JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title and Grade Reception Officer/Assistant Manager Location Monaghan Salary depending on experience. Reporting Relationship The Reception Officer reports directly to the Centre Manager Purpose of the Post The Reception Officer is responsible for providing comprehensive support to residents, particularly those with special reception needs. The role involves being the principal point of contact for residents, staff, and management regarding special reception needs and ensuring that residents have access to necessary supports and services both within the accommodation centre and with outside agencies. Deputising Arrangements The Reception Officer will be a member of the senior management team and will report directly to the Manager. In the absence of a designated Reception Officer, the Manager shall assume the Reception Officer's responsibilities temporarily. Roles and Responsibilities General The Reception Officer shall: Provide information and advice on issues concerning special reception needs to residents and staff within the accommodation centre. Serve as the principal point of contact for residents, staff, and management on any issues related to special reception needs. Receive and participate in regular external specialised training to maintain the skills required for identifying and responding to residents with special reception needs. Ensure that other staff members are adequately trained and supported to identify, refer, and respond to the special needs of residents. Establish and maintain relationships with relevant state service providers, support organisations, and statutory and non-statutory agencies in the locality. Monitor residents with special reception needs and report any emerging needs. Ensure that the needs are documented and stored confidentially as per the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Acts. Support other staff to ensure appropriate identification, referral, and response to the special reception needs of residents. Report any concerns related to the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable individuals in accordance withestablished protocols. Ensure adherence to the Reception Officer Policy and Procedure Manual and support residents and staff to understand it. Work closely with local healthcare providers, schools, legal service providers, family and child support agencies, trauma counselling, NGOs, and other civil society groups to ensure needs are met. Establish and maintain relationships based on respect, equality, and human dignity. Engage in mandatory internal training to provide person-centred, effective, and safe services, equipping themselves with the necessary skills to meet the needs of residents and promote their welfare. Read and where applicable, implement the Child Protection Policy and be aware of the designated persons in the centre. Governance and Leadership The Reception Officer shall: Undertake the role and responsibilities in line with related regulations and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards and ensure contractual obligations to IPAS are implemented as smoothly as possible and in line with company policy and procedures. Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the company values. Quality and Safety The Reception Officer shall: Support a Quality and Safety Management System for continuous monitoring and improvement of support services. Read, understand, and implement St. Patricks Accommodation Centres policies and procedures, appropriate to the role, to ensure safe and effective service delivery. Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including risk management and incident management processes. The foregoing should not be considered exhaustive. Eligibility criteria Qualifications and/or experience Qualifications and Experience Essential: A QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care or an equivalent qualification is essential. Demonstrate a sound knowledge in care and services required for vulnerable and at risk residents. Desirable: Previous experience in a similar role, particularly in supporting vulnerable individuals or those with special reception needs, is highly desirable. IT skills. Essential skills, competencies and/or knowledge Professional Knowledge and Skills Essential: Skills to identify and respond to residents with special reception needs and attend refresher training regularly to maintain competencies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively provide information and advice to residents and staff, and liaise with various service providers and agencies. Knowledge of and adherence to GDPR and Data Protection Acts regarding the handling of residents personal data and special reception needs. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, staff, and external agencies. Core Aptitudes Act as a good role model. Ability to manage change. A desire to be proactive and to create a positive stay for residents. Aptitude to learn new skills and systems. Be of the caring nature, sympathetic to the needs of all the residents.