Housing welfare officer

Candidate Information Booklet(Please read carefully)Post of: Housing Welfare OfficerClosing Date: 4:00pm on Thursday, 8th January 2026Important NotesCompleted Application Form (inclusive of all other required documentation)must be emailed in PDF Format only as One Single Document (not individualscanned documents) to Please quote 'Housing Welfare Officer Application' followed by yourname in the subject line of the email.Note: Hard copy Application Forms will not be acceptedGeneral Information:County Leitrim, located in the North West of Ireland, has a growing economy, picturesque landscape, vibrantcommunities and a strong arts and cultural sector. Leitrim County Council's vision is to build an economicallystrong, creative, inclusive county, making Leitrim the best place to live, work, invest and visit. Key to theachievement of our priorities and objectives is a skilled and committed workforce, supported by enablingtechnologies, efficient work processes and learning and development opportunities. We are committed tothe training, support and encouragement of our staff and we offer benefits across family friendly initiatives,personal development and wellbeing of staff.The RoleThe Housing Welfare Officer role is based within the Housing Section of Leitrim County Council and willprovide additional support to assist the Social Housing Team in the management of social housing andhomelessness. The holder of the post will be working directly with people experiencing homelessness or whoare at risk of becoming homeless.Tackling homelessness is a key priority and focus for Leitrim County Council. The Housing Welfare Officer willproactively work to address homelessness by providing support, prevention and sustainable housingsolutions. The Council has made progress in relation to both preventative measures to prevent individualsand families entering homelessness, and to support those individuals and families experiencinghomelessness to exit from emergency accommodation into secure and sustained tenancies in a timelymanner.The Housing Welfare Officer will work with a focus on prevention, place- finding and generally moving clientsand families on from emergency facilities to more suitable accommodation. The role will involve intensiveand direct interaction with families and clients, and the provision of clear advice and support to enable themto exit homelessness.The Qualifications:1. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.2. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability torender regular and efficient service.3. Citizenship:Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:i. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of theEuropean Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; orii. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); oriii. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the freemovement of persons; oriv. A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa;orv. A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or anyfamily member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4visa orvi. A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEAmember state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa4. Education, Training, Experience, etc.Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:(a) hold a recognised professional Social Work and/or Social Care qualification, the NationalQualification in Social Work or Certificate of Qualification in Social Work or a recognisedqualification in Social Care (Level 8);andb)have satisfactory experience in social work/social care that will, in the opinion of the localauthority, enable him or her to discharge the duties of the office.Notes:Candidates must submit a copy of educational qualifications meeting the requirements of 4(a)above with their application.Applications received without the necessary documentation will be deemed ineligible and will notbe considered further.Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and QualificationsIreland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework ofQualifications. Foreign Language qualifications must also be accompanied by a translationdocument.Candidates must also hold a current valid and unendorsed driving licence in respect of category Bvehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving Licence and must advise if this is not the case. A copy ofLicence must be submitted with your application.The Ideal Candidate Shall Have:• An understanding of the role of a Housing Welfare Officer.Excellent professional / technical knowledge and skills.At least 2 years' experience working in the area of homeless service provision or similar type service.A good working knowledge of the background to and policies which govern the provision of social housingin Ireland, including social and welfare rights and entitlements.An understanding of homelessness and how to respond effectively.An understanding of the representational role of elected members and of local government structures, aswell as the important roles of government and non-government agencies and organisations, charities andvoluntary groups involved in the area of homelessness and tenancy sustainment, and the need to workwith them to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions.Ability to conduct assessments of need in a sensitive and professional manner.Capacity to support people experiencing homelessness to make informed decisions.Ability to work in direct contact with a diverse range of external agencies and organisations.Strong interpersonal, communication, organisational and negotiating skills and ability to represent theCouncil in a professional and credible manner.A strong knowledge and competency regarding social housing options and an understanding of how toprevent, divert or progress from homelessness.The ability to identify and liaise with other service providers to prevent homelessness, or minimise timespent in emergency accommodation.Ability to ensure policies, procedures and quality standards are adhered to and maintained, in particularthose that support safe services.Ability to develop and deliver programmes and projects and to work to strict deadlines.Self-motivation with the ability to work on their own initiative as well as an integral part of a team.Experience of working with vulnerable adults.Experience in relation to child protection.Experience of managing challenging circumstances and behaviours.Solutions focused approach.Effective financial and resource management skills.Flexibility and availability to work outside normal office hours as required.Strong ICT and presentation skills.A good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health & Safety legislation andregulations.Competencies for the Post:Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstratesufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please takeparticular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes willbe based on the information provided by candidates.Delivering Results / • Translates the business or team plan into clear priorities and actions for theirCommunicating area of responsibility.Effectively • Plans work and allocation of resources effectively.Implements high quality service and customer care standards.Demonstrates the ability to act decisively and make timely, informed andeffective decisions.Develops and maintains positive, productive and beneficial workingrelationships with relevant interests.Demonstrates the ability to recognize the value of and requirement tocommunicate effectively.Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills and goodinterpersonal skills.Performance • Leads and works with the stakeholders (internal and external) to achieveManagement department and corporate objectives.• Effectively manages performance.Motivation and positivity as part of a team.Ability to develop and deliver programmes and projects and to work to strictdeadlines.Ability to work on own initiative as well as an integral part of a team.Has strong organisational skills including meeting facilitation andadministration.Demonstrates the ability to sustain a positive image and profile of the localauthority.Personal • Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in theirEffectiveness area of responsibility.Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties andobstacles.Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges or responsibilities.Manages time and workload effectively.Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence.Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.Understands and implements change and demonstrates flexibility andopenness to change.Is a self-starter, strong on research and maintains resilience in securing buy inand commitment to overall concepts or projects.Knowledge, • Demonstrates understanding of the role of Housing Welfare Officer.Experience and • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the background to andSkills policies which govern the provision of social housing in Ireland.Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues, priorities,concerns and future direction.Has relevant experience in engaging and working effectively with a diverserange of stakeholders.Has relevant experience of engaging with and supporting individuals in crisisand identifying and delivering appropriate responses.Has experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Has experience of preparing and presenting reports and correspondence.The Principal Terms & Conditions:The Office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed from which Housing WelfareOfficer vacancies arising during the lifetime of the panel (12 months) may be filled.DutiesThe duties of the office are to give to the local authority and(a) Such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the LocalGovernment Acts, is Chief Executive, and(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority orby any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph,under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officers as the Chief Executivemay from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an administrative, supervisory and advisorynature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers, duties and functions as may bedelegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time and shall include the duty of deputising forother officers of the local authority.Reporting to the Administrative Officer or other appropriate supervisor/line manager in the HousingDepartment,the main duties and responsibilities of the post of Housing Welfare Officer may include but arenot limited to the following:Assessment of persons presenting as homeless, including maintaining links with other local authorities,Gardaí, Health Services Executive, Tusla, any other relevant bodies, and with internal staff within theHousing Department.Placement of persons deemed as homeless, taking account of housing legislation, financial constraints,child protection issues, sex offenders legislation and other relevant legislation.Organising and arranging temporary emergency accommodation within the existing services available,should it be required.Liaising with other relevant statutory and voluntary bodies in relation to the provision of homelessservices.Operation of PASS (Homeless IT system).Case managing families and individuals in emergency accommodation, or those in certain other types ofemergency accommodation that require support, to identify their individual support needs, and careplans and supporting them to engage with appropriate community/health services and developing andimplementing an exit strategy from homelessness in each case.Working with service providers in identifying suitable alternative temporary private emergencyaccommodation, B&B, Hotel, self-catering apartments etc.Managing Housing First, Housing Led and other homeless initiatives for families and individuals whorequire emergency accommodation.Working with Approved Housing Bodies in homeless area and organising additional services required inCounty Leitrim.Assisting persons in settling into accommodation and ensuring that clients are fully briefed on servicesavailable to them from external agencies.Working with Social Housing Tenants in respect of issues identified that are putting their social housingtenancy at risk.Assisting the Tenant Liaison Officer with Pre-Tenancy Training and other issues that may affect a socialhousing tenancy.Providing support to the Assessments, Allocations and Tenant Liaison Teams within the HousingDepartment.Developing and maintaining positive and productive working relationships across a range of internaland external stakeholders.Working on an inter-agency basis and with external bodies and groups as appropriate in relation to thedevelopment and delivery of initiatives, programmes and projects.Identifying and developing collaborative partnerships and programmes in response to identified needs.Advising and making recommendations to the Council on policy formulation in relation to homelessservices, tenant welfare services and social housing supports.Representing the Housing Department and/or the Council on relevant committees and/or at a range ofmeetings and events as and when required.Attending meetings, participating on relevant Working Groups, Committees etc as appropriate and asrequested.Compiling, preparing and presenting reports/claims/returns, including site visits, record checking,presentations and correspondence as necessary.Keeping necessary records and compiling relevant statistics for reporting to management, electedmembers, government departments etc.Engaging with housing applicants and tenants where required.Provision of a tenant welfare service where appropriate and liaison with other appropriate persons andagencies as required, including the Tenant Liaison Officer.Provision of advice and assistance to individual tenants with difficulties such as financial, family andpersonal problems.Attendance at Case Conferences, CPC's and other meetings as required including SPC, Council andMunicipal District meetings, Community Safety Partnership and Local Traveller AccommodationConsultative Committee etc.Referring child safeguarding concerns to the Designated Child Protection Liaison Officer and, whererequired, engaging with TUSLA and An Garda Síochána.Assisting in the implementation of new and existing initiatives on all housing related matters.Attending Court proceedings as witness on behalf of Leitrim County Council as appropriate.Undergoing training as required, including CPD training as appropriate.Identifying opportunities for improvements in service delivery within their work area and wider HousingDepartment.Supporting and implementing change management initiatives within their work area and wider HousingDepartment.Participating in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.Working in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures andsafe systems of work.Deputising for the line manager or equivalent as required.Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned fromtime to time.The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changingthe general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore berequired to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructionsfrom and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to timeby the Local Authority.The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normaloffice hours.2. Salary:The salary scale for the position of Housing Welfare Officer (effective 1st August 2025) will be within therange:€44,255, €47,166, €48,547, €50,671, €52,928, €55,237, €57,580, €59,965€62,366, €64,156, €65,971, €67,244 LSI1Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with relevant Departmental Circulars. Offers ofappointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum ofthis scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the postshall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to orreceived by him/her by virtue of the post or in respect of any services, which he / she is required by orunder any enactment to perform.3. Residence:The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within areasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority's Offices, or whereverassigned by the Local Authority.Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Department orpremises now or in the future.Probation:All contracts will be subject to a probationary period, during which the performance of the successfulapplicant will be regularly evaluated.Where a person is permanently appointed to Leitrim County Council the following provisions shall apply:(a) There shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the positionon probation;(b) Such period shall be one year but the Chief Executive may, at his/her discretion, extend such period;(c) Such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during thisperiod the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory;(d) There will be ongoing assessments during the probationary period.Employment may be terminated by either party during probation or at the end of the probationary periodon one week's notice.Health:For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successfulcandidate, before he/she is appointed to a permanent position, to undergo a medical examination by aqualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.6. Annual Leave:The annual leave entitlement for this post will be 30 days per annum, on a pro-rata basis depending onduration of any temporary contract.7. Working Hours:The successful candidate's normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the rightto alter hours of work from time to time. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normalhours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisationof Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.8. Superannuation:All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1st January 2013 will be membersof the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.All members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be required to contribute 3.5% of netpensionable remuneration plus 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sums formember of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be based on career-average pay; pensions willbe co-ordinated with the State Pension Contribution Scheme.Persons who are pensionable under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme1998, and are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution, will be required in respect ofsuperannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of socialinsurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adultdependant or qualified children). You will also be required in respect of the Local Government (Spousesand Childrens' Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% ofpensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate ofPRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authorityat the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. You may also be required to pay Spouses andChildren/Widows and Orphans contributions at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration.9. Retirement Age:The Single Public Service Pension Scheme ("Single Scheme") as provided by the Public Service Pensions(Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 commenced with effect from 1st January 2013. The actintroduced new retirement provisions for new entrants to the public service appointed on or after 1stJanuary 2013, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of morethan 26 weeks. In accordance with Circular Letter 24/2020 Single Pension Scheme Members normalretirement age will be in line with the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory). CompulsoryRetirement Age will be 70.There is no mandatory retirement age for "new entrants" to the public service as defined in the PublicService Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.Anyone who is "not a new entrant" to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, had been subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years – thePublic Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 provides for an increase in the compulsoryretirement age of most pre-2004 public servants from age 65 to age 70.10. Pension Abatement:If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitledto, or in receipt of, a pension from the Civil or Public Service, or where a Civil/Public Service pension comesinto payment during the appointee's re-employment, that pension will be subject to abatement inaccordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatementprovisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body willsupport an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.11. Drivers Licence / Travel:Holders of the post shall be required to possess a current unendorsed full driving license (Category B) andshall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to thesatisfaction of the local authority. The post holder's Insurance policy must cover such use and mustindemnify Leitrim County Council.Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid in accordance with nationally agreedrates applicable in thesector.12. Outside EmploymentThe position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected withany outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.13. Garda Vetting:The successful candidate may be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures in line with the provisions ofthe National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to 2016 as appropriate in advanceof appointment and on a periodic basis thereafter for the duration of their employment.14. Data Protection:Please note that the information received is used solely for the purpose of considering your application.Such information held is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Acts, 1988,2003 & 2018 and EU Regulation 2016/679.SELECTION PROCESS:(i) Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of thelocal authority.(ii) Leitrim County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications on the basis of information suppliedon the application form and only those shortlisted will be called for interview.(iii) Candidates called for interview will be assessed on the competencies for the post as set out above.(iv) A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel andwho satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the office and that theyare otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the respective panels, be appointed tothis post. The life of the panels will not be more than one year from the date of formation of the panels.(v) The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up suchappointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointmentwithin such period or longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine,the local authority shall not appoint them.All applications must be made on the official Application Form whichis available to download on LeitrimCounty Council's website or alternatively, contact the Human Resources Department(Email: )Completed Application Forms, inclusive of all required documentation, must be submitted in PDFFormat only as One Single Document (not individual scanned documents).CLOSING DATE:Completed Application Forms must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 8th January 2026 via emailto Applications received after this date and time will not be considered.Please quote 'Housing Welfare Officer Application' followed by your name in the subject line of theemail.Candidates will receive an automatic acknowledgement when they submit their application form tothe above email. You should check your Spam/Junk Folders in the event that you do not receive thisacknowledgement. The onus is on the candidate to ensure that their application has been received andacknowledged.The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that their application form is received by the HumanResources Department of Leitrim County Council on time as outlined above. Candidates should ensure thatthey give themselves sufficient time to allow for any unforeseen circumstances which may arise and whichmay impact on their application form not being received on time.NOTE:Applicants are reminded that any attempt by themselves or by any persons acting on their behalf directly or indirectlyby means of written communication or otherwise to canvass or otherwise influence in the applicants favour anyemployee of the County Council or persons nominated by the Chief Executive to interview or examine applicants, willautomatically disqualify the applicant for the position they are seeking.LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER