Library Assistant

Introduction to Role:

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Library Assistant. It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel. The Library Assistant will report directly to the Librarian/Staff Officer, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Waterford City & County Council.

Library Assistants make a valuable contribution to the library service at both local level and centrally by delivering services direct to the public, supporting IT and other systems, and by providing support to library management. The duties of the Library Assistant are consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of its wide range of customers of all ages and backgrounds. The main role of the Library Assistant is the delivery of the library service (public and/or support) in the geographical and functional areas of Waterford, in line with the priorities identified in Our Public Libraries 2022 and the broader national and local policy agenda.

Duties

The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed below, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by Waterford City & County Council.

 The following is a non-exhaustive list of duties which may be assigned to a Library Assistant:

• Providing frontline services;

• Answering enquiries, helping library users including students and researchers;

• Providing mediated access to library resources in-house and online;

• Using and promoting new technologies and assisting the public in using technology such as self- service, internet, online resources, digital equipment;

• Operating the Library Management System to check-in and out material, update patron records, retrieve information etc;

• Recommending appropriate books for children and adults of different reading levels and interests;

• Organising library resources and making them available to users;

• Taking an active role in promoting resources, including the organisation, promotion & delivery of events and activities such as storytelling, book clubs, class visits, lectures, community events, festivals publications, exhibitions etc.;

• Assisting in the implementation of local and national library programmes

• Providing outreach services to schools and other community organisations;

• Shelving and keeping books and other media in order;

• Sorting, processing, cataloguing and distributing stock;

• Collating statistics and maintaining records;

• Administrative duties including use of the Council’s financial management system;

• Forging links between the library, the education sector and the community;

• Supporting senior staff in service planning and delivery;

• Providing cover in other libraries when required to maintain opening hours and services;

• Any other duties as required by the County Librarian/Divisional Manager, Culture Division.

Qualifications & Requirement of the Post

The Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage has declared that the qualifications for the Library Assistant position shall be as set out hereunder:-

(a)Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

(b)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. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Medical advisor prior to appointment.

(c)Education, Training, Experience etc.

Each candidate must have a good general level of education.

(d) Desirable Requirements

It is desirable that candidates have:

• excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal, written & IT) skills;

• an excellent customer service ethos;

• excellent administrative and organisational skills, including time management;

• excellent ICT skills;

• the ability to work productively, both independently and as part of a team;

• initiative and be self-motivated in a workplace environment;

•       competence in the Irish language

• an interest in information, the local community and its history and culture

• an awareness of Health and Safety, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

• knowledge and understanding of modern public library services;

• knowledge of local policies and plans as they relate to the library service;

• an understanding of the County Council and of the Cultural Division.

Salary:

Current Salary Scale: €31,935 - €49,413 (LSI2)

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. New entrants will commence on the minimum point of the scale.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent officer of Waterford City & County Council is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:-

(a)             there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect, during which such person shall hold office on probation;

(b)             such period shall be 12 months but the Chief Executive may, at his or her discretion extend such a period;

(c)              such a person shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory.

Superannuation:

The relevant Superannuation Scheme will apply. The provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 may apply.

Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority as follows:

1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. The provisions of the Spouses and Children’s/Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply.

New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority.

Retirement Age

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness to carry out the duties to which they have been assigned.

Hours of Work:

The normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as required. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time. Flexible working arrangements apply. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Waterford City & County Council requires employees to record their hours using the CORE/TDS Clocking system.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement for the grade is 27 days per annum.

The Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council retains autonomy with regard to office closures, (e.g. Christmas Office Closure); any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.

Base:

As the Library Service is a county-wide service, library staff may be located at any of the 12 branches of Waterford City & County Council or alternated between branches.

Residence:

The successful candidate shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Drivers Licence:

Library Assistants employed by Waterford City & County Council will be required to use their car on occasions on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport.

It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance for business use and to indemnify Waterford City & County Council with the indemnity specified on the insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis.

Code of Conduct/Organisational Policies:

Employees are to be required to adhere to all current and future Waterford City & County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment. A full list of relevant policies is contained on the council Intranet.

Training:

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Commencement:

Waterford City & County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month (subject to notice requirements) and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Waterford City & County Council shall not appoint them.

Reporting Arrangements:

Library Assistants report directly to the appropriate Librarian / Staff Officer in the Library or to any other employee of Waterford City & County Council as the Chief Executive, Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose.

A system of regular appraisal (PMDS) will be operated during employment which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Health & Safety:

Waterford City & County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, in so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk.

Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.