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.