General Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post as at 01/02/2026 is:

36,407 38,288 39,418 40,192 40,863 41,729 42,258 43,160 44,087

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Purpose of the post

This role is an integral and functioning part of the running of the Aids & Appliances Store for the HSE Mid West.

The main role of the General Operative position is for IPC Cleaning and Decontamination of recycled Aids & Appliances it also has additional multi-disciplinary duties, i.e., general operative, stores duties, assist in asset management of equipment, functional testing of equipment, driving duties, installing equipment in the community and in stores.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Professional

·        Be responsible for such duties as are assigned by the Logistic and Repairs Coordinator or Aids & Appliances Manager.

·        Decontamination of equipment in accordance with policy / procedure. Clean equipment that does not pass the quality control assessment. Upkeep of data records in decontamination process.

-        Operating all cleaning machines

-        Cleaning by hand

-        Certifying appliances on completion of decontamination

·        Functional testing of equipment before recycling and/or decommissioning.

·        Delivery and collection of goods as required.

·        Assist delivery drivers and stores staff where necessary.

·        Appropriate storage of items in accordance with the policies of the Aids and Appliances area and comply with Health and Safety Regulations.

·        Carry out minor repairs to the manufacturer’s standards and quality.

·        Report any deficiencies or irregularities observed.

·        Arrange stock items for repair on site by contractor or HSE Clinical Engineer.

·        Maintaining and cleaning of stores are in accordance with agreed HSE policy.

·        Check in deliveries.

·        Respond to request/queries from the General Public in co-operation and consultation with Admin staff in Aids & Appliances Department

·        Asset tagging all equipment, and updating databases correctly.

·        Collections and deliveries to community service users and health centres setting up equipment correctly and filling out the correct paperwork.

·        Schedule logistic route for collections and deliveries, call service user and prescriber the day before collection delivery to arrange appointment.

·        Daily vehicle checks before using vans – sign and date checklist each and every time.

·        Update the databases on work carried out throughout each process – i.e. logistics, decontamination, asset management, communication to prescribers and service users, upload diesel receipts, vehicle checks etc.

·        Operate forklift in store facility.

·        Liaise with the relevant stakeholders as appropriate.

·        Any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager.

Education and Training

·        Participate in training courses as specified by the HSE, to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of technology, communications and healthcare regulations.

·        6 weeks training provided in house on all Aids & Appliances operations and duties in the Derg Centre Nenagh after induction.

Duties in line with Standard Operating Procedures are: (in house training will be provided)

Health & Safety

·        Be familiar with the code of safe lifting practice and to adhere to same at all times. (training provided)

·        Use protective clothing and equipment as necessary during the course of duty in accordance with the Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and 1985 and observe all other safety procedures currently in force. PPE will be provided.

·        Have a working knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation, including the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act (2005), Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations (2007) and a good level of knowledge regarding all other health and safety legislation.

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·        Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post possess:

Qualifications, Experience, etc.

Have completed second level education to Leaving Certificate standard (Level 5 on the Quality & Qualifications Ireland Framework) and have obtained a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or Higher-Level including Mathematics and English

Or

Hold an equivalent qualification

And

Have successfully undertaken or be willing to undertake the Solas Safe Pass Health & Safety Awareness Training Programme, or equivalent approved training programme.  (Please note if you have not undertaken this training, you will be required to successfully complete this training on taking up the post

And

Be the holder of a full valid unendorsed Category B Driving Licence

See note*

And

Have a minimum of 2 years satisfactory experience of working in a store or decontamination facility

And

Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good

character.

Note*

Candidates with penalty points on their licence should note that the maximum penalty points allowed by the HSE are 6 points at the closing date of the campaign. Candidates who are found to have incurred more than 6 penalty points on their licence will not progress further in the recruitment process. To find out how many penalty points are on your driving licence record, contact the Road Safety Authority at 1890 41 61 41, quoting your driver number.

Other requirements for the post

Access to appropriate personal transport.

The post holder may be required to carry a HSE mobile phone during working hours.

Flexibility around working hours to meet service needs.

The post holder may be required to participate in emergency call-outs.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Read more about Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Work Permits.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge

·        Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post.

·        Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within guidelines and procedures.

·        Demonstrate knowledge of current, Health & Safety and Infection control.

·        Demonstrate knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.

Planning & Organising Skills

·        Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills.

·        Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of value for money in the performance of work.

·        Demonstrate an organised, methodical and structured approach to work including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

·        Demonstrate experience in working effectively under pressure.

Team Skills

·        Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team and make positive contributions to that team.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

·        Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service; including an awareness and appreciation of the service user such as patients, general public, medical and non-medical staff.

·        Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job and service developments.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

·        Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, solve problems and make decisions in a timely manner.

·        Demonstrate the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team to resolve problems and implement solutions.

Communication / Interpersonal skills

·        Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner, written and verbal.

·        Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

·        Demonstrate an ability to receive and implement instructions in an effective and efficient manner.