Volunteer & Student Placement Officer

About Us

Dublin Simon Community supports people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. We provide emergency accommodation, housing, treatment, recovery and wellbeing services, treating people with dignity, respect and compassion.

About the Role

The Volunteer Office supports more than 120 part-time volunteers, around 23 full-time volunteers, and college and Transition Year students. This role involves working with volunteers and staff, but a large part of each day is spent on administration. The Officer manages recruitment and placements, keeps records up to date, supports volunteers and students, and helps manage three volunteer houses. The job requires someone who can handle several tasks and deadlines at once, work independently and keep the Manager informed.

Reports to: Volunteer, Community Employment & Student Placement Manager

Department: People Function - Volunteer Office

Location: Smithfield, Dublin 7 (hybrid working available upon successful completion of induction period)

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm.

Salary: From €38,000 depending on experience

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract, approx. 18 months; extension subject to organisational needs

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and placements

• Manage recruitment for part-time and full-time volunteers, college students and Transition Year students. This includes advertising roles, answering questions, reviewing applications, arranging and holding interviews, and making or recommending recruitment decisions following agreed procedures.
• Prepare offers, contracts and placement agreements; complete reference checks and Garda vetting; and follow up on mandatory training, paperwork and IT or payroll set-up where needed.
• Organise start dates, inductions and placement arrangements with services, and manage placement changes and leaving paperwork.

Volunteer and student support

• Be a main point of contact for full-time volunteers and students and respond to part-time volunteer questions when needed. Provide support and guidance throughout placements.
• Arrange and hold mentoring meetings and regular check-ins, coordinate training, track placement leave and follow up on agreed actions.
• Help organise volunteer meetings, activities and recognition events, and gather volunteer feedback.
• Respond to questions, concerns and complaints, and help resolve day-to-day disagreements or conduct issues. Involve the Manager promptly in serious or sensitive cases.

International and education partners

• Work with international volunteer organisations, universities, colleges and schools on placement agreements, programme requirements, paperwork and deadlines.
• Keep in touch with partners, help resolve placement issues, and support meetings, visits, reports, reviews and audits, including Quality Label requirements. Help build new partnerships where appropriate.

Volunteer houses

• Help manage three volunteer houses. Respond to queries, arrange and follow up on maintenance, take part in inspections, and help with shared-living concerns and house rules.
• Keep house records up to date, follow up on repairs and cleaning, and report any fire safety or health and safety concerns.

Administration and records

• Keep volunteer and student files, databases and trackers accurate and up to date, including Garda vetting, training, agreements, placements, mentoring, leave and leavers. Handle personal information confidentially and keep records ready for audits.
• Respond to emails and enquiries, organise meetings, prepare basic statistics and reports, update volunteer information on the website and help improve office processes.
• Help with petty cash, invoices, expenses and budget records, and other Volunteer Office tasks as needed. Follow Dublin Simon Community policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• A relevant third-level qualification (for example, HR, Business, Psychology, Social Sciences or Community Work) and at least two years’ paid experience in administration, recruitment, volunteer support or similar work.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage several tasks at once, meet deadlines and keep accurate records.
• Ability to work independently, take responsibility for day-to-day tasks, solve problems and know when to ask the Manager for support.
• Clear, friendly and professional communication skills, including the ability to handle concerns and difficult conversations calmly.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets and databases; ability to learn new systems, keep information confidential and support the work of Dublin Simon Community.

Desirable

• Experience with volunteer or student placements, recruitment, mentoring, induction, international programmes, education partners or training.
• Experience with accommodation or maintenance issues, audit paperwork, or working in the community, voluntary or homelessness sector.

Benefits

At Dublin Simon Community, we are committed to supporting our staff through a range of practical benefits and development opportunities, including:

• 25 days annual leave, with an additional day awarded each year after 5 years of service
• Pension contribution of 3-5%
• Paid Sick Leave Policy
• Paid Maternity Leave Policy
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Tax Saver Commuter Ticket
• Comprehensive training at the beginning of your role and continued learning throughout your journey with us
• Regular supervision, mentoring and weekly check-ins with your line manager
• A supportive, agile and collaborative team environment
• Quarterly team days with the Volunteer Office, including social activities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Opportunities to grow and progress within the organisation

Shortlisting will be in progress throughout the period that the vacancy is live, so you may be called for interview and/or the vacancy may be filled before the closing date.

Dublin Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.