The Traveller Liaison Officer will work as part of a team with Galway County Council’s Housing Department.  The Traveller Liaison Officer will work primarily on the provision of services, advice and support to Travellers but may also be required to become involved in housing related services relating to non-Traveller tenants and applicants of the Council where necessary.
The Traveller Liaison Officer will report to the Administrative Officer, Housing or any other officer as designated by the Chief Executive. 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of duties of the Traveller Liaison Officer:

1. Be the main point of contact for Galway County Council in relation to accommodation issues relevant to the Traveller community;
2. Making regular onsite visits to Traveller Specific Accommodation, including halting sites, houses, roadside encampments;
3. Providing in-person support and assistance to members of the Travelling Community in their homes and in Council offices;
4. Estate management of Traveller Specific Accommodation to promote sustainable communities;
5. Responding to and investigating complaints of anti-social behaviour, in collaboration with the Tenancy Enforcement Officer.  This will include taking action in accordance with Galway County Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Policy;
6. Encouraging positive participation by Travellers in the management of their estate, including the setting up of resident’s groups;
7. Providing post -tenancy support to Traveller households in Traveller Specific Accommodation, including engagement with other support services where required;
8. Responding to referrals from staff in the Housing Unit in relation to:

1. tenants and occupants in Traveller specific accommodation and Standard Local authority Housing
2. and housing applicants to offer advice and support;

9. Investigations and compilation of reports on matters which have been referred by a member of the Housing Unit;
10. Working closely with staff in the Housing Unit to ensure the timely progression and delivery of the Traveller Accommodation Programme;
11. Identifying, developing and fostering positive working relationships through regular communication with individuals, agencies and professionals involved in the provision of support services to Travellers including working with Travellers Representative Groups and Organisations;
12. Working collaboratively and liaising, where appropriate, with relevant agencies and signposting Travellers to supports available in other agencies;
13. Assisting and advising in relation to all matters associated with Local Authority Housing with reference to the Traveller community including proactively developing, reviewing and updating of traveller related policies and procedures, including the development of Traveller Accommodation Programmes;
14. Compiling accurate data for completion and submission of returns to Galway County Council and Government Departments;
15. Compilation of household information and updating of housing database records accordingly;
16. Attending Court, if required;
17. Respond to emergencies as they arise, including outside of office hours when necessary;
18. Undertake training as and when required;
19. Use of new technology as required;
20. Carrying out such other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned by the local authority from time to time.

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

1. be a serving employee in a local authority, or a regional assembly and have not less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post, and
2. have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.

3. hold a Third Level Qualification in a subject which can be proven relevant to the post (community development, social housing, etc.)
4. have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with vulnerable individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities or facing other challenges.
5. possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and organisational and negotiating skills
6. be able to show an ability to work on their own initiative and resolve issues as they arise.
7. have excellent problem-solving skills

• Good knowledge of social housing policy and approaches, including a good understanding of issues and needs of the Travelling Community and a knowledge of Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships;
• Ability to handle potentially complicated situations and to prevent and manage conflict situations;
• Strong management, communication and negotiation skills;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with statutory, community and other agencies;
• Experience of working with community / voluntary / disadvantaged groups;
• Experience of preparing reports and correspondence;
• Capacity to develop and implement work programmes;
• Ability to work on own initiative and resolve issues as they
• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

Further Information is available in the Candidate Information Booklet available on our website.