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:

The 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.

The 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.

Assisting the Development Manager in the development of 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.

To co-operate with other service providers in the area and more generally, both statutory and voluntary, in the development of information and advocacy provision and on joint initiatives from time to time.

Operation of query management, advocacy case management and data collection and statistical analysis systems.

Operation of systems for monitoring and evaluation of the service.

Undertaking publicity and promotional initiatives appropriate to the development of the service.

Assisting in any research and/or social policy initiatives appropriate to the development of the service.

Identifying and feeding back to the Citizens Information Board issues that have social policy implications.

Representing the Citizens Information Service at conferences and other events as decided by the Board or Development Manager.

Such duties (including administrative duties) as may be assigned from time to time by the Development Manager.

Minimum Education Qualifications and Attainments

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

or

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

Essential Knowledge and Experience

An understanding of the issues around the provision of, and access to, information, advice and advocacy services.

Working knowledge and understanding of how the social welfare, health and income tax systems operate in general, and a working knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: employment, housing, immigration, consumer rights, or education.

Excellent organisational, administrative and information technology skills.

Desirable Skills, Abilities and Experience

Demonstrated ability to absorb, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Previous experience in the information or voluntary sector.

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

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team, working effectively within the support and supervision structures operated by the Citizens Information Service.

Ability to interpret and implement organisational policy.

The Successful Candidate will be:

Committed to the provision of free, confidential, impartial, local and independent information, advice and advocacy services.

Knowledgeable about the range of information, advice and advocacy services provided by the Citizens Information Services supported by the Citizens Information Board, and knowledgeable about volunteering, particularly the distinctive characteristics of an organisation which provides a service to the public through trained volunteer personnel.

Willing to work unsocial hours as may be required from time to time and willing to attend evening and occasional weekend work. Time Off In Lieu arrangements apply in all such circumstances.

This is a permanent position, subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period. The period of probation may be extended at the discretion of the Development Manager or Regional Manager. The successful candidate will be available to work 17.5 hours per week (part-time). There may be a requirement to work evenings from time to time.

Salary Scale: €34,672, €37,201, €39,755, €41,656, €43,497, €45,977, €47,781, €49,599 (maximum), €51,251 (LSI 1), €52,899 (LSI 2). Salaries are pro rata for part-time work.

Incremental Credit:

It is expected that all new entrants to South Munster Citizens Information Service will be appointed at point one of the salary scale. However, South Munster Citizens Information Service operates an incremental credit process for appointments higher than point one. This process is applicable to new entrants into South Munster Citizens Information Service. Incremental credit criteria, based on the competencies for the role, are assessed against employment history as laid out in the application form only. A request for incremental credit from a successful candidate must be made within the first three months of employment. The decision on whether or not to award an incremental credit is made by the Board and is subject to the availability of funding.

Pension:

A company pension scheme is in place, and membership is obligatory upon commencement. Employee contribution: 5% of salary. Employer contribution: 7% of salary. Please note that the Citizens Information Service has established a normal retirement age in line with the state pension age (currently 66).

Annual Leave:

Calculated on a pro rata basis for part-year service as follows:

23 days

24 days (upon completion of two years’ service)

25 days (upon completion of five years’ service)

Full terms and conditions are contained in a Staff Handbook, which is issued with and forms part of the Employee Contract at the Citizens Information Service.