School Warden

SECTION 1: THE ROLE Each local authority can arrange with An Garda Sióchána 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 schoolchildren 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:- 1. Reporting for duty promptly at the specified times and locations assigned, under the direction of the Supervisor. 2. The Warden must operate strictly in accordance with the instructions for School Wardens (as per Garda/Cork County Council training) at all times. 3. The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Cork County Council’s Health and Safety Management System. Working in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation and construction regulations, will be the primary responsibility of all School Wardens. 4. The school warden will use the statutory uniform and equipment provided for the safety of yourself, children and all other members of the public, especially when stopping traffic on the public roadway. This requires carrying of the official Stop sign at all times and to ensure that the uniform is kept in a clean neat condition. 5. Maintain control over children who are awaiting your instructions to cross. 6. If the Warden has any trouble in controlling, or encounter disobedience by the children, they should inform the Principal of the school concerned. Any disobedience by traffic in general should be reported forthwith to the Gardai. 7. The Warden should never break up organised convoys, wedding, funerals, parades, or hold up fire appliances or ambulances for the purpose of allowing children to cross but wait for suitable opportunities when they have passed. 8. Report any problems or difficulties to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices. 9. All accidents at the crossing point involving the Warden in the operation of his/her duties must be reported immediately after the duty period by telephone, to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices. All relevant details must be recorded including car make/model, registration number, name of drivers/pedestrians involved, time and date of accident. The names/addresses of any witnesses must be recorded also and a written report is to be submitted to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices within the following 3 days. 10. The Warden must not attempt to apportion blame to any person nor admit liability on his/her (or the Council’s) own part. 11. In connection with the hours of duty any changes made by the school to their class times, which affect your duty periods, must be notified to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character and will be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the post. 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. 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. 3. Education, Experience 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 School Warden Scoil Mhuire N.S, Buttevant, which may arise during the lifetime of the panel. 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 person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointments 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: €19.03 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 Scoil Mhuire N.S, Buttevant, 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