Grade VII - ICT Infrastructure Administrator

Details of Service

The Child and Family Agency was established on 1st January 2014 and is responsible for a range of statutory functions including provision of child protection, alternative care, specified regulatory services and a range of family support services. The Agency has commenced a major improvement programme with significant focus on Practice, Culture and Structure. The Agency currently has responsibility for a budget of circa €1.2billion and delivers its services through over 5,500 people in 259 locations across the Country.

The Child and Family Agency has responsibility for the following range of services:

• Child Protection and Welfare

• Parenting, Family Support and Early Help Services

• Alternative Care

• Birth Information & Tracing and Adoption

• Tusla Education Support Services (TESS)

• Children’s Service Regulation

• Counselling and Therapeutic Supports

Further information is available on www.tusla.ie

About Tusla ICT

Tusla ICT provide the innovation, systems and support to assist the Agency in delivering its services for children and families as well as achieving its business and strategic objectives. Tusla has one of the largest ICT networks in the Irish Public Service, with approximately 6,000 users and 300 office/centre locations.

The ICT directorate are responsible for delivering the following functions: ICT Networks, Server and Storage Management; Cyber Security, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery; 0365 and Cloud Management; Application Development; Digital Transformation and Support; Data and Information Management; ICT Service Delivery; ICT Business Support, Governance and ICT Programme Management.

Purpose of Role

The ICT Server Administrator will work as part of the ICT Infrastructure team to develop and maintain Tusla’s ICT Server and Storage environments.

Reporting Relationship

The successful applicant will report to the ICT Infrastructure Manager or other relevant manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The role requires an experienced server administrator with strong technical skillset in Windows Server, Active Directory, Storage and related server environment management technologies.

Servers

• Develop and Administer Tusla’s windows server environment. This includes the deployment of servers, upgrade of servers, daily checks, preventative and reactive maintenance, OS updates.

• Develop and Administer Tusla’s VMware environment. This includes guest deployment, daily checks and resource pool administration.

• Develop and Administer Tusla’s Physical server environment. This includes the deployment of servers, upgrade of servers, daily checks, preventative and reactive maintenance, and system updates.

• Support ongoing server monitoring and handling of alerts. This includes use of monitoring tools such as Solarwinds, CloudIQ, EcoStructure, Qualys, Sophos etc.

Storage

• Develop and Administer Tusla’s storage environment. This includes daily checks, LUN provisioning, and coordinating updates.

• Support ongoing monitoring and handling of alerts.

Backup and Replication

• Develop and Administer Tusla’s backup systems (Commvault). This includes daily checks, adding and removing servers.

• Support ongoing monitoring and handling of alerts.

• Liaising with third-party partner on issues and upgrades, etc.

General

• Support Level 2/3 infrastructure troubleshooting.

• Work as part of project teams in assisting with the delivery of various ICT infrastructure initiatives.

• Communication with vendors regarding the support of systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address issues and implement best practices.

• Administer Tusla’s Active Directory infrastructure including Group Policy management.

• Administer server and client patch management.

• Administer network and security environments.

• Vulnerability Management (Detect and Remediate).

• Support the infrastructure team with general administrative tasks as needed.

• Interacting with users/staff/vendors around installations & support issues.

• Contribute to the documentation of processes and procedures.

• Aid in testing and documentation of same for new technology rollouts.

• Develop and Maintain Daily Auditable Checks and run books.

• Other infrastructure duties as required.

Relationship Management and Collaboration

• Work as part of the infrastructure team in developing and maintaining a technical environment that is secure, highly available and fit for use.

• Work in collaboration with the ICT Service Delivery team and the other ICT Teams as required to support data related tier 3 support, incident management and problem management issues.

• Work with external vendors and other ICT Staff in delivering infrastructure related initiatives.

Resource Management

• If applicable, to train, supervise, and evaluate staff in their respective roles on the infrastructure team.

• If applicable, ensuring that the appropriate performance management frameworks are implemented for any assigned staff.

Health & Safety

• Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the service for example National Standards for Child Protection and Care and comply with associated Tusla – Child and Family Agency protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

• To 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

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

• Have a third level qualification in ICT, Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.

• Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in administering ICT infrastructure environments.

• Excellent technical skills and experience in Microsoft Windows Server and VMWare ESXI.

• Excellent Knowledge and experience of managing SANs and Backup Systems.

• The requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) 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.

Other Requirements of the Role

• The post holder will require a current driving licence and access to appropriate transport as the post will involve travel.

• Have awareness of children and young people’s participatory practice.

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The post is pensionable.

A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration will be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage for each individual post.

The purpose of this campaign is to fill immediate urgent vacancies and it is expected that panel placements will cease if expressions are not received within the appropriate processes.

Appointment as an employee of the Child & Family Agency is governed by the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is:

01/08/2025: €60,013, €61,479, €63,192, €64,911, €66,636, €68,176, €69,745, €71,272, €72,788, €75,397, €78,015 LSIs

LSIs (Long Service Increments) are represented by emboldened figures. 1st LSI is paid after 3 years on the max, the 2nd LSI after 3 years on LSI1, and the 3rd LSI after 3 years on the 2nd LSI (where applicable).

The appointee shall commence on the first point of the salary scale. Incremental credit may be given on appointment for certain types of relevant experience - more information available in Appendix 5.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation, and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Different terms and conditions may apply if the appointee is currently a serving civil or public servant.

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 35 hours.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is 30 days per annum.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with Tusla. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment.

Probation

A probation period of 39 weeks, or proportion of same for fixed term /specified purpose contracts, where applicable shall apply from the commencement of employment, during which the contract may be terminated by either party in accordance with this contract. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of management by a further 9 weeks or proportion of same for fixed term/specified purpose contracts, where applicable. Confirmation of appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probationary period, for permanent contracts.

Where you have already completed a probationary period with the Child and Family Agency, Health Service Executive, Local Authority, and there is no break in service, no period of probation applies.

Responsibilities under Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) The safety and welfare of children and young people is a key priority for Tusla – Child and Family Agency. All employees of Tusla are required to be vigilant to any concerns regarding the protection and welfare of children and to bring them to the attention of the Tusla Designated Person in a timely manner, in keeping with the Tusla – Child and Family Agency Child Protection policies.

National Standards for Children and Family Services Employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards (https://www.hiqa.ie/areas-we-work/childrens-services) and / or the Adoption Authority of Ireland Standards as they apply to the role. All Employees must be aware of their responsibilities under Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001 Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale NOTE THIS SECTION REFERS TO POSTS AT €79,847 PLUS Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below.

A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post. This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive not later than 31st January in the following year.

B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of Tusla and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest. A person holding such post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive. The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive.

C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission’s website http://www.sipo.gov.ie/

Appendix 1

(i) EEA Nationals EEA nationals who do not require work permits / visas / authorizations are nationals of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

(ii) Non-European Economic Area Applicants Who Reside Within the State In order that we can process your application it will be necessary for you to submit the following scanned documentation:

• A scanned copy of your passport showing your identification i.e. the first page of your passport showing your photograph and personal details and current immigration stamp showing you have permission to be in this State.

• A scanned copy of your current Certificate of Registration (GNIB card/IRP Card) showing Stamp 1, Stamp 4/ 4EUfam, Stamp 5 Or

• A scanned copy of your current Certificate of Registration (GNIB card/IRP Card) showing Stamp 3 and scanned copies of the following:

  • Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate

  • Spouse’s passport showing their identification and current immigration stamp and their current GNIB card/IRP card showing Stamp 1, 4 or 5 Or

• If your spouse holds a Stamp 2 for the purposes of PhD study, please include a copy of their passport showing their identification and current immigration stamp and their current GNIB card/IRP card showing Stamp 2 and documentary evidence from the relevant educational institution showing that they are a PhD student.

Applications that are not accompanied by the above documents where necessary will be considered incomplete and will not be processed any further. This means that your application will not be submitted for the ranking exercise and subsequent invitation to interview.

For more details on EEA countries please see visit the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation website www.dbei.ie

Please note: Tusla Recruit welcomes applications from suitably qualified Non-EEA Nationals that have refugee status. We would be grateful if such applicants would provide documentary evidence confirming their status.

Appendix 2

All appointments will require satisfactory security clearances. Please note if you require overseas security clearance and are unable to produce it at the time of job offer, then the job offer may be withdrawn.

• If you lived in any country for 6 months or more other than the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, you will be required to provide security clearance for each jurisdiction in which you have resided.

• Your security clearance must be dated AFTER you left that country and cover the entire period of your residence.

• Seeking security clearances from other countries (e.g. UK, USA etc.) are the responsibility of the candidate. It is a process which can take an amount of time. Therefore if you are interested in pursuing a career with Tusla we would strongly advise that you commence seeking international security clearances now.

All applicants will need to apply for a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau.

• If you have resided in countries outside of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for a period of 6 months or more, it will be mandatory for you to furnish this department with a Police Clearance Certificate from those countries stating that you have no convictions recorded against you while residing there.

• You will need to provide a separate Police Clearance Certificate for each country you have resided in.

• Clearance must be dated after the date you left the country/countries.

Note: Candidates who studied outside of Ireland e.g., in the UK, please pay particular attention to this. You will require UK disclosure to cover the entire period you were in the UK. Clearance must be dated after you left the UK.

The following websites may be of assistance in this regard:

United Kingdom

• London: http://content.met.police.uk/Site/infomationaboutyourself

• Metropolitan Police Service – Your right to information

• www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

• http://www.south-wales.police.uk/more-about-us/your-right-to-information/dataprotection/

• www.north-wales.police.uk

• http://www.police.uk/forces/ – This website provides links to each police force site in the UK. Click on the relevant force covering the area where you resided.

• A search under Data Protection or Data Access Request or Subject Access Request will bring you to the relevant section of that Police Force’s website.

• https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job – This website provides a list of registered agencies in the UK who may process your request for UK clearance with the Criminal Records Bureau.

Australia

• www.afp.gov.au – This website provides information on obtaining a national police clearance certificate for Australia.

New Zealand

• www.courts.govt.nz – This website provides information on obtaining police clearance in New Zealand.

United States of America

• Please note that valid Security/Overseas Clearance from the USA must be obtained from the FBI only.

• https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks – FBI Clearance is valid for all of the United States and convictions/remarks occurring anywhere in the United States would be noted.

• Individual US State Clearance (e.g., New York State Clearance) is not acceptable as it is valid for that State alone and convictions/remarks occurring in other States may or may not be noted.

Other Countries

• For other countries not listed above, it may be helpful to contact the relevant embassies who could provide information on seeking Police Clearance.

Candidates please do not send overseas clearance or any other documentation unless requested. Candidates who receive job offers will have 5 working days to produce the required documentation; otherwise, the job offer will be withdrawn.

• When requested, a copy of your overseas Clearance will be retained on file and the original returned to you by post.

• Any costs incurred in this process will be borne by the candidate.

Appendix 3 – Persons in Receipt of a Pension from Specified Superannuation Schemes

Former Health Service and Public Sector Employees must adhere to the relevant prohibition of re-employment provisions where they have previously availed of a Public Service Voluntary Early Retirement or Ill Health Retirement Pension from any of the following Pension Schemes:

• Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS)

• Health Service Executive Employee Superannuation Scheme

• Voluntary Hospitals Superannuation Scheme (VHSS Officers/Non Officers)

• Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme (NHASS)

• Other Public Service Superannuation Scheme