Senior Staff Officer

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent.

or

Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher.

or

Have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

SKILLS

Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role.

Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service Competency Frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership Potential
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills.
• Administrative, Organisational & Decision Making Skills.
• Delivery of Results.
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development.
• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values.

Job Description:

MSLETBs Payroll function has moved to a shared operating model whereby MSLETB retain certain stated payroll activities and the Department of Education and Youth - Education Shared Business Services (ESBS) has taken over certain stated payroll functions.

As a key member of the Middle Management Team, The Senior Staff Officer will have responsibility, under general direction, for a large section or area of the HR Department. The Senior Staff Officer may have a large, multi-level staff and will take responsibility for decision making in the section or area. The Senior Staff Officer will have responsibility for staff management, project management and data management.

The post is a supervisory position within MSLETB and the Senior Staff Officer will be assigned responsibility for the day to day operation and supervision of work areas, section or team. The Senior Staff Officer will

• promote and maintain best practice throughout the HR Department to ensure a quality service is delivered at all times.

• be required to be flexible in this position and must be prepared to undertake such other duties as assigned to them by the HR Manager. Such duties may be outside the normal area of work.

Reporting/Accountability Relationship

The Senior Staff Officer Grade VI will report to the Human Resources Department- Administrative Officer Grade VII.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To plan, organise, control, manage and co-ordinate the efficient operation of various on-going, current and new projects of Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB, Payroll Unit within the Human Resources Department, assigned to the appointee, and to perform these duties in consultation and co-operation with their direct Line Manager and the Head of Human Resources, as well as other ETB Management Team members.

Key Tasks:

• Responsible for overseeing and coordinating of payroll processing operations, while also participating in the day-to-day operational delivery of payroll services as a member of the team.

• A high level of excellent customer service delivery across all departments including Schools, Further Education and Training centres and Organisation Support and Development.

• Act as a Payroll system (CORE) approver for MSLETB.

• To ensure that all payroll staff are clear in their role and responsibilities and are carrying out their duties efficiently and on time.

• Liaise and coordinate day to day operations and adhere to strict deadlines with Education Shared Business Services (ESBS).

• To prepare reports and submissions as may be required from time to time by the Education and Training Board, Department of Education and Youth, Auditors and other appropriate organisations and bodies.

• To liaise with Heads of Section regarding matters and issues relating to the delivery of project/administrative services and in devising plans, reports and/ or other aspects of MSLETB’s Operation and Development.

• Bring a focus and drive to building and sustaining high levels of performance, addressing any performance issues as they arise.

• Develop capability of staff in the payroll team through supportive feedback, coaching and creating opportunities for skills development.

• Plan and prioritise work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances for self and relevant staff teams.

• Responsibility for keeping up to date on Circular Letters/legislative requirements/collective agreements relevant to areas of responsibility and ensuring same are implemented efficiently.

• To conduct on going reviews of compliance with internal controls such as Internal and External Audits.

• To write, review and maintain Standard Operating Procedures across the unit.

• To produce reports and provide information, as required, for the Chief Executive, Head of Human Resources and Senior Management Team.

• Carry out any other duties and projects as appropriate to the grade which may be assigned from time to time.

• Provide professional support and advice to all Line Managers in relation to areas of responsibility.

• Undertake tasks in other areas of the HR Department as assigned by the HR Manager from time to time.

• Effective communication with all sections of HR and other departments within MSLETB.

• Be accountable to the HR Administrative Officer and HR Manager, in all matters relating to areas of responsibility.

• Assist in the planning, development and implementation of new systems as required with special reference to the introduction and development of computerised systems.

• Liaise with staff in other departments, the public and outside agencies in a confidential, courteous and professional manner.

• Ensure all information received within the Department remains confidential.

• Contribute to the setting of organisational tone through policies and the development and promotion of good internal controls in relevant areas of responsibility.

• Monitor and manage good communication protocols for dealing with managers, staff and other stakeholders to ensure the information delivered is relevant, appropriate and timely, and ensure they are in line with MSLETB policies and procedures.

• Attend and contribute to working groups and committees of MSLETB, as requested.

• Represent the Payroll Unit of MSLETB at meetings, if required, with external agencies/bodies/groups that are necessary for the proper discharge of the post.

• Maintain a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth.

• Research issues thoroughly, consult appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue.

• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade which may be assigned from time to time.

This job description 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 by the CE and to contribute to the development of the post while in the role.

Sick Leave

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and Department of Education sick leave circulars.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for the position of Grade VI is 27 days. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Location/Base

The successful candidate will be assigned to Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, Head Office, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any other location or base that is under the control of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, as the need arises. Any change in location or base by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board will not be deemed as redeployment as provided for under the Public Service Agreements.

Remote Working

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board is committed to supporting work-life balance working arrangements for staff bearing in mind that there is no automatic right to remote working and any arrangement entered must work both for the Organisation and the Employee.

The MSLETB remote working policy sets out the arrangements that will apply for remote working in this Organisation. Employees may request remote working, which is a form of flexible working, and the Organisation will consider these requests against the criteria established in the policy.