Senior Library Assistant

THE COMPETITION Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Senior Library Assistant from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

JOB DESCRIPTION The Senior Library Assistant is a key support position within the Library service and Senior Library Assistants make a valuable contribution to the provision of the library service centrally and at local branch level by delivering frontline services and by providing support to library management. The duties of the Senior Library Assistant shall be consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities. The role involves supporting managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in providing front line support, meeting work goals and objectives and delivering quality services to internal and external customers. Holders of the post may be assigned to a particular Branch Library and may subsequently be moved to another branch within the Library network. The Senior Library Assistant role requires a high level of IT proficiency, excellent administrative, interpersonal, communication and other particular skills and expertise depending on assignment.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE The ideal candidate for the position shall: • Customer service • Working effectively as part of a team • Planning and prioritisation of workloads • Dealing effectively with conflicting demands • Working under pressure to tight deadlines • Adapting to change • Problem solving • Administration and report writing • Operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages • Project management in the context of a Library setting • Budget management • Acting on own initiative • Ability to communicate effectively across different levels within an organisation • Maintaining confidentiality

DUTIES The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require.

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following: • To support the line manager to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility. • Front-line library service duties at a busy public library desk. • Responding to customer queries, including information and requests. • Operating existing and future IT systems, word processing, spreadsheets, database, library systems, email, and internet. • Assisting the public in using the public internet, self-service facilities and other Library I.T. equipment. • Providing mediated access to library resources in-house and on-line. • Assisting in the promotion of the library service through an active role in the organisation and delivery of events, e.g. book clubs, storytelling, class visits, community events & exhibitions. • Branch Relief Work – cover in other locations as required to maintain library branch network opening hours during periods of holiday leave, sick leave, etc. • General clerical and administrative duties relevant to the Library Service, e.g. processing and RFID tagging of new library stock, cash management, Health & Safety checklist, branch statistics, photocopying, preparing letters / documents / presentations for public circulation, typing, minute taking, report / returns preparation, filing, arranging meetings, handling internal / external mail, etc. • Supporting senior staff in the delivery of library services to the public. • To support the line manager to ensure the section or department work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational Library plans. • To ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for information in a professional and courteous and timely manner. • To communicate and liaise effectively with employee, supervisors and line managers in other sections and customers in relation to operational matters for their section or work area • To prepare reports, correspondence and other documents as necessary. • To provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required • To supervise employees within their team or programmes of work within their area of responsibility, providing support to team members or colleagues as required • To identify opportunities for improvements in the service delivery within the relevant area of responsibility and to use key performance indicators or other performance indicators effectively as appropriate. • To compile, prepare and present reports as necessary, including the preparation of reports or letters which may be sensitive and/or confidential in nature. • To support the implementation of good practices with transparent reporting and communications to deliver accountable services in the department or section. • To provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of the Council’s policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers as appropriate. • To carry out duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making. • To organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and participate and engage in discussions as appropriate. • To carry out duties in a politically neutral manner, with a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority. • To provide specialist administrative assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required. • Deputise for line manager when required. • To support the Staff Officer in the management and implementation of Health and Safety for the section or department. • Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST ESSENTIAL CRITERIA 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Candidates shall 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: (i) have a good general level of education, and (ii) have had at least two years satisfactory experience of library work. Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition. *Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document. 4. Age Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 5. Citizenship: Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: (a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or (b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or (c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or (e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any

family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or (f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa. Salary: 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. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €35,260 - €37,366 - €40,355 - €42,318 - €44,035 - €45,696 - €47,938 - €49,560 - € 51,210 - €52,768 (1st LSI) - €54,367 (2nd LSI) (March 2025)