Clerical Officer

The Purpose

Limerick City and County Council invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel to fill temporary and permanent Clerical Officer vacancies during the panel's lifetime.

The Position

Clerical Officers play an important role in delivering Local Authority services. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support work programmes and help achieve the goals, targets, and standards set out in the Corporate Plan and Annual Service Delivery Plans. The role also involves using the Local Authority's current and future IT systems.

As part of the Local Authority's commitment to quality public services, Clerical Officers help deliver a wide range of services across the organisation. They also act as a point of contact for customers accessing Council services and information.

The role is varied and may involve working in different parts of the organisation or across different service areas. Clerical Officers must be flexible and work effectively as part of a team to deliver required outcomes.

Why Join Us?

At Limerick City and County Council, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of essential public services to the community.

You will make an impact by supporting work programmes, assisting with administrative processes, and acting as a key point of contact for customers accessing Council services.

This position provides a strong foundation for a career in the public service, offering varied and meaningful work, opportunities for learning and development, and the chance to contribute directly to the efficient delivery of local authority services.

What We're Looking For

• A reliable and motivated individual with a strong interest in public service delivery.
• Good understanding of the role of a Clerical Officer.
• Strong administrative and clerical skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to shared goals.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with the public professionally.
• Strong customer service focus and commitment to delivering quality service.
• Ability to organise work, manage time, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility and willingness to work across different service areas as required.
• Experience or familiarity with ICT systems and administrative processes.
• A positive, proactive attitude and willingness to support change initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within a Local Authority delivering a wide range of public services.
• A varied role with experience across different departments and service areas.
• A structured public sector career with opportunities for progression.
• A supportive team-based working environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful public service delivery.
• Access to training and professional development.

Employee Benefits

• Salary: €31,619 – €48,924 per annum (subject to public sector pay scales and entry rules).
• Leave: 27 days annual leave.
• Hours: 35 hours per week.
• Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme.
• Public Service Sick Pay Scheme applies.
• Travel and subsistence allowances where applicable.
• A range of public sector policies and supports.

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Relevant clerical or administrative experience.
• A strong customer service ethos and ability to deal with the public effectively.
• Ability to work as part of a team and contribute positively to team objectives.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines effectively.
• Competence in using ICT systems and digital tools.
• A positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn.

Recruitment Process

• Email completed application form to recruitment@limerick.ie before the stated closing date.

Selection Process

• Eligibility check.
• Shortlisting may apply.
• Competitive interview (online or in person).
• Panel formation for future vacancies.

Key Duties / Responsibilities

The Clerical Officer is the entry-level administrative grade in Local Authorities in the country. The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to a Clerical Officer:

• Participate in and support the work of the section or department to ensure that work programmes are delivered in accordance with operational plans.
• Communicate and liaise with team members, supervisors, members of the public, and others in relation to operational matters in their section or area of work.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as necessary.
• Provide a comprehensive administrative and clerical service as required.
• Take minutes of meetings.
• Ensure high levels of customer service by responding to queries and requests for information in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
• Support and participate in all change management initiatives within their area of work or the wider organisation.
• Support and assist team members as required.
• Participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies, procedures, and safe systems of work.
• Deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required.
• Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required or assigned from time to time.
• Carry out any other duties as deemed appropriate.

The Person1. 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, on the latest date for receipt of applications:

(i) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.

or

(ii) Have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard.

or

(iii) Have had at least two years' previous service in a permanent and pensionable office of Clerical Officer, Clerk/Typist (Clerical Duties), Clerk Typist (Typing and Clerical Duties), or Clerk/Typist under a local authority or health board in the State.

or

(iv) Have satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills.

Non-Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

It is desirable that candidates will demonstrate through their application form and at interview:

• 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 customer service ethos.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.
• Hold a full Category B driving licence, free from endorsement, and provide their own motor vehicle for use in carrying out their duties. Their motor insurance policy must indemnify the Council.

Terms and Conditions1. The Post

Subject to the availability of suitably qualified candidates, a panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Director General.

The panel may be used by Limerick City and County Council to fill permanent and temporary positions that arise during its lifetime. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2. Annual Leave

The successful candidate will have 27 days annual leave.

3. Salary

Salary scale: €31,935 - €49,413 per annum, inclusive of LSIs.

Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.

The entry point on the scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving Local Authority employee on or after 1 January 2011 will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point (currently €31,935).

4. Location

Limerick City and County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.

Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation.

The person appointed will be required to travel to and from work at their own expense.

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

5. Hours of Work

The working hours currently provide for a five-day, 35-hour working week. Hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council.

The post may require flexibility to work outside normal hours, including weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Limerick City and County Council's Time and Attendance Policy apply to this grade.

6. Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will apply.

7. Superannuation

The Local Government Superannuation Scheme applies.

8. Travel

It is desirable that holders of the post hold a full Category B driving licence and may be required to drive a motor car in the course of their duties. For this purpose, they must provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority.

Travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with the appropriate rates set out in the relevant Department Circulars and the Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.

Limerick City and County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy.

If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

9. Taking Up Appointment

The Local Authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within four weeks.

If the person fails to take up the appointment within that period, or such longer period as the Local Authority may determine at its absolute discretion, the Local Authority shall not appoint them.