Relief School Warden

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Each local authority can arrange with An Garda Síochána for school traffic wardens to patrol places where schoolchildren cross public roads. The school traffic warden’s role is to ensure that primary-school children cross public roads safely on their way to and from school.

The Gardaí and school traffic wardens are the only officials in Ireland who have the authority to stop other vehicles on public roads. The law governing the appointment of school traffic wardens is the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (Section 96).

School traffic wardens usually work in the mornings, at lunchtime and in the evenings, when children are most likely to cross the road to go to or from school.

School traffic wardens wear a distinctive uniform (a high-visibility coat and hat). They must also carry a distinctive sign (a white disc with a red border and the word ‘Stop’ in the centre). By displaying this sign, the school traffic warden has the power to stop the traffic to enable school children to cross the road in safety. Traffic must remain stopped as long as the warden displays the sign.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the officer from time to time by the local authority. These duties may include:

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

Each candidate must be of good character.

Each Candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. The Council reserves the right to retire a Warden who, in the opinion of the Council’s medical advisor, is medically unsuitable to discharge his/her duties effectively due to age or infirmity.

Each candidate must have a good general education of a sufficient standard to enable that person to understand fully and carry out the duties of the post.

An ideal candidate will:

A. Operate at all times at the designated crossing point. This crossing point cannot be altered, however temporarily, by any person/body other than Cork County Council (with Garda Approval).

B. Comply with safety policy and directive in force from time to time and must wear the uniform and carry the sign at all times while on duty.

C. Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures and legislation.

D. Co-operate with the familiarisation/instruction of other employees where appropriate.

E. Manage and maintain resources effectively and efficiently.

SECTION 4: TENURE

The employment is for the duration of the school year. The employment is part-time and pensionable.

A panel may be formed to fill vacancies for Scoil Bhride NS and Crosshaven Boys NS.

Sick leave does not apply to this part-time employment, however, depending on the number of hours worked, a warden may be entitled to claim Disability Benefit from the Department of Social Welfare.

The local authority shall require the person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

SECTION 5: SALARY

The wage for the post is: €19.65 basic per hour.

Payment will not be made in respect of normal school holiday periods, i.e. summer, Christmas or Easter or other.

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

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.

The contract may be terminated at any time subject to normal legal requirements.

SECTION 6: LOCATION OF POST

The position will be at Crosshaven Boys’ National School and Scoil Bhride National School, Crosshaven, Co. Cork.

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.

The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

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

SECTION 7: WORKING HOURS

The Warden will be required to operate punctually at all times when children are crossing. The hours of work will be determined by the Principal of the school concerned.

Please note that times are subject to change at the Council’s discretion.

Hours of Duty: As per the school or as required.

N.B. The times are subject to review, having regard to changes in class starting/finishing times and/or changing crossing patterns.

SECTION 8: ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave will, if applicable, be in accordance with the terms of the Holidays Employees Act, 1973 as amended by the Workers Protection (Regular Part-Time Employees) Act, 1991.

Please note particularly the Council will determine the times at which annual leave may be taken having regard to the absolute priority of having the school crossing operated while children are attending school.

For those who are not entitled to annual leave, the same criteria will apply to unpaid leave of absence.