Irish Refugee Council: Housing Officer – deadline 16 November 2017
The Irish Refugee Council’s mission is to promote and enhance the lives of people seeking protection in Ireland.
It is seeking a committed and organised candidate with experience of both housing and refugee issues, to lead on the implementation of our pilot housing project. It particularly welcome applications from people from a migrant or refugee background, lone parents, Travellers and people with disabilities.
In the last two years the housing crisis in Ireland has increasingly influenced the lives of people seeking asylum. People with an outstanding application for protection are encountering difficulties in entering Direct Provision if they have been previously living elsewhere. If a person receives status it is often very difficult to find housing and move out of Direct Provision. The lack of housing is also affecting Ireland’s ability to relocate people from Greece and elsewhere. Housing is also likely to be an important element part of any community sponsorship framework.
Its pilot housing project provides information and advice to people seeking housing and, when possible, offers transitionary tenancies from a small pool of housing that it manages. During this transitionary period other holistic supports around employment and education are offered.
This role is partly supported by the European Commission under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020 and is supported by the Department of Justice and Equality.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide information and advice on housing to people with status who are seeking to leave Direct Provision.
- Manage the small number of properties that entail the IRC’s housing pilot.
- Manage the organisation’s housing applications and allocations procedure.
- Report on a weekly basis on time and targets.
- Develop and build relationships with new and existing stakeholders.
- Prepare reports to funders.
- Ensure the ongoing implementation of the project’s governance framework.
- Any other tasks deemed necessary by the CEO.
Selection criteria:
Essential:
- Knowledge of the social housing sector, housing law and tenancy and licence agreements.
- One year of experience of working in the housing sector or other relevant experience.
- One year of experience of working with people seeking protection and refugees or other relevant experience.
- The ability to meet targets and report on their work on a weekly basis.
- Excellent organisation and record keeping skills.
- Proven examples of resolving complex problems.
- Good computer skills with competence in using email, Microsoft Office in particular Excel.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Flexible, innovative and adaptable to change.
- Self-starter with ability to work on own initiative.
- Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, report writing and presentation.
- Ability to travel around Ireland.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the technical aspects of rent, repairs and maintenance.
- Experience of working with landlords, statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Finance and budget management skills.
- Problem solving, influencing and negotiating skills.
- Valid driving licence.
Application process:
- Please send a CV and cover letter to recruitment@irishrefugeecouncil.ie
- The cover letter must clearly address the selection criteria outlined above.
- Only applications addressing the selection criteria will be considered.
- Deadline for application is 5.30pm on the 16 November.
- Interviews to be held week of 20 November.
Terms and conditions:
- 35 Hours (five days a week) 9.00am-5.00pm. Some out of hours work may be required.
- 18 months contract with the possibility of extension.
- Based in the Irish Refugee Council office at 37 Killarney Street, Dublin 1 but including regular travel around Ireland.
- Salary scale of €36,000 to €40,000 depending on experience.
- 25 days annual leave plus additional paid leave at Christmas.
Queries:
Staff benefits:
- A diverse working environment.
- A commitment to professional development including access to a continuing professional development fund.
- Flexible and supportive working arrangements.
- 25 days annual leave plus additional paid leave at Christmas.
- A comprehensive induction process.
- Car and bike parking available.