Library Attendant

Job Requirements

Minimum Eligibility Requirements The minimum eligibility requirements are set out by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for administrative and technical/engineering grades. For outdoor grades and some specialised roles, Tipperary County Council’s Human Resources Department, in consultation with the relevant Line Manager, sets the requirements.

Applicants must submit scanned documentation to confirm they meet the following:

Qualifications The person holding the employment must:

• Be of good character.

• Be free from any defect or disease that would render them unsuitable for the employment and be in a state of health indicating a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

• Possess adequate training or experience to efficiently discharge the duties of the employment.

• Live within the area of employment or within a reasonable distance to perform duties satisfactorily.

Applicants should ensure they are eligible under the required qualifications. Failure to provide all required documents (e.g., qualifications, ID) at submission may invalidate the application. Incomplete application form answers may also render the application invalid.

Duties of the Role Tipperary County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons for inclusion on a panel, from which vacancies for the post of Library Attendant may be filled. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining library areas in good and secure order, including securing and opening the building, handling alarm and security systems, alarm call-out duties, and CCTV operation.

• Providing excellent customer service, keeping the Line Manager or assigned Supervisor informed of public interactions.

• Supporting the library staff team in managing anti-social behaviour, unsupervised children, group visits, and general library user management, following Health & Safety and Child Protection guidelines.

• Cooperating with Tipperary County Council’s Safety Statement and ensuring day-to-day Health & Safety compliance in the library. Reporting Health & Safety issues to the Line Manager or assigned Supervisor.

• Assisting with regular Health & Safety inspections.

• Maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in library and external areas, including toilets.

• Performing basic repairs and maintenance of the library building and external areas.

• Assisting with library events/meetings, providing customer assistance and refreshments, and post-event clean-up.

• Signing-in contractors and visitors.

• Answering phones and referring public queries to library staff as necessary.

• Basic IT troubleshooting and maintenance under direction.

• Shelving returned books efficiently.

• Collecting newspapers, delivering post, and distributing promotional material.

• Monthly lodgements of cash to the Cash Desk at the Civic Offices, Clonmel.

• Responding to reasonable requests for assistance outside normal working hours.

• Participating in PMDS and training provided by the County Council.

• Performing any other duties assigned by the Line Manager or assigned Supervisor.

The above list is not exhaustive; the postholder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the role and contribute to its development.

Desirable Attributes The ideal candidate shall:

• Possess excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Work effectively within a team, take instruction, and deliver positive outcomes.

• Engage positively with a wide range of people, including young people and teenagers.

• Possess excellent organisation, literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.

• Demonstrate problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

• Work effectively under pressure and achieve objectives timely.

• Show interest in the library service and contribute to good service delivery.

• Be available to work a 39-hour week, including evenings and weekends.

The Library Attendant reports directly to the Librarian/Executive Librarian/Staff Officer Library in the branch.

Citizenship Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland under the free movement agreement; or

• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse, child, or parent of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen with a Stamp 4 visa; or

• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or a family member entitled to remain in the State with a Stamp 4 visa.

Salary

• Current weekly rate: €764.33, rising by annual increments to a maximum of €788.73 per week.

• Remuneration is fully inclusive and paid fortnightly by PayPath to the employee’s nominated bank account.

• All statutory deductions apply (e.g., PAYE, PRSI).

• Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct, performance, and national agreements.

Probation

• A probationary period applies for candidates not already permanent officers of Tipperary County Council.

• Maximum probation period: one year for permanent contracts or as specified for temporary/fixed-term contracts.

• The postholder will cease to hold office at the end of probation unless service is certified as satisfactory.

Base

• Clonmel Library.

• Tipperary County Council reserves the right to assign the postholder to any department or premises now or in the future. Changes in location will not entitle the employee to disturbance money or other compensation.

Superannuation

• Relevant Superannuation Scheme applies, including the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998.

• Contributions:

  • Class A PRSI: 1.5% of pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.

  • Class D PRSI: 5% of pensionable remuneration.

• Spouses and Children’s/Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme provisions apply.

• New entrants join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Pension requires a minimum of two years’ service in a Local Authority.

Retirement Age

• No mandatory retirement age for new entrants under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

• Maximum retirement age: 70 years under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

• Staff may be referred to a medical advisor to determine fitness for duties.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

• Retirees under ISER cannot apply for another position in the same employment or sector.

Annual Leave

• Entitlement: 24 working days per annum plus Good Friday.

• Leave, payment, and public holiday arrangements governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (as amended).

• Office closure days (e.g., Christmas) are reserved from the annual leave entitlement.

Residence

• The postholder must reside in the district of duty or within a reasonable distance.

Driver’s Licence

• Employees required to use a vehicle for official business must hold a current clean driver’s licence.

• Appropriate car insurance for business use must be arranged and indemnify Tipperary County Council. Documentation must be supplied annually.

Code of Conduct/Organisational Policies

• Employees must adhere to all current and future Tipperary County Council codes and organisational policies, including Health & Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management, and Use of Electronic Equipment.

Training

• Employees are required to attend and fully participate in training programmes and apply learning to daily work.

Location of Assignment/Appointment

• Tipperary County Council may assign the successful candidate to any premises now or in the future.

• The postholder reports to their workplace using their own transport and at their own expense.

Commencement

• Appointees must take up the post within one month (subject to notice requirements) or a longer period determined at Council discretion. Failure to report may result in non-appointment.

Reporting Arrangements

• Reports to the appropriate supervisor or as designated by the Chief Executive, Director of Services, or other employee.

• PMDS system operates for regular performance and conduct appraisal.

Health & Safety

• Tipperary County Council ensures, as reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

• Employees must cooperate with management, avoid unsafe conduct, not be under the influence of intoxicants, comply with safety rules, and attend required training.

• All employees cooperate with ISO 45001 Health & Safety accreditation standards.