Information Officer

Responsible to: Reporting to the Development Manager on a day-to-day basis.

Purpose of the Job: The provision of information, advice, and advocacy services to members of the public, and assisting the Development Manager in the work of the information service.

Main Duties

• Direct delivery of information, advice, and advocacy services as determined by the Board of Directors and in line with the Citizens Information Board guidelines for the provision of Citizens Information Services.

• Delivery of outreach services through Citizens Information Services and other outlets as required.

• Follow-up work arising from information and/or advocacy sessions with clients.

• Assist the Development Manager in developing innovative processes for the provision of quality information to clients in various formats, using the Citizens Information Board website (www.citizensinformation.ie) as an information tool, supplemented by other relevant information sources.

• Co-operate with other service providers, both statutory and voluntary, in developing information and advocacy provision and in joint initiatives.

• Operate query management, advocacy case management, and data collection/statistical analysis systems.

• Operate systems for monitoring and evaluating the service.

• Undertake publicity and promotional initiatives appropriate to service development.

• Assist in research and/or social policy initiatives relevant to service development.

• Identify and feedback to the Citizens Information Board on issues with social policy implications.

• Represent the CIS at conferences and events as decided by the Board or Development Manager.

• Perform other duties (including administrative duties) as assigned by the Development Manager.

Minimum Education Qualifications and Attainments

• Educated to Leaving Certificate standard, or equivalent, with a minimum of one year’s experience in an information, advice, or advocacy setting; or

• Less formal academic qualifications with a minimum of three years’ experience in an information, advice, or advocacy role.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Understanding of the issues surrounding the provision of and access to information, advice, and advocacy services.

• Working knowledge of social welfare, health, and income tax systems, and in-depth knowledge of at least one of the following: employment, housing, immigration, consumer rights, or education.

• Excellent organisational, administrative, and IT skills.

Desirable Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Ability to absorb, analyse, and evaluate information from various sources.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Previous experience in the information or voluntary sector.

• Proven ability to represent, negotiate, and communicate on a client’s behalf.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, effectively within CIS support and supervision structures.

• Ability to interpret and implement organisational policy.

The Successful Candidate Will Be

• Committed to providing free, confidential, impartial, local, and independent information, advice, and advocacy services.

• Knowledgeable about the range of services provided by Citizens Information Services and the Citizens Information Board.

• Aware of the unique characteristics of an organisation providing public service through trained volunteer personnel.

• Open to working unsocial hours when required, including evenings and occasional weekends (TOIL arrangements apply).

Terms and Conditions

• Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period (extendable at the discretion of the Development/Regional Manager).

• Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time) / 17.5 hours per week (part-time). Occasional evening work may be required.

• Salary Scale: €33,992 – €51,862 (pro-rata for part-time).

  • Incremental credit may be considered based on relevant competencies and employment history, subject to funding and Board approval. Requests must be made within the first 3 months of employment.

• Pension: Mandatory company pension scheme — Employee contribution: 5% of salary; Employer contribution: 7% of salary.

  • Normal retirement age aligns with the State Pension age (currently 66).

• Annual Leave:

  • 23 days

  • 24 days (after 2 years of service)

  • 25 days (after 5 years of service)

  • Leave is calculated pro-rata for part-year service.