Team Leader
If you want to make a real impact on the lives of others join Galway Simon Community where we work towards eliminating homelessness through advocacy, education and campaigning in line with our values of compassion, community and collaboration.
Contract Details Specific Purpose Contract, Full-Time, 37-hour week on average
Location Galway
Salary HSE Social Care Leader salary scale 01/03/2025 €55,793-€65,155
Benefits
25 Days Annual Leave
Employee Pension Scheme
Employee Assistance Program
Education Assistance Scheme
Occupational Sick Leave Policy
Bike to Work Scheme
Death in Service (2x basic salary)
Mileage Covered
Job Summary
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and key working case management of the Homeless Services provided by Galway Simon Community throughout County Galway. They will take an active role in service development, lead and motivate a team of staff and volunteers to ensure that services are safe, align with best practice and are responsive to the needs of clients.
Key Responsibilities
The Team Leader will:
Have responsibility for the daily operational management, ensuring they operate in line with best practice & the National Quality Standards Framework for Homeless Services.
Contribute to the ongoing development of the Specialised Women’s Service development including a planned purpose-built service to replace the current High Support Service.
Provide leadership and motivation, promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability, and ongoing learning.
Ensure the service provides high quality, safe, flexible, effective supports for clients that supports them to achieve their goals.
Key Working Case Management
Conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop care plans and co-ordinate work with the clients, staff team and other agencies to facilitate the client achieving their goals.
Work with clients to resettle them into appropriate accommodation and provide and co-ordinate supports to ensure they can maintain housing in the long term.
To foster positive relationships with external agencies in order to maximise the supports and resources available to clients to help them address the issues which have brought them to homeless services.
To maintain client file compliance in line with best practice & the National Quality Standards Framework for Homeless Services.
Ensure the service referral process is transparent, client focused and efficient, and ensure clients are fully aware of their rights and their responsibilities.
Ensure the efficient collection and management of accommodation charges and arrears control; anticipate move-on, and ensure voids are kept to a minimum.
To analyse situations where clients may be at risk to themselves or others, record all plans and initiatives to manage and reduce identified risk.
Service Development
Contribute to the development of service systems and staffing to best meet the needs of those accessing our services.
Supervise staff in the actioning of support plans, supporting them to identify, and actively work to overcome any barriers to achieving client goals.
Ensure the service achieves the targets set out in relation to the performance indicators and standards for the Service.
Participate in the development and review of policies and procedures ensuring they are in line with best practice.
Administration
Exercise appropriate control over expenditure to ensure, budget adherence, providing and reviewing clear guidelines for staff.
To maintain all service administration requirements in in a timely and effective manner.
Set individual staff, clear objectives and performance targets and regularly monitor their performance against these targets, including regular supervision and appraisals of staff and volunteers.
Operate disciplinary and performance procedures when necessary.
To manage the effective and efficient operation of the service rosters, ensuring services are adequately staffed at all times, (understanding that Galway Simon services run on a 24-hour basis and the post holder may on occasion be required to work sleepover shifts to ensure adequate cover in the services).
Ensure effective communication through a range of means, with staff, clients, and other stakeholders.
Health and Safety
Ensure that fire procedures and health and safety requirements are understood by staff and volunteers and implemented in line with legislation.
Ensure that all organisational health & safety checks are carried out systematically in the services.
Act as Deputy Fire Warden and First Aid Responder as required.
Ensure a safe, healthy, and secure environment for all employees, residents, and visitors within the service.
To conduct all activities in a manner which is safe and work in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines.
Ensure that the property and gardens are properly maintained and in a good decorative state internally and externally.
Liaise as appropriate in respect of the management and maintenance requirements of the services, meeting agreed response targets.
Other
To participate in the on-call management system.
To represent Galway Simon Community at meetings conferences, seminars, and other events.
To maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to clients, ex-clients, and general Galway Simon Community business.
To adhere to all Galway Simon Community current Policies and Procedures.
Any other duties as may be from time to time requested by management.
To take responsibility for promoting and maintaining good relations with local people and businesses promoting a positive image of the Galway Simon Community at all times.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
Essential Requirements
Qualification - CORU registration; or a relevant recognised third-level qualification at a minimum of Level 7 in an appropriate discipline, such as healthcare, social care, social sciences, psychology, community development, or other related fields.
Experience - 2-years relevant experience in a similar role in a care setting.
Driving - Valid, full driving licence; access to own vehicle and ability to obtain insurance for business use (cost covered by organisation)
Must have previous experience of working effectively within a team environment, ideally in a leadership position.
Excellent administrative, advocacy, and reporting experience.
Desirable
Knowledge/Experience of homeless sector.
Trauma informed approach.
Experience of Lone Working.
Excellent understanding of Homelessness and related issues.
Experience of contributing to the review and development of services within a social care/housing setting.
Previous experience managing budgets
Previous management experience
Communications and media relations experience
Knowledge of the social welfare systems as it relates to housing support and familiarity with relevant legislation and policy in social housing.
Experience of working with people who experience homelessness, poor mental-health, addictions or similar.
Candidates must be extremely motivated, highly organised and have an ability to delegate effectively.
Closing date 23/08/2026
Galway Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
