members of the Traveller Community. The successful candidate will be required to drive a car for the role of Traveller Liaison Officer; 2) Offering advice and support to tenants from the Traveller community which will help sustain tenancies; 3) Responding to referrals in relation to housing department clients who are experiencing social difficulties (including tenants living in Traveller specific accommodation and private rented accommodation) and to offer clients advice and information in relation to social issues / support services; 4) Liaising, where appropriate, with other sections of the Housing Operations Directorate and/or other agencies on behalf of the client; 5) Advocating, where appropriate, on behalf of the client seeking to access resources from the Housing Operations Directorate and/or external agencies; 6) Referring clients to other agencies, where appropriate; 7) Providing other sections of the Housing Operations Directorate with reports outlining the social circumstances of specific housing department clients; 8) Ensuring accurate and live reporting on the service that may be required for the Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 9) Working in partnership with Travellers/other agencies in order to develop initiatives aimed at improving the overall social circumstances of people from the Traveller Community; 10) Maintaining records and documentation in accordance with City Council’s policies and procedures, using computerised systems, as appropriate; 11) Liaising with all of the Traveller Support Agencies as appropriate; 12) Ensuring, in relation to Traveller Families, that the following activities are attended to: • Visiting tenants in Social Housing and Traveller specific accommodation in the City as requested; • Advising tenants in relation to compliance with the Letting Agreement; • Referring tenants to other sections of local authority or Government Departments from which they may need assistance or advice; • Making recommendations for adjustments to tenancies in response to family needs; • Providing information and support as appropriate on family health and wellbeing; • Providing information and support on interpersonal matters as appropriate including relations between tenants; 13) When required, investigating and reporting on applicants for tenancies of houses provided by the local authority and report on the circumstances of persons living in houses affected by the housing activities of the local authority; 14) Presenting information to Court, if necessary; 15) Carrying out such general welfare activities not necessarily connected with housing as may be assigned to him/her by the local authority from time to time; 16) Ensuring the discharge of all professional and statutory responsibilities in the area of childcare, in collaboration with the Child & Family Agency; 17) Complying with all statutory, legal, and quasi statutory rules and regulations covering Safety, Health and Welfare at work issues and fully discharges the role responsibilities in this area and ensuring that all staff do likewise. 18) Carrying out duties as may be assigned from time to time. 19) Deputising for staff at a more senior level when required.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST 1. Character Each candidate must 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. Education, Training, Experience, etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: (a) Hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant discipline e.g. Human Rights/Equality, Social Work, Community Development, Social Policy, Sociology, Public Administration or equivalent. (b) Have at least 3 years satisfactory relevant experience working with vulnerable and/or marginalised families. (c) Have experience of working in a Local Authority setting or other statutory agency e.g. 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 including but not limited to – child protection, housing and local government. 4. Driving Licence Holders of the office may be required to drive a car in the course of their duties and therefore are required to hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles free from disqualifications.

Desirable Skills: The ideal candidate will: • Have a good knowledge of Housing legislation and regulations; • Possess excellent IT skills; • Have experience of working with the Traveller Community; • Have an appreciation and understanding of the Traveller Community; • Be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following competency areas: - Networking and Representing - Delivering Quality Outcomes - Problem Solving and Decision Making Salary The salary scale for the post is: €56,754 - €58,108 - €59,758 - €62,862 - €64,716 - €67,020 (LSI 1) - €69,337 (LSI 2) In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty The standard working week will be 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, include evening and weekend work. Holders of the post may be called for duty at any time in accordance with arrangements made by local authorities. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

Garda Vetting This post will come within the scope of the Local Authorities Garda Vetting Scheme. Please consult our Candidate Information Booklet where further information on Garda Vetting can be found.