Community Development Officer

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

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

3. Citizenship

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

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; 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 or 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 or the UK or Switzerland and has a Stamp 4 visa.

4. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office:

(a) Have attained a good standard of general education.

(b) Have a background of considerable experience in community development, social sciences or in other fields where social relationships are of utmost importance.

(c) Have the ability to communicate well and handle difficult situations with tact and good judgement.

(d) Be able to consult and network effectively with different organisations.

(e) Have the ability to monitor and evaluate work and write reports.

(f) Have sound administrative and organisational skills.

(g) Be able to produce and access information efficiently and accurately.

(h) Have excellent communication, presentation and facilitation skills.

(i) Have the ability to advise, inform, motivate and support individuals and organisations.

(j) Have an excellent working knowledge of word processing and data processing programmes and experience of communicating through social media.

(k) Have the ability to produce good quality publicity material.

(l) Have good report writing skills.

A third level qualification in Community Development, a Social Science or a related discipline is desirable.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the principles of community development, how the community and voluntary sector functions within the community and the role of the local authority in community development.

A. Attitude and Motivation

• A constructive and progressive attitude to working as part of the Community Development Team and an ability to develop partnerships with the wider community and with other organisations active in the County.
• A self-motivated approach to work.
• An awareness of the role and importance of co-ordinated and integrated inter-agency responses to local social, community development and economic needs.

5. Transport

A full clean driving licence and use of personal transport for work is required. Willingness and ability to travel is required.

THE ROLE

The Community Development Officer is responsible for working with and supporting community and voluntary groups to help address and respond to local community development needs.

The successful candidate will represent the Council both on relevant local committees and at a range of different meetings as and when required.

He/she will promote a range of Community Development Programmes and Initiatives administered by the Council and will encourage local communities to actively participate within these.

The Ideal Candidate Shall Have:

• Experience of building, managing and nurturing partnerships and relationships across a wide range of diverse key stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of good corporate governance practices.
• Excellent facilitation, project management and event management skills.
• Strong analytical, report writing, organisational and IT skills.
• Experience in delivering quality customer services.
• Experience in project management.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work on one's own initiative as well as an integral part of a team.
• A positive outlook and enjoy working with people.
• Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the principles of Community Development.
• A third level qualification in Community Development, a Social Science or a related discipline and/or a minimum of three years' experience working in the Community Development Sector.
• A full unendorsed driving licence and use of personal transport.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURECOMPETENCIES

Candidates for the post must demonstrate that they have competency and skills in the following areas.

Application forms should include practical examples which demonstrate these competencies. Interviews will also be competency based and marks will be awarded under these skill sets:

Understanding Purpose & Change

Delivering Results

Performance through People

Local Government Knowledge & Understanding

Candidates short-listed for interview will then be assessed under the four competencies listed above using some or all of the following indicators.

Understanding Purpose & Change

• Understands the Council’s purpose, goals and priorities.
• Shows commitment to these goals and ensures that the team understands how their work contributes to meeting the Council’s objectives.
• Understands the role of the Elected Council and the representational role of the Elected Members.
• Understands and adheres to the Code of Conduct for all employees and complies with all Council rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ensures that there is full understanding of and compliance with all Council rules, regulations and procedures for employees within the designated area of responsibility.
• Supports diversity.
• Understands and supports Workplace Partnership.
• Represents the Council positively when dealing with the public or other agencies.
• Creates a positive image of the Council both within the team and through interaction with the public and other stakeholders.
• Understands the need for change and communicates this persuasively to others.
• Makes a positive case for change and gains commitment from others.
• Implements change in an orderly and determined manner.
• Co-operates fully in implementing safe systems of work in accordance with the Corporate Safety Statement and relevant Ancillary Safety Statement for their area of work.

Delivering Results

• Evaluates issues and situations in a logical and objective manner to arrive at effective solutions.
• Makes decisions in a timely, clear and well-informed way.
• Helps translate the business/team plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of operation.
• Helps establish high-quality service and customer care standards.
• Allocates resources (staff and equipment) across jobs to ensure priorities are met and work is completed efficiently to deliver quality services.
• Takes initiatives to control and reduce the cost of activities and minimise waste in services provided.
• Abides by the laws, regulations, policies and procedures affecting employment and the discharge of duties.
• Sets and implements high standards of service delivery in accordance with established operational plans.
• Closely monitors quality of activities and takes initiatives to improve work processes over time.

Performance through People

• Leads the team/service area in a manner that provides clarity of purpose and a focus on delivery.
• Engages with individual staff and the team in a motivational and supportive way.
• Leads and develops the team and its members to achieve corporate objectives through effective performance management using the PMDS process.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships and constructively addresses conflict or employee dissatisfaction.
• Recognises the value of effective communication.
• Has good written and verbal communication skills.
• Has good interpersonal skills.

Local Government Knowledge & Understanding

• Demonstrates knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues and advocates practical approaches to addressing them.
• Demonstrates a clear and realistic view of future trends and the strategic direction of local government.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of a Community Development Officer in this context.

PARTICULARS OF POSTThe Post

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable.

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority or be inconsistent with the discharge of those duties.

Remuneration

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than the inclusive salary) payable to and received by virtue of the office or in respect of services required by or under any enactment.

The salary scale for the position of Community Development Officer is analogous to the Staff Officer scale:

• €52,761
• €54,337
• €55,946
• €57,589
• €59,244
• €61,173 (LSI1)
• €63,109 (LSI2)

Gross per annum – Circular Letter EL 04/2026 refers.

Entry point to the scale will be determined in accordance with Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Circulars.

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL.02/2020, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1 January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Rates of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Duties

The duties of the office are to provide the local authority, under the direction and supervision of the appropriate officer, with executive, supervisory or advisory services as required for the exercise and performance of its powers and duties.

The duties include deputising for other officers when required and carrying out duties relating to any other local authority area as required.

Under the direction of the Director of Services or another designated officer, the Community Development Officer will work on community activities in compliance with:

• County Council Corporate Plan
• County Strategy Policies
• County Carlow Local Economic and Community Plan

The Officer will also assist the Director of Services in carrying out his/her duties.

Specific duties may include:

• Organising and carrying out surveys of local needs.
• Establishing and maintaining close advisory contact with voluntary groups and local associations.
• Assisting with special community projects.
• Assessing the value of community activities.
• Canvassing door to door.
• Organising, addressing or chairing meetings.
• Maintaining close contact between the County Council and statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Representing the Council on statutory boards and companies where appointed.

Location of Post

Carlow County Council reserves the right to assign the post holder to any Council premises now or in the future, subject to reasonable notice.

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

The successful candidate must provide, at their own expense, transport to and from work.

Working Hours

The current working arrangement is:

• Five-day week.
• 35 hours per week.

Flexible working hours operate as follows:

• Earliest start: 8:00 a.m.
• Latest start: 10:00 a.m.
• Earliest finish: 4:00 p.m.
• Latest finish: 6:00 p.m.

Lunch break:

• Minimum: 30 minutes.
• Maximum: 2 hours.
• Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

A Flexi Leave Scheme is available on request.

Additional hours may occasionally be required.

• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) applies on a time-for-time basis.
• Overtime is not payable.
• Hours are governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and Regulations 2001.

Working hours may be reviewed at any time.

The post requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends where necessary.

No additional remuneration is payable for such work.

Probation

For applicants who are not already permanent employees of a local authority:

• A probation period of 12 months applies.
• The Chief Executive may extend the probation period.
• Employment becomes permanent only after satisfactory certification by the Chief Executive.
• Employment may be terminated during probation by one week's notice in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts.
• Assessments will take place throughout probation.

Health

Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a medical examination by a medical practitioner nominated by the local authority.

Residence

The holder of the office must reside within the district where duties are performed or within a reasonable distance.

References

Applicants must provide the names of two referees who:

• Are not related to the applicant.
• At least one should be a current or former employer.

Carlow County Council reserves the right to seek written and verbal references from employers, educational institutions or other relevant organisations.

Vetting

Garda Vetting is required for certain roles.

Failure to complete Garda Vetting may prevent appointment.

An unsatisfactory Garda disclosure may result in:

• Withdrawal of an offer of employment.
• Withholding of promotion.
• Investigation and possible disciplinary action where appropriate.

Annual Leave

Current entitlement:

• 30 days annual leave.

Annual leave arrangements are governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (as amended).

Sick Leave

The Public Service Sick Pay Scheme applies.

Health & Safety

The successful candidate must:

• Comply with the Council's Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan.
• Participate in required training.
• Follow safety procedures.
• Use appropriate safety clothing and equipment.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Training

Participation in mandatory and job-related training programmes is a condition of employment.

Superannuation & Retirement

Employees will be subject to the relevant Local Government or Single Public Service Pension Scheme depending on their employment status and date of entry.

Contribution rates, retirement ages and pension conditions will apply in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Maximum retirement age: 70 years.

Further pension information is available from the Human Resources Department.

Pension Accrual

A 40-year limit applies to total pensionable service where a person has been a member of more than one existing public service pension scheme, in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

Pension Abatement

Where an appointee is already receiving a Civil or Public Service pension, pension abatement may apply under Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

Retirees under ISER are not eligible to apply for this position.

Department of Health Circular 7/2010

Persons who availed of the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme are not eligible to compete.

Persons who availed of the Voluntary Redundancy Scheme (VRS) must demonstrate that the period of ineligibility has expired before appointment.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Persons who received ex-gratia redundancy payments under the Collective Agreement introduced on 1 June 2012 are not eligible for re-employment in the public service for a period of two years from the termination of employment.

Applicants who availed of this scheme must demonstrate that the period of ineligibility has expired before appointment.