Clerical Officer

General Information

County Leitrim, located in the North West of Ireland, has a growing economy, picturesque landscape, vibrant communities and a strong arts and cultural sector. Leitrim County Council’s vision is to build an economically strong, creative, inclusive county, making Leitrim the best place to live, work, invest and visit. Key to the achievement of our priorities and objectives is a skilled and committed workforce, supported by enabling technologies, efficient work processes and learning and development opportunities. We are committed to the training, support and encouragement of our staff and we offer benefits across family-friendly initiatives, personal development and wellbeing of staff.

The Competition

The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form panel(s) for Leitrim County Council from which whole-time permanent and temporary posts may be filled at Clerical Officer Grade.

The Role

Clerical Officers make a valuable contribution to the provision of the Local Authority’s services. The Clerical Officer is a key support position within the Council, providing comprehensive general administrative and clerical support to a section or department. The Clerical Officer works as part of a multidisciplinary team assisting with the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards set out in Departmental and Team Plans and to deliver quality services to internal and external customers. He/she will also be required to operate the Local Authority’s existing and future ICT systems as part of their work.

The duties of a Clerical Officer are varied and can involve assignment to different parts of the organisation or different areas of work. The work requires that employees function in a flexible manner and work effectively together as a team to deliver required outcomes. Clerical Officers provide a point of contact for customers to carry out their business and access information about the Council’s services. The Clerical Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence.

Qualifications

Character

Each candidate shall be of good character.

Health

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

Citizenship

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

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or

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

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons, 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.

Education, Training, Experience

Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of applications:

(a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects from the approved Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (with some exceptions for Foundation Level Mathematics and Irish), or

(b) Have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard, or

(c) Have at least two years’ previous service in a Clerical Officer/Clerk/Typist role under a local authority or health board, or

(d) Have satisfactory relevant experience encompassing demonstrable equivalent skills.

Candidates must submit relevant educational qualifications with their application. Non-Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a QQI determination for comparability and translations where applicable.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate shall have:

• Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authority.

• Understanding of the role of a Clerical Officer.

• Relevant administrative experience and clerical skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Conscientiousness and resilience.

• Strong customer service ethos.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure.

• Excellent organisation and task management skills.

• Experience of working as part of a team.

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

Competencies

Customer Service & Communication Skills:

• Actively listens and understands customer perspectives.

• Clearly explains procedures.

• Is respectful, professional, and composed.

• Communicates with confidence and authority in writing and speech.

Teamwork:

• Demonstrates respect for colleagues.

• Maintains good working relationships and shares information.

• Contributes ideas for service improvement.

• Understands own role within the team.

Information Management / Organisational Skills:

• Approaches work in a thorough and organised manner.

• Follows procedures and protocols.

• Draws appropriate conclusions from information.

• Comfortable with different types of information (written, numerical, charts).

• Has administrative experience, clerical skills, and ICT knowledge (Microsoft Office).

Delivering Results:

• Takes responsibility for work and completes tasks timely.

• Adapts to new ways of working and suggests improvements.

• Identifies priorities and demonstrates initiative.

• Uses judgement on when to seek guidance.

Additional Competency for Interview: Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of local authority services and current local government issues.

• Understands the role of a Clerical Officer.

• Understands Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Principal Terms and Conditions

Panels: Two panels will be created:

Panel A - Permanent Positions

Panel B - Temporary Positions

Permanent posts will be filled from Panel A; temporary posts from Panel B. Temporary contracts may vary in duration. Candidates must be available to take up temporary posts as offered.

Duties:

Clerical Officers perform administrative, clerical, and secretarial duties under the direction of the Chief Executive or designated officers. Duties include:

• Supporting work programs and ensuring operational plans are delivered.

• Dealing with public/customers including counter/reception work.

• Liaising with team members, supervisors, public, and others.

• Communicating professionally with elected members and customers.

• Responding to queries and requests in a courteous and timely manner.

• Processing applications and carrying out administrative tasks (photocopying, scanning, preparing documents, typing, minute taking, filing, arranging meetings, processing invoices, receipting/balancing payments, handling mail).

• Operating financial management and other local government systems.

• Maintaining accurate and organised records.

• Supporting and assisting team members.

• Participating in corporate activities and training.

• Operating in compliance with Health and Safety requirements.

• Deputising for line managers when required.

Salary:

Clerical Officer salary scale (from 1st February 2026):

€31,619, €33,368, €33,802, €34,674, €35,952, €37,231, €38,510, €39,439, €40,492, €41,711, €42,578, €43,789, €45,006, €47,297, €48,924 (LSI 1).

Entry point will follow relevant Departmental Circulars. Non-local authority employees will start at the minimum scale. Rates may be adjusted according to Government Policy.

Residence:

The post-holder shall reside in the district of their duties or within reasonable distance and serve in Local Authority offices or wherever assigned. Reassignment may occur.

Probation:

All contracts are subject to a probationary period, normally one year, extendable at the Chief Executive’s discretion. Ongoing assessments will be conducted, and employment may be terminated during or at the end of probation with one week’s notice.

Annual Leave:

27 days per annum, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service, pro-rata for temporary contracts.

Health:

Candidates must undergo a medical examination by a nominated qualified practitioner before permanent appointment.

Working Hours:

Normal hours are 35 hours per week. Hours may be altered. Work hours are recorded under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and associated regulations.

Superannuation:

New entrants (post 1 January 2013) are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Contributions: 3.5% net pensionable remuneration plus 3% pensionable remuneration. Pensions based on career-average pay.

Other pension schemes and contribution rates apply depending on status and scheme.

Retirement Age:

Single Scheme retirement age aligns with State Pension Contributory eligibility. Compulsory retirement age: 70. Pre-2004 public servants’ compulsory retirement age may increase from 65 to 70.

Pension Abatement:

If the appointee has a Civil/Public Service pension, abatement applies under Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Applicants acknowledge this in applying.

Driving Licence:

Holders must possess a current full Category B driving licence and maintain a car for work duties. Insurance must cover business use. Travel and subsistence expenses paid at nationally agreed rates.