Reception Officer Job Description
As a service provider, we will make available a dedicated Reception Officer, who is suitably trained to support all residents, especially those with special reception needs both inside the accommodation centre and with outside agencies.
The Reception Officer will be the principal point of contact for residents, staff, and management for any issues concerning special reception needs.
The Reception Officer will be available to residents through appointment or through pre-organised clinics.
Our Reception Officer Roles and Responsibilities
1. Receive information arising from vulnerability assessments for each resident; liaise with relevant services regarding the needs of the residents and report to the appropriate authorities (IPAS/HIQA/HSE/An Garda Síochána) when a concern for a resident’s health, wellbeing, or safety arises within the centre.
2. Ensure linkages with local healthcare providers, schools, legal service providers, family and child support agencies, trauma counselling, and other specialist services, NGOs, and other civil society groups including religious organisations, where appropriate and in line with vulnerability assessments and the identified special needs of residents.
3. Support other staff to ensure that they adequately identify, refer, and respond, as appropriate, to the special reception needs of residents within the accommodation centre.
4. Provide information and advice on issues about special reception needs within the accommodation centre to residents and staff.
5. Possess appropriate qualifications (a QQI level 7 social care background or equivalent) and the skills to identify and respond to residents with special reception needs.
6. Be a member of the senior management team as per the management structure and attend Senior Management Strategy meetings relating to residents and services provided.
7. Receive regular external specialised training to identify and respond to residents with special reception needs and maintain a written record of training attendance.
8. Establish relationships and maintain regular contact with relevant State service providers, support organisations, and statutory and non-statutory agencies in the locality.
9. Be proactive in identifying the special reception needs of residents on an ongoing basis.
10. Ensure that all special reception needs of residents are documented and stored in a confidential manner.
11. Ensure the special reception needs of residents are responded to promptly and adequately, and referrals are made to relevant health and social care services, governmental agencies, statutory bodies, or support organisations, as required.
12. Cooperate and collaborate with service providers, support organisations, and statutory and non-statutory agencies to promote the health and development of residents with special reception needs and ensure their needs are met.
Liaison with the Department of Justice and Equality
The manager will liaise promptly, appropriately, and effectively with the Department of Justice and Equality if:
1. The accommodation centre is unable to accommodate or cater for the special reception needs of a resident;
2. Supports and services are not available in the locality to meet the special reception needs of a resident;
3. Special arrangements or measures need to be taken to accommodate or cater for the special reception needs of a resident within the accommodation centre.
The Department of Justice and Equality should be kept informed of a resident’s special reception needs.
Your manager will make available a copy of the Reception Officer Policy and Procedure Manual and will monitor adherence to this.
If you require further information please contact Shelagh Nangle on 087 2716353 or snangle@ericinvest.ie
Person Specification Reception Officer YAC
Qualifications and Education
* A recognised qualification in Social Work (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work).
* Registration with CORU, Ireland’s health and social care regulator, as a Social Worker.
* Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Experience
* Essential:
* Minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience in social work.
* Experience working with diverse populations, particularly migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers.
* Experience addressing trauma, mental health issues, and/or social exclusion.
* Desirable:
* Experience in direct provision centres, community development, or intercultural settings.
* Knowledge of housing, social welfare systems, and immigration policies in Ireland.
Skills and Abilities
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable individuals.
* Competence in assessment, care planning, and case management.
* Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
* Advocacy skills to support clients in accessing services and addressing systemic barriers.
* Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the specific challenges faced by people in the asylum process.
* Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
* Capacity to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and empathy.
Knowledge
* Understanding of the asylum process and the legal and social challenges faced by individuals in direct provision.
* Awareness of child protection and welfare concerns, including the role of Children First Guidelines.
* Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the International Protection Act, 2015.
* Familiarity with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and confidentiality protocols.
* Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles.
* An understanding of public health initiatives.
Personal Attributes
* Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to clients’ circumstances.
* Resilience and emotional intelligence to manage complex cases and challenging situations.
* Commitment to social justice, human rights, and anti-discriminatory practices.
* Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of clients and the centre.
Other Requirements
* Full clean driving license and access to a vehicle (desirable but not essential).
* Ability to work evenings or weekends if required.
* Proficiency in additional languages (desirable).
Key Performance Indicators
* Timely and effective case management.
* Positive feedback from clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
* Demonstrated impact on clients’ well-being and access to services.
* Adherence to ethical and regulatory standards in practice.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €40,000.00-€50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee assistance program
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
* Weekend availability
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* Social Care work: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* CORU registration (preferred)
* Full driving licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/01/2025
Reference ID: RO 002
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