Fire Warden

Job Overview

The Fire Warden is tasked with ensuring a secure environment for residents, staff, contractors, and visitors at the Emergency Accommodation Centre. This role is crucial in fire prevention, emergency readiness, evacuation coordination, and adherence to relevant Irish fire safety laws and organizational guidelines.

Supporting individuals displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, the Fire Warden takes a proactive stance on safety by conducting regular inspections, maintaining open communication, and leading calmly during crises to protect especially vulnerable residents.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform frequent fire safety inspections throughout the facility.
• Verify that all fire exits, escape routes, stairways, and assembly points are free from obstructions and properly indicated.
• Inspect fire safety equipment such as fire doors, extinguishers, emergency lighting, alarms, and smoke detectors.
• Promptly report any fire risks, defects, or maintenance concerns.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of all fire safety inspections.
• React quickly and effectively to fire alarms and emergencies.
• Lead safe evacuations for all occupants including residents, staff, and visitors.
• Coordinate with emergency responders by providing building occupancy details, fire locations, and information on individuals needing assistance.
• Manage assembly points safely and conduct headcounts as necessary.
• Maintain calm and offer reassurance to residents during emergencies.
• Promote fire safety awareness and educate residents on evacuation procedures.
• Advise residents on safety practices related to cooking, smoking, electrical devices, and heaters.
• Communicate sensitively with residents who may have experienced trauma.
• Ensure compliance with Irish Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, local fire safety regulations, and internal policies.
• Participate in fire drills and emergency planning activities.
• Support fire risk assessments and apply recommended safety controls.
• Collaborate with Centre Management, security staff, maintenance personnel, and external contractors.
• Liaise with Dublin Fire Brigade and other emergency agencies as needed.
• Assist in investigating fire alarms and implementing preventative measures.
• Maintain comprehensive records of inspections, alarms, drills, equipment checks, incident reports, and corrective actions taken.
• Foster a culture prioritizing health, safety, and wellbeing across the centre.
• Handle all information confidentially in line with GDPR and organisational rules.
• Treat every resident with dignity, respect, fairness, and cultural sensitivity.
• Support safeguarding policies protecting vulnerable adults and children.
• Carry out any additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Mandatory certification as a Fire Warden or Fire Marshal.
• Solid understanding of fire safety protocols and emergency evacuation techniques.
• Ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong observational skills and capability to resolve problems effectively.
• Competence in preparing reports and maintaining precise documentation.
• Flexibility to work shifts including nights, weekends, and rotating schedules.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Preferred: At least three years’ experience in emergency accommodation, healthcare, hospitality, residential care, or social services.
• Desirable certifications: First Aid and Manual Handling training.
• Experience interacting with vulnerable adult or family populations.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and safeguarding procedures.

Key Attributes

• Attention to detail and vigilance
• Professional demeanor
• Calm and sound decision-making
• Strong integrity and reliability
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team
• Cultural sensitivity and empathy
• Effective communication skills
• Conflict resolution capabilities

Working Conditions

This role demands regular patrols inside and outside the accommodation centre, climbing stairs, responding swiftly to emergencies, and long periods of standing and walking. Shift work covers all days of the week with various shifts including mornings, afternoons, and nights requiring adaptability and availability as scheduled.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is dedicated to equal opportunity employment, ensuring an inclusive environment where all employees and residents receive fair treatment regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital or family status.

Health and Safety

All team members must adhere to health and safety policies, participate in compulsory training, and actively contribute towards maintaining safe conditions for themselves and others within the centre.