Issa Olwengo
Dublin
Summary
Experienced in Homelessness services and addiction services with a proven track record in addressing social and health challenges. Currently serving as a housing advisor at Threshold Ireland, advocating for housing and supporting tenants. Co-founder of an anti-human trafficking training charity. Skilled in child protective services, cognitive therapy, and chemical dependency.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Advisor
Threshold Homeless Services
Dublin, Dublin
05.2022 - Current
- Provide Comprehensive Advice to Tenants: Explain various options available to tenants, considering their individual circumstances
- Outline the potential effects of each option to empower tenants to make informed decisions about their tenancy
- Representation and Support: Assist tenants in preparing for adjudication and tribunal hearings related to their tenancy disputes
- Provide representation and advocacy for tenants during legal proceedings, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard
- Assist Tenants in Decision-Making: Offer empathetic support to callers seeking assistance with their tenancy problems
- Guide tenants through the decision-making process, helping them choose the most suitable course of action based on their needs and rights
- Contribute to Research and Advocacy Efforts: Identify tenant queries and cases with broader implications for housing policy and legislation
- Support research initiatives by providing insights and data gathered from tenant interactions.
Housing Officer
Oaklee Housing
08.2020
- Property Management: Conduct property viewings and assessments to ensure suitability for prospective tenants
- Manage the allocation and letting process, adhering to organizational policies and regulatory requirements
- Tenant Dispute Resolution: Handle tenant queries and disputes in a professional and timely manner, striving to achieve amicable resolutions
- Conduct investigations, mediations, and negotiations to address tenant concerns and maintain positive tenant relations.
Housing Officer
Respond family Hub/Housing
12.2017
- Rent Management, Client Advocacy, External Stakeholders Engagement
Project Worker
Cross care Homeless Services
08.2015
- Client Activities Organization, Case Management support Linkage with Addiction Services, Advocacy for Mental Health and housing Support
Project Worker
Salvation Army Homeless Services
09.2014
- Interact with Client, Encourage Settlement, Promote program Participation, Support Integration
Project Worker
Peter McVerry Homeless Services
01.2014
- Provide emotional and practical support to service users who are leaving homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or entering homeless services.
- Work from a strengths-based perspective to encourage resilience in service users and support them in feeling empowered.
- Facilitate clients to access housing, maintenance, and repair services information and advise of their rights and responsibilities.
- Work with the Property and Housing Management Function to ensure buildings are managed in line with H&S requirements.
Project worker
Simmon Community HomelessServices
Dublin, Leinster
07.2021 - 05.2022
- Provide support to clients of any / all Simon community projects throughout Wicklow County, including but not limited to residential, information clinics, emergency and visiting support services.
- Develop, manage, implement and review housing support plans for clients, which may be single persons, couples, and families with children, while working internally and externally to achieve service and clients targets.
- Manage a caseload of clients as part of a multi-disciplinary team, adhering to care and case management systems and protocols.
- Drive and implement care and case management processes and protocols whilst lone working in clients' home/residential settings. Carry out risk assessments and follow safeguarding protocols for vulnerable clients and children.
- Liaise and foster successful relationships with the council, social housing providers, landlords, and local authorities and increase the accommodation move-on options for clients.
- Advocate on behalf of tenants, responding rapidly and providing practical aid in a crisis arising for the tenant.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - BA in Addiction Studies and Community Development
Institute of Technology, Carlow
Carlow06.2015
Diploma - Drugs Counselling
University College Dublin
Dublin 09.2013
Skills
- Intensive interventions
- Outreach support
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Programme development
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented governance and policy structures at Kenneth and Jacob's House, enhancing organizational efficiency and compliance.
- Co-founded an anti-human trafficking training charity, providing crucial education and support to combat human trafficking.
- Advocated for affordable and secure housing as a housing advisor at Threshold Ireland, resulting in improved housing conditions for vulnerable tenants.
- Supported individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction with recovery and integration efforts at Dublin Simon Community, positively impacting lives.
- Published articles on harm reduction and drug policy in Kenya, contributing valuable insights to the field of addiction studies and public health.
Custom
Enjoy travelling.
Timeline
Housing Advisor
Threshold Homeless Services
05.2022 - Current
Project worker
Simmon Community HomelessServices
07.2021 - 05.2022
Housing Officer
Oaklee Housing
08.2020
Housing Officer
Respond family Hub/Housing
12.2017
Project Worker
Cross care Homeless Services
08.2015
Project Worker
Salvation Army Homeless Services
09.2014
Project Worker
Peter McVerry Homeless Services
01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - BA in Addiction Studies and Community Development
Institute of Technology, Carlow
Diploma - Drugs Counselling
University College Dublin
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