Assistant Staff Officer

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board is now holding a competition for the above temporary role.

Candidates must have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

Competencies Required

The appointee to the temporary Grade IV position will be required to show evidence of the following competencies in no more than 300 words per competency. Candidates must adhere to the word count identified.

People Management

• Leads others, monitoring performance and trying to get the best out of people.
• Allocates work fairly and appropriately and ensures that everybody does their fair share.
• Addresses any performance issues in a timely, appropriate and constructive manner.
• Involves others in decisions that affect them, allocating work fairly and appropriately.
• Demonstrates trust in others to deal with important tasks and acknowledges a job well done.
• Helps team members to identify their own and their team's learning and development needs in line with objectives.
• Helps build effective relationships and resolve disagreements between team members.
• Acts as an effective link between staff and other managers.

Information Management, Analysis and Decision Making

• Follows procedures and ensures they are implemented in own area, understanding the rationale behind them.
• Reviews completed work regularly and acts on learning points.
• Evaluates current work practices to identify changes that could be made to improve efficiencies.
• Can work effectively on a number of tasks at the same time.
• Is comfortable working with and manipulating a range of data, e.g. numerical, written, etc.
• Makes sound, appropriate decisions in a confident manner and can justify and stand by them.

Delivery of Results

• Delivers results on time and to a high standard.
• Takes responsibility for own work and the work of the team.
• Plans and prioritises the work schedule, ensuring the efficient use of all available resources and delivering on objectives even with multiple or conflicting demands.
• Evaluates current work practices to identify changes that could be made to help them run more effectively.
• Maintains accurate records and monitors work, ensuring any errors are identified and rectified.
• Appreciates the need to delegate work appropriately rather than doing everything oneself.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Shows respect, tact and maintains composure when dealing with customers or staff members.
• Demonstrates the ability to be assertive and negotiate when necessary, communicating in a clear and confident manner while remaining approachable and polite.
• Listens to others and invites feedback, dealing with information in a constructive way.
• Influences others by actively listening and clearly expressing their position.
• Produces written letters/reports in a clear and concise manner.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform the role effectively, e.g. relevant technologies, IT systems and relevant policies.
• Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation, and communicates this to the team.
• Leads by example, being committed to self-development and enhancing the knowledge and skills required to improve performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level, demonstrating flexibility and finding solutions to overcome obstacles.
• Serves the Government and people of Ireland.
• Can work independently without excessive guidance or support.
• Demonstrates resilience in the face of significant demands and challenges.
• Ensures that the customer is at the heart of all services provided.
• Is personally honest and trustworthy.
• Acts with integrity and supports this in others.

Terms and ConditionsBase

Longford and Westmeath ETB, Marlinstown Business Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the above location. However, LWETB reserves the right to assign you to any other location as service demands require.

Starting Point on Salary

€39,490

For persons entering employment in the Public Sector for the first time, or for those starting at the advertised grade for the first time, starting pay will be at the minimum of the incremental scale.

Previous public sector experience in the same grade may be eligible for incremental credit. This will be determined upon appointment, if applicable.

An incremental salary scale may apply thereafter as per 0058/2026.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Hours per Week

35 hours

Annual Leave

LWETB's annual leave year runs from January to December.

The annual leave allowance for this position is 23 days per annum.

Please note your annual leave entitlement will be pro-rata, based on your contract duration and start date.

This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave.

All office closures (other than normal public and bank holidays and Good Friday) are incorporated into your annual leave entitlement.

Leave will be granted, subject to Line Management approval, which must be sought in advance.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.
• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher, Ordinary, Applied or Vocational Programme) or equivalent, or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher, or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.
• Be at least 17 years of age on or before the date of advertisement of the recruitment competition.

Citizenship Requirement

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA); or
• Non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.

Please note you must advise LWETB if a work permit is required before commencing employment.

This requirement should be notified to LWETB as soon as possible.

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position will, at the discretion of the employer, be required to:

• Complete a health and character declaration.
• Complete a Garda Vetting Form, where applicable.

References will be sought.

Some posts may require special security clearance.

In the event of potential conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts.

Shortlisting

LWETB reserves the right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition.

Shortlisting will be based on:

• Information supplied on the application form.
• The likely number of vacancies to be filled.

It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form.

The shortlisting process will assess each applicant's application against predetermined criteria reflecting the skills and depth of experience considered essential for a position at this level.