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.
Further information can be found in the Candidate Booklet.
