Assistant Staff Officer (Grade IV)

Roscommon County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition.

Roscommon County Council will, following the interview process, form three panels for the post of Assistant Staff Officer (Grade IV) from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

These panels will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 12 months. Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for the following panel(s):

Panel Formation

A. 50% confined to employees of the sector

B. 30% open

C. 20% confined to employees of Roscommon County Council and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly

Panel A (Confined to the Local Authority Sector) will comprise successful applicants, in order of merit, from within the Local Authority Sector only, i.e. candidates serving in a Local Authority or Regional Assembly (where applicable).

Panel B (Open Competition) will comprise all successful applicants in order of merit and may include candidates serving in a Local Authority, Regional Assembly and external candidates.

Panel C (Confined to Roscommon County Council and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly) will comprise successful applicants, in order of merit, from within Roscommon County Council and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly only.

The advertising process for filling of posts according to these procedures is on the basis of:

• Advertising one competition; and

• Forming three separate panels to meet the requirements of the ratio of posts to be confined to the local government sector, open, and confined to the local authority as indicated above.

Shortlisting

Candidates may be shortlisted for interview on the basis of information supplied in their application. Where it is considered reasonable not to admit all applicants to interview due to the number of applications received and the standard of qualifications or experience, only persons likely to attain a sufficient standard at interview will be called.

QUALIFICATIONS

Panel B

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

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

3. Education, Experience, Etc.

Candidates shall:

(i) (a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four if Irish is included) from the approved list 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 an equivalent examination;

or

(iii) Hold a third-level qualification of at least degree standard.

4. Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), which consists of the EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the EU-Switzerland free movement agreement; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state, the UK, or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Panel A & C

Candidates shall be serving employees of a local authority or a regional assembly and have not less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post.

The Role

The Assistant Staff Officer is a support or supervisory position within the Council and is assigned responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a work area, section or team.

The Assistant Staff Officer works as part of a team, supporting managers and colleagues to meet work goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internal and external customers.

The post holder will be responsible for implementing work programmes to achieve goals and targets set out in Departmental and Team Plans. The Assistant Staff Officer is expected to carry out duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence.

Key Duties

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

• Support the line manager to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational matters.

• Communicate and liaise effectively with employees, supervisors, line managers, and customers regarding operational matters.

• Prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as necessary.

• Organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and engage in discussions as appropriate.

• Provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required.

• Ensure high levels of customer service by responding to queries professionally and promptly.

• Support the line manager to communicate, implement, and manage change initiatives.

• Supervise employees or programmes of work within their area of responsibility.

• Participate in corporate activities appropriate to the grade.

• Comply with Health and Safety requirements and safe systems of work.

• Deputise for the line manager as required.

• Undertake other duties of a similar level as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government.

• Awareness of current local government issues.

• Understanding of the role of an Assistant Staff Officer.

• Relevant administrative experience.

• Experience working as part of a team.

• Experience preparing reports and correspondence.

• Strong customer service ethos.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

PARTICULARS

The post is whole-time and pensionable. Panels will be formed for one year, extendable at the Chief Executive’s discretion, to fill both permanent and temporary positions.

Probation: One-year probationary period, extendable at the Chief Executive’s discretion.

Remuneration: €35,613 – €54,911 (LSI2) per annum. Placement on the scale per Department Circular. Non-serving Local Authority employees start at the minimum of the scale.

Garda Vetting/Child Safeguarding: May be required.

Health: Medical examination required prior to appointment (cost refunded upon appointment).

Residence: May be assigned to any Council department or district. No disturbance allowance applies.

Annual Leave: 30 days per annum inclusive of pre-allocated Christmas days.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. Subject to change.

Superannuation: Details provided upon offer.

Recruitment: May include aptitude tests, shortlisting, interviews, presentations, and other exercises. Some processes may be held remotely.

Communication: All correspondence will be by email. Applicants must ensure accessibility and notify HR of changes.

Acceptance of Offer: Must take up appointment within one month unless otherwise agreed.

Candidates’ Obligations: Providing false information, canvassing, impersonation, or interference may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Sick Leave: Governed by the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme.

References: Two referees required; documentary evidence may be requested.

Criminal Convictions: Must be disclosed to HR.

Right to Information/Appeal: Appeals on eligibility, shortlisting, or interview outcomes must be submitted within 5 working days of notification.

Outside Employment: Full-time officers may not engage in outside business.

Policies & Procedures: Must adhere to all Council policies.

Training: Participation in relevant training programmes is mandatory.

Travel: Must hold a full Class B driving licence and provide a car if required. Travelling and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed per relevant policies.