Library Assistant

The Competition

The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which permanent and temporary posts may be filled at Library Assistant as vacancies arise.

The Candidate

Library Assistants are the public face of the Library Service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that he or she:

• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Has the experience and ability to provide excellence in customer service in a busy environment serving a variety of groups and individuals

• Has an interest and the ability to work with members of the public, in particular children and teenagers in a library setting

• Has the ability to work independently, on their own initiative and within a team environment

• Has the required commitment and enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute ideas and energy to all aspects of the Library Service’s work

• Has effective problem solving, planning and organisational skills

• Possesses a high level of information technology skills including proficiency in the use of systems and applications such as Microsoft Office

• Has an understanding of safety in the workplace including Health and Safety legislation and regulations

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Front line library service duties at a busy public library desk or running a one person branch in a smaller population centre

• Responding to customer queries, including information and requests

• Operating existing and future information technology systems, word processing, spreadsheets, database, library systems, electronic mail and internet

• Assisting the public in using the public internet, self service facilities and other library information technology equipment

• Providing mediated access to library resources in house and online

• Assisting in the promotion of the library service through an active role in the organisation and delivery of events such as book clubs, storytelling, class visits, community events and exhibitions

• Branch relief work covering other locations in County Kildare as required to maintain library branch network opening hours during periods of holiday leave, sick leave and similar

• General clerical and administrative duties relevant to the Library Service such as processing and RFID tagging of new library stock, health and safety checklists, branch statistics, photocopying, preparing letters, documents and presentations for public circulation, typing, minute taking, report and returns preparation, filing, arranging meetings, handling internal and external mail

• Supporting senior staff in the delivery of library services to the public

• Any other duties that may be assigned as part of the overall functioning of the Library Department

Qualifications

Character

Each candidate must be of good character

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

Education Training and Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, have a good general level of education. Copies of certificates, diplomas or degrees should be supplied with the application form

Particulars of Employment

The Post

The post is whole time, thirty five hours per week, and appointment may be permanent or temporary. The role will include weekend and evening working hours

Location

The successful applicant may be based in any library facility across County Kildare. Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign staff to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense

Drivers Licence

Library Assistants employed by Kildare County Council will be required to use their transport on occasions on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver licence and have available adequate means of transport. It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange appropriate motor insurance for business use and to indemnify Kildare County Council as required

Commencement

Kildare County Council shall require a person offered appointment to take up the position within a period of not more than one month unless otherwise agreed at the discretion of the Council

Working Hours

The current working hours are thirty five hours per week and will include weekend and evening working hours. Successful candidates may be required to work a five day roster from Monday to Saturday including late evenings. Rosters may change depending on location. Hours will be recorded in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and associated regulations

Reporting Arrangements

Library Assistants report directly to the appropriate supervisor or any other designated officer as assigned by the Director of Services. A system of regular appraisal will operate during employment involving discussions on performance and conduct

Probationary Period of Employment

Where a person is permanently appointed to Kildare County Council, there shall be a probationary period of twelve months. The Chief Executive may extend this period at their discretion. The appointment may be terminated during or at the end of probation if service is not satisfactory

Remuneration

The salary scale is €31,619 per annum to €47,297 per annum maximum, with a long service increment point of €48,924 per annum after three years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale. Candidates will normally start at the minimum point unless otherwise determined in accordance with public service rules. Pay is subject to statutory deductions

Superannuation and Retirement

A pensionable employee will be required to contribute to the relevant Local Authority superannuation scheme. The applicable scheme will depend on service status and legislation. Retirement age depends on scheme rules, including provisions for new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement is twenty seven days per annum. Leave and public holidays are governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and national agreements. Office closure days may be deducted from annual leave entitlement

Residence

The person appointed must reside in or near an address considered convenient to the Local Authority as approved by the Chief Executive

Outside Employment

The position is whole time and the employee may not engage in any outside employment that would interfere with official duties

Code of Conduct and Policies

Employees must comply with all current and future Kildare County Council policies including health and safety, data protection, equality, attendance management, communications and use of electronic equipment

Training

Employees are required to attend training programmes as directed and apply learning in the course of their duties

Health and Safety

The Council has a duty under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure employee safety so far as is reasonably practicable. Employees must co operate with all health and safety requirements and not engage in behaviour that could endanger themselves or others