Authorised Officer

Role Profile

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the regulatory authority for nurses and midwives in Ireland. The role of NMBI is the protection of the public in its dealing with nurses and midwives and the integrity of the practice of nursing and midwifery through the promotion of high standards of professional education, training and practice and professional conduct among nurses and midwives.

The Preliminary Proceedings Committee (“PPC”) of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the Committee responsible for considering complaints received by the NMBI and deciding whether there is a prima facie case for the holding of an inquiry before the Fitness to Practise Committee.

The role may suit a candidate who has an interested in studying to become a Solicitor.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for all duties in relation to PPC undertakings and consents.

• Undergo training with the supervision of an experienced Case Officer as a trainee Authorised Officer.

• Assist and support the PPC Committee in acting as their agent in investigating complaints, in conducting interviews and taking statements from relevant persons, and procuring relevant documentation and reports.

• Engage in effective and professional communication, as the role involves speaking with nurses, midwives, and lay people, some of whom could be ill or distressed.

• Work on their own initiative in managing a challenging workload, and prepare documentation for PPC meetings, drafting case reports, case plans, directions and taking minutes of meetings where required.

• Arrange, schedule and support meetings including taking minutes and assisting the Head of PPC Division in the drafting of reports.

• Interact with a wide range of people who engage with the activities of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

• Provide statistics and maintain data storage for reporting purposes.

• Maintain relevant database and ICT systems.

• Support the wider team with duties assigned by the Head of PPC Division and/or Director of Regulation.

• Have a good knowledge and understanding of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011.

• Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, its functions and the context in which it operates.

• Work outside of the core hours from time to time, as required.

• Available as required, to travel as part of the role and outside of core working hours.

• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Other Responsibilities

• Espouse NMBI values in all work activities – Transparency, Trust, Leadership, Respect, Equality and Fairness.

• Engage in NMBI’s performance and development system and ensure the appropriate documentation is provided to the Head of PPC in a timely manner.

• Performing all tasks necessary to ensure that the functions of the department are carried out and objectives set for the section are achieved in a timely and accurate manner.

Essential Criteria, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate must have the following essential experience, skills, and criteria on the date of their application:

• A third-level qualification in Legal Studies (or an equivalent discipline) or at least two years satisfactory experience in an administrative role within a professional body, a health service provider or similar organisation.

• Experience of alternative dispute resolution.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Ability to establish and maintain lines of communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, to demonstrate initiative and contribute effectively as part of a team.

• Highly organised approach and ability to accurately execute complex tasks and procedures.

• High standard of literacy. Strong attention to detail and ability to be clear, comprehensive, and concise in communications, including report writing and minute taking.

• Proven track record of dealing with a wide range of people in a professional, courteous, and effective manner.

• Experience of handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Good understanding of investigation, case management, or regulatory processes.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience maintaining electronic records and databases.

Desirable Criteria

• Legal experience is desirable but not essential.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the post-holder may be required to undertake any additional work that the Head of PPC Division and/or Director of Fitness to Practise deem(s) appropriate.

Conditions of Service

General

The appointment is subject to the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 (as amended), the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and any other Act for the time being in force relating to the Civil Service and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Tenure

Permanent (Full-Time)

Subject to a probationary period.

Location

Offices of the Nursing and Midwifery Board, 18/20 Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 R299 / Blended working options are available.

Salary

Administrative Officer

€41,176 – €76,546 (PPC Rate) / €39,634 – €72,829 (Non-PPC Rate)

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance will be 29 working days a year, excluding the usual public holidays.

Superannuation and Retirement

The terms of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will apply to this appointment. The minimum age at which pension is payable is set, initially at 66 years. Retirement is compulsory on reaching 70 years of age.

Contract Arrangements

A contract will be offered on the terms and conditions determined by the NMBI Board, with the consent of the Minister for Health/Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.