Senior Library Assistant

The Position and Role

The role of the Senior Library Assistant is to provide support to branch managers and supervisory staff. Senior Library Assistants are a vital link in the team which promotes the library as a focal point for cultural activities, for community development, for learning and as a digital hub. Senior Library Assistants may also be called upon to direct staff in the absence of senior line managers and to direct or support national and local programmes within the service. Senior Library Assistants at Headquarters provide support for managers in areas where a certain level of experience and or initiative is required, for example administration, accounts management, requests and so on.

The Senior Library Assistant will work under the direction of the Librarian, Staff Officer, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Kildare County Council. The Senior Library Assistant may deputise for the Librarian, Staff Officer, Executive Librarian and will represent the Staff Officer and the organisation as required.

A panel may be formed from which future positions may be filled. The successful candidate or candidates may be assigned as required to any of the Branch Libraries or Library Headquarters or to any premises or location in use by the Council now or in the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 or her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office:

• Overseeing and delivering core frontline library services including online and providing access to resources in house and online

• House keeping and cataloguing functions within the Library Management System

• Maintaining, developing and promoting collections and services

• Using and promoting new technologies and assisting the public in using technology such as self service, Internet, online resources, digital equipment, iPads, Android tablets and so on

• Answering enquiries

• Requests

• Assist in training of staff particularly onsite

• Delivering excellent service to the public

• Liaising with community and education groups

• Contributing to publicity and promotional activities including online

• Contributing to events programme for example workshops on library information technology, local studies, class visits, story times, workshops, lectures and other events for adults and families

• Ensuring high standards of health and safety and child protection

• Assisting in the implementation of the Right to Read, Healthy Ireland at Your Library, Skills for Life and other programmes

• Providing outreach services to schools and other community organisations

• Management of the building or facility and service in the absence of a more senior officer

• Administration of buildings or facility and equipment maintenance programme

• Supporting and deputising where necessary for senior staff and working as part of a team with senior and junior staff, within the Performance Management and Development System structure

• General administration and financial administration duties including financial processing, maintaining and reviewing statistical records, gathering and compiling information and reporting on services

• Providing cover in other libraries when required to maintain opening hours and services

• Proposing ways of delivering better services and developing such proposals

• Contributing to and implementing Kildare County Council, Library Service and other policies and plans

• Any other duties as required by the County Librarian or Divisional Manager, Cultural Services Division

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the employee from time to time by the Local Authority and shall include the duty of deputising for other employees of the Local Authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to any other area of the Local Authority.

The Competition

The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which Senior Library Assistant positions may be filled as vacancies arise.

The Candidate

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that he or she:

• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrates proficient knowledge and experience in a library environment

• Has the experience and ability to provide excellence in customer service in a busy environment serving a variety of groups and individuals

• Has an interest and the ability to work with members of the public, in particular children and teenagers in a library setting

• Has the ability to work independently, on their own initiative and within a team environment

• Has the required commitment and enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute ideas and energy to all aspects of the Library Service’s work

• Has effective problem solving, planning and organisational skills

• Possesses a high level of information technology skills including proficiency in the use of systems and applications for example Microsoft Office

• Has an understanding of safety in the workplace including Health and Safety legislation and regulations

Candidates, if successful, will not be appointed to the post unless they:

• Agree to undertake the duties attached to the post and accept the conditions under which the duties are, or may be required to be, performed

• Are fully competent, capable and available to undertake the duties attached to the position

Qualifications and Requirements of the Post

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

Education, Training and Experience

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

a) Have a good general level of education

b) Have had at least two years satisfactory relevant experience of library work

Please supply copies of any certificates, diplomas or degrees you may have with the application form.

Non Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Particulars of Employment

The Post

The post is permanent, that is 35 hours per week.

Location

Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.

The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

Commencement

Kildare County Council shall require a 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 other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Kildare County Council shall not appoint them.

Working Hours

The current working hours are 35 hours per week. Kildare County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government Circulars.

Kildare County Council also has a flexi time system in operation, details of which are available from the Human Resources Section. You may be required to work overtime on various occasions.

All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations 2001. Kildare County Council requires employees to record their hours using a clocking system.

Reporting Arrangements

The Senior Library Assistant will report directly to the Librarian, Staff Officer, Executive Librarian or such a person as may be assigned from time to time by Kildare County Council. The Senior Library Assistant may deputise for the Librarian, Staff Officer, Executive Librarian and will represent the Librarian, Staff Officer and the organisation as required.

A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Probationary Period of Employment

Where a person is permanently appointed to Kildare County Council, the following provisions shall apply:

a) There shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position on probation

b) Such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at their discretion, extend such period

c) Such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory

d) The period at a above may be terminated on giving one weeks notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts

e) There will be assessments during the probationary period

Remuneration

€36,113 – €38,248 – €41,259 – €43,241 – €44,975 – €46,653 – €48,917 – €50,557 – €52,239 – €53,829 LSI1 – €55,460 LSI2

On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates employed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment. Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, for example Pay As You Earn and Pay Related Social Insurance. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and or conduct are not satisfactory.

Superannuation and Retirement

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.

The terms of the Local Government Superannuation Consolidation Scheme 1998 as amended or the Public Services Superannuation Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2004 or the Public Service Pensions Single Scheme and Other Provisions Act 2012 will apply as appropriate on appointment.

Retirement age for employees is dependent on their relevant contract of employment, with due consideration being given to the rules of the superannuation scheme to which they belong.

• For appointees who are deemed not to be new entrants as defined in the Public Service Superannuation Miscellaneous Provisions Act, retirement is compulsory on reaching 65 years of age

• The minimum retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2004 is 65. There is no mandatory retirement age

• Effective from 1 January 2013, the Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks:

Retirement age is set, initially, at 66 years. This will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028

Compulsory retirement age will be 70

Annual Leave

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 and the nationally agreed annual leave scheme for the sector. The annual leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. The current leave entitlement for this post is 30 days.

The Chief Executive of Kildare County Council retains autonomy regarding office closures, for example Christmas office closure. Any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.

Residence

The person holding the office must reside in, or at an address convenient to the Local Authority, as approved by the Chief Executive.

Outside Employment

The position is permanent and the officer may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Code of Conduct and Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Kildare County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment.

Training

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Health and Safety Regulations

Kildare County Council as an employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to cooperate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything which would place themselves or others at risk.

Canvassing

Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person or persons acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of the County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

Important Notice

The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.

Communications

Kildare County Council will contact you, when necessary, at each stage of the competition by email. It is strongly recommended that you only submit one email address with the application form and that you do not change your email address during this recruitment campaign, as any email will be sent to the email address originally supplied on your application form. It is important to note that the email address you provide when applying must be one that you can access at all times.

The onus is on the applicant to inform the Human Resources Department of any change in email address throughout the recruitment and selection campaign. This can be done by emailing jobs@kildarecoco.ie

. The onus is also on each applicant to ensure that he or she is in receipt of all communication from the Council. Kildare County Council does not accept responsibility for communications not accessed or received by an applicant.

The personal information collected on the application form, including any attachments which may include the collection of sensitive personal data, is collected for the purpose of processing this application and any data collected is subject to Kildare County Council’s privacy statement.

Before You Proceed

Before proceeding you should satisfy yourself that you meet the requirements for the post as set out in pages 4, 5 and 6 of this booklet. This will prevent you from incurring unnecessary expense in progressing in the competition.

Shortlisting

Kildare County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take the form of either a desktop shortlisting process based on the information provided by the candidate in their completed application form or a shortlisting interview.

Kildare County Council reserves its right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition.

Shortlisting will be completed on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form. The shortlisting process will provide for the assessment of each applicant’s application form against predetermined criteria that reflect the skills and depth of experience considered to be essential for a position at this level.

The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the shortlisting process. Kildare County Council’s decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going forward to the next stage of the process may be determined based on this information.

The shortlisting board will examine the application forms against predetermined criteria based on the requirements for the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications and experience on your application form. Based on examination of the application form, the shortlisting board will select those who appear to be most suitable for the position.

You will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times. The onus is on you to attend for interview on the dates and times allocated. Alternative dates and times cannot be facilitated. When attending for interview you must produce photographic identification.