Tenancy Sustainment Officer

The Position:

Westmeath County Council employs over 570 staff across eight service divisions. Housing & Building; Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; Environmental Protection; Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and Miscellaneous Services. It consists of 20 democratically elected members. The Council is mandated to deliver a diverse range of functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings of economic development, community development, provision of physical and social infrastructure, recreation and amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and environmental regulatory framework. The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the position of Tenancy Sustainment Officer will be drawn. It is envisaged that the Tenancy Sustainment Officer will form an integral part of the Housing Department including Homeless Services.

Key Duties:

The duties of the Office may involve activities outside normal working hours if and when required. The duties of this position include the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of the Council’s Housing policy. This will also include liaison with other Housing Sections in matters relating to housing stock, welfare of the Council’s tenants, and encouraging full participation by residents in the care and maintenance of the estates.

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the Tenancy Sustainment Officer and will include the following: -

·       Assist clients in settling into accommodation, arrange home visits, and provide ongoing post-settlement support, and ensure that clients are fully briefed on services available to them from external agencies and provide support and advice on finances, benefit entitlements, health and education

·       Assist clients to access community supports and social activity

·       Ensure all clients are supported to develop skills such as budgeting, housekeeping, home maintenance, bill paying, being a good tenant, being a good neighbour and self-care

·       Consult and liaise with relevant parties to assess the client’s needs and the level of support needed

·       Maintain and review needs assessments, action plans and support plans with the client and other agencies as needed or agreed or as requested by the line manager

·       Interview and assess clients seeking a homeless service by appointment or unscheduled presentations at the public counter

·       Provide assessment and advice to people who are homeless

·       Undertake a risk assessment for all cases

·       Lead and represent the Housing Department and Westmeath County Council at meetings and on relevant interagency forums

·       Provide information and assistance to the client in preparing and submitting an application for social housing

·       Work with clients placed in emergency facilities with a view to securing long term accommodation and where possible avoid continued placement in emergency facilities

·       Support the housing staff in enabling and assist clients to source suitable private rented accommodation and develop a support plan in conjunction with the client which will enable them to sustain their tenancies for the long term in an appropriate home

·        Promote positive, person centered responses for persons who are homeless and at risk of homelessness, in partnership with existing service providers. Communicate clearly, report any concerns and deliver hand-over reports as appropriate to colleagues and line management

·       Provide statistical reports and returns to the relevant Department

·       Compile and complete Departmental claims and recoupments

·       Engage with other Agencies and NGO’s regarding homelessness

·       Deputise for the Administrative Officer as required

·       Keep factual, up to date records on all clients engaged with by recording on internal databases

·       Record and report on monthly KPIs and annual reports as requested

·       Respond to queries on the Customer Contact Management System (CCMS) and to elected representatives as required

·       Develop positive and good working relationships and liaise closely with other agencies for the benefit of the client

·       Undertake additional tasks as reasonably assigned

·       To participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with Westmeath County Council

Qualifications for the Post

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo at his/her expense, a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Local Authority.

3.     Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a)     A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b)     A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c)     A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

d)     A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

e)     A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or

f)      A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4.     Education, Experience, and Training.

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

(a) Experience of working with homelessness services or relevant equivalent;

(b) A comprehensive understanding of housing, social and welfare rights and entitlements;

(c) Excellent communication skills;

(d) Excellent report and record management skills;

(e) A strong, positive work ethic;

(f) Solutions- focused working approach;

(g) Experience of dealing with conflict and challenging situations;

(h) Experience in carrying out assessments, including risk assessments;

(i) Experience in developing support plans and carrying out review;

(j) Ability to work on own initiative, to work alone and in a team setting.

Driving Licence

Applicants should at the latest date for receipt of applications hold a full unendorsed driving licence for Class B vehicles, be a competent driver and, shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. The council must be indemnified on their insurance.

Desirable

A Social Care Practitioner third level qualification or FETAC level 8 is desirable.

The Ideal Candidate:

In the context of key duties and responsibilities for the post of Tenant Sustainment Officer, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, experience and competencies:

·             Be self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative;

·             Have strong interpersonal and communications skills;

·             Be capable of representing the Council in a professional and credible manner with all stakeholders;

·             Have an ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines in the delivery of key operational objectives;

·             Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government, of current local government issues, priorities and concerns and of the key influencers of local government;

·             Understanding of the role of a Tenancy Sustainment Officer;

·             Relevant administrative and work experience at a sufficiently high level;

·             A career record that demonstrates an ability to manage staff to ensure delivery of complex work programmes;

·             Ensuring strong governance and ethical standards are set and maintained;

·             The ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) where applicable;

·             Understanding of the changing operating environment in the Council and be capable of leading change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens;

·             An understanding of the representational role of the elected members and the need to work with them to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions;

·             Proven management analysis, report writing and presentation skills;

·             Effective financial and resource management skills;

·             Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

·             Possess a current unendorsed full driving licence as the person will be required to have their own vehicle and to drive in the course of their duties.

·             Have an ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines in the delivery of key operational objectives;

·             Have an awareness of relevant legislation and regulations in the area of Health and Safety and in data governance, their implications for the organisation, the employee and their application in the workplace.

Particulars of Office

1.              The Post

A panel will be formed from which full time, permanent posts may be filled.

2.              Remuneration

The current salary scale for the post of Tenancy Sustainment Officer is €55,641 – €67,977 (including Long Service Increment) gross per annum as per latest Circular EL 03/2024. On appointment the candidate will be placed on the appropriate point of the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Circular.

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

3.              Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of

PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement, and death gratuities.

In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

4.              Probation

There shall be a period after appointment takes effect during which the person appointed shall hold office on probation.

(a)             such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period;

(b)             the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the chief executive has certified that the service of the person in such office is satisfactory.

The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

5.              Annual Leave

The annual leaveentitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which may apply from time to time.

6.              Working Hours

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time.

The person appointed may be required to attend meetings as occur outside of normal working hours at which your attendance is required by virtue of the position you hold with Westmeath County Council, any such attendance will be considered as part of your normal duties.

All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations 2001.

7.              Location

Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.

The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

8.              Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies.

9.    Training

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the County from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

10.          Health & Safety Regulations

Westmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measure to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work.

Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.

11.Driver’s Licence & Insurance

You will be required to use your car on official business. In such situations you must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport. It is your responsibility to arrange insurance cover for business use and to indemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”.

If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

12.          Employee Benefits

Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

·               Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)

·               A range of Family Friendly Policies

·               Availability of a Optical Benefit Scheme

·               Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme

·               A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities

·               Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

·               Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council’s Social Club

·               State of the art office accommodation in the our Civic Headquarters

·               Automatically entered into a pension scheme

·               Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council’s Employee Assistance Programme