Library Staff Officer

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on panels from which vacancies for Library Staff Officer (Grade 5) may be filled.

The Library Service is delivered through a branch and mobile network, supplemented by a growing suite of online services. The 25 branch libraries are located in the main towns throughout Co. Cork and include the Library HQ on Carrigrohane Road, which also serves as the centre for Reference and Local Studies, bibliographic services and administration. Towns and villages not served by a branch library are served by a fleet of 4 mobile libraries, which operates a fortnightly schedule across the county. Key deliverables of the library service are to provide access to reading, information, knowledge, culture and learning to the people of County Cork and beyond.

Cork County Library aims to empower communities by providing access to resources that educate, inform, enlighten and enrich the lives of their citizens, by supporting and promoting literacy and a love of reading, and by collecting and preserving resources relating to the cultural heritage of County Cork. Cork County Library will continue to fulfil its mission through a branch and mobile library network that places libraries at the centre of their communities, as well as through a growing online presence that seeks to connect with and serve people in a digital society.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

• Manage a Library, Operational Library Section and/ or Project.
• Support Executive Librarian in managing a Library, Operational Library Section and/or Project.
• Maintain high levels of Customer Service.
• Staff Supervision.
• Manage Resources such as Buildings, Budgets and Services.
• Knowledge of and Commitment to organisational policies, plans, procedures and performance measurements.
• Liaise with internal and external partners.

·       Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

Cork County Council, invites applications, from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for Library Staff Officer (Grade 5) may be filled. Cork County Council will, following the interview process, form three panels for the post of Library Staff Officer from which future vacancies may be filled. 20% will be confined to the recruiting Local Authority, 50% will be confined to the Local Authority Sector, 30% will be filled by Open Competition.

Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for the following panel(s):

·       Panel A Confined to Local Authority Sector/Regional Assemblies

(Be a serving member of the Local Authority Sector/Regional Assemblies)

·       Panel B Open Competition

(Open to internal and external applicants)

·       Panel C Confined to the recruiting Local Authority or Applicable Regional Assembly

(Be a serving member of the recruiting Local Authority/Regional Assembly)

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. 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.

3. Education, Training, Experience etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(1) (a) Have at least obtained Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level in 5 subjects (or 4 subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics, AND

(b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in 3 subjects in that examination (2 subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics) OR

(2) Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, OR

(3) Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

Confined competition

(4) Be a serving employee of a Local Authority/Regional Assembly and have at least two years satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or in an analogous post.

4. Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

5. Transport

When required to do so, holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

6. Required Skillset

In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Executive Engineer listed above, the ideal candidate should demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies;

• Delivering Results, Interpersonal and Communication Skills and Specialist Library Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development;
• Experience in management and supervision of staff;
• Ability to motivate a team effectively and develop good working relationships with stakeholders and with customers;   
• An ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
• Strong customer service ethos and sense of commitment to delivering a quality public service;
• Excellent IT skills, including an understanding of the role of digital technologies in the delivery of library services, social media services and promotion;
• Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authority and the library service including awareness of current issues and strategic direction of library services.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES

A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality.  You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality. 

It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done - for example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

For each example, please include the following:

a)     the nature of the task, problem or objective;

b)    what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it)

c)     the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one.  A shortlisting process may be applied based on TWO or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form.

Please note that, should you be called to interview, the board may look for additional examples of where you demonstrated the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies required for this post, so you should think of a number of examples of where you demonstrated each of the skills

Delivery of Results

·      Assumes personal responsibility for and delivers on agreed objectives/goals.

·      Manages and progresses multiple projects and work activities successfully.

·      Accurately estimates time parameters for projects and manages own time efficiently, anticipating obstacles and making contingencies for overcoming these.

·      Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of customers at all times.

·      Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner.

·       Uses resources effectively, at all times challenging processes to improve efficiencies.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

·          Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner verbally and in writing.

·          Is able to listen effectively and develop a two-way dialogue quickly.

·          Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers.

·          Effectively influences others to take action

·          Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working.

·           Can lead a team/service area in a way that shows a clear sense of purpose and commitment to the service’s mission, vision and values.

Specialist Library Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

·          Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/organisation.

·          Develops the expertise necessary to carry out the role to a high standard and shares this with others.

·          Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the Department and/or wider public service.

·          Consistently reviews own performance and sets self challenging goals and targets.

·          Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge for the role and an understanding of the structures within which the library service operates.

Management and Change

·          Understand and implement change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change;

·          Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is permanent and fulltime. The post is pensionable. Panels may be formed to fill vacancies for Library Staff Officer (Grade 5) which may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY

The Salary scale for the post is: €51,722 - €61,865 per annum

€51,722 - €53,266 - €54,844 - €56,454 - €58,76 - (Maximum), €59,967 (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum), €61,865 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI).

Applicants should note that entry point to the salary scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, & Heritage. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The

awarding of increments is subject to satisfactory service. Holders of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST

The base for working purposes shall be the location as determined by Cork County Council. Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation.

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The working hours at present provide for a five-day, thirty-five hour working week.

Saturday work is the norm and evening work is also a possibility. Branch hours may vary. Normal library arrangements for Saturday working will apply in respect of such activities.

Cork County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Cork County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997(as amended).