Assistant Staff Officer

THE ROLE

Staff at Assistant Staff Officer level work across a wide range of public-facing and internal service areas including, but not limited to, Finance, Parks, Housing, Roads and other Council services.

The Assistant Staff Officer operates as part of a team, providing effective administrative and operational support to managers and colleagues to achieve work objectives and deliver high-quality services to both internal and external customers. The post holder will contribute to the implementation of work programmes and the achievement of goals and targets as set out in Departmental and Team Plans, carrying out duties in a manner that promotes public trust and confidence.

The Assistant Staff Officer role requires well-developed administrative, interpersonal and communication skills, together with the ability to use initiative and work to a consistently high standard. Depending on assignment, the post holder may be required to deputise for a Staff Officer from time to time and will be expected to utilise the Council’s current and future IT systems effectively.

All duties must be carried out in a professional, impartial and accountable manner that supports fair decision-making and upholds public service values.

DUTIES

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to an Assistant Staff Officer:

• To support the line manager in the effective implementation of work programmes to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational objectives.• To deliver high standards of customer service by responding to queries and requests for information in a professional, courteous and timely manner.• To communicate and liaise effectively with customers, colleagues and line managers in relation to operational matters relevant to their area of work.• To organise and support internal and external meetings and to participate constructively in discussions, as appropriate.• To prepare and maintain reports, correspondence and other documentation as required.• To support the line manager in the communication, implementation and management of change initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.• To supervise staff or coordinate programmes of work, providing guidance and support to colleagues, including participation in the Performance Management and Development System.• To comply with all Health and Safety legislative requirements, Council policies, procedures and safe systems of work.• To deputise for a senior manager when necessary.• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility that may be assigned from time to time.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

(i) (a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass) in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics,

AND

(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics)

OR

(ii) have obtained a comparable standard in equivalent examination,

OR

(iii) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard,

OR

(iv) Be a serving employee of a local authority or regional assembly and have at least two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post.

THE PERSON

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate:

• Competency in the areas of Delivering Results/Communicating Effectively, Performance Management and Teamwork and Performance through People• Administrative experience with an appropriate level or responsibility• Experience of working as part of a team• Experience of preparing reports and correspondence• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems• Ability to understand and implement change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive, and beneficial relationships• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€36,474 - €38,622 - €41,672 - €43,673 - €45,425 - €47,120 - €49,406 - €51,063 - €52,761 (Max) - €54,367 (LSI1) - €56,015 (LSI2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

The standard working week will be 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, include evening and weekend work.

Holders of the post may be called for duty at any time in accordance with arrangements made by local authorities. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.