Services Officers - Houses of the Oireachtas

Open competition for appointment to the position of Services Officer in the Superintendent's Section in the Houses of the Oireachtas Service

Services Officer

The Houses of the Oireachtas Service is running a competition to select the best qualified candidate with the required knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the requirements of the roles of Services Officer in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Closing Date: 08 April 2026

Salary range: From €575.14 to €779.59 per week

Starting annual leave: 22 days rising to 23 after 5 years, 24 days after 10 years, 25 days after 12 years and 26 days after 14 years of service

Hours of attendance: 35 net hours per week

Contract type: Permanent (subject to 12-month probation period).

Headquarters Headquarters will be such as may be designated from time to time by the Service. When required to travel on official duty the appointee will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, subject to normal civil service regulations. The Houses of the Oireachtas Service and its environs are currently based around Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

About the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and the Houses of the Oireachtas Service

The Houses of the Oireachtas is the home of the national parliament of Ireland. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (the ‘Commission’) is the statutory corporate body responsible for the running of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann) and Oireachtas Committees, and the administration and management of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service (the ‘Service’).

Comprising over 700 staff members, the Service is the independent civil service agency which supports the running of both Houses and provides advice, facilities and administrative services on behalf of the Commission as the governing authority.

The Service is headed by the Secretary General/Clerk of the Dáil. In addition to a Deputy Secretary, there are five divisions, each headed by an Assistant Secretary: • Parliamentary Services • Corporate and Members’ Services • Parliamentary Information and Research Services • Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisors • Parliamentary Digital Services and Transformation

The Service is guided by the vision of ‘A Democratic Parliament Working Effectively for the People’. The Service’s mission is to support our parliamentary democracy by providing excellence in its parliamentary services. The values of the Service are built around excellence, people-focus, inclusivity, innovation, impartiality and accountability.

The key strategic outcomes and goals of the Service are: • An Effective and Excellence Driven Parliament • A Workplace of Choice and a People-Focused Parliament • A Secure and Sustainable Parliament • A Transparent, Accessible and Internationally Engaged Parliament • An Innovative and Digital-First Parliament • A Bilingually Enabled Parliament

Benefits of working for the Houses of the Oireachtas Service

Continuous Professional Development

The Service encourages continuous learning for all staff. A dedicated Training and Development Unit provides access to in-person and online training courses. Financial support for courses up to PhD level is offered through an Advance/Refund of Fees Scheme. Additional professional development opportunities include mentoring and coaching, leadership and management development programmes.

Staff Facilities Onsite staff facilities include a full-service restaurant, self-service restaurant, a coffee dock, a creche and a fitness room. The Oireachtas Library provides access to news media, academic books, journals, research databases and membership of professional networks.

Culture and Employee Experience The Service is home to a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team, which organises special events focused on mental and physical health. A ‘Green Team’ of employees from across the organisation works to enhance our sustainability and environmental practices. Staff are also encouraged to engage with each other through the events of our internal staff networks, a social club, a choir, and annual volunteering opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) The Service recognises the diversity of our workforce as a positive benefit to all and is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion. As the national parliament, we strive to be leaders in creating a truly accessible, inclusive working environment where everyone is treated fairly, and where all our staff members are supported to be their authentic selves and reach their true potential.

Working Environment The Service offers a number of schemes for staff, including Cycle to Work, annual Travel Pass, eyesight tests and flu vaccinations.

Bilingual Parliament We are committed to growing our capacity to work through the first official language of the State, the Irish language. As part of the move towards a bilingual parliament, support and training is provided for anyone who wishes to improve their Irish or learn as a beginner. There is a lending library of books for all levels along with regular coffee mornings and guest lectures.

The Superintendent’s Section The primary function of the Superintendent’s Section is to maintain security and decorum in the Parliamentary Chamber and across the Leinster House campus and its environs, ensuring that a secure and safe work environment is provided for Members, staff, witnesses and visitors. The staff of the Superintendent’s Section include two teams: Ushers and the Services Officers.

Role and Responsibilities Services Officers in the Houses of the Oireachtas Service, as part of the Superintendent’s Section, are responsible for providing a safe and secure environment within the Leinster House complex and satellite buildings; and additionally carry out a wide range of support activities for example distribution of post and dealing with deliveries. Services Officers engage with a variety of people on a daily basis from Members of the Oireachtas to members of the general public and therefore are required to have good interpersonal and communications skills and the capacity to deal with challenging situations.

Staff in the Services Officer grade are required to work to a roster which often includes times outside of regular business hours. There may be occasions due to parliamentary business, where Services Officers will be required to work non-rostered overtime on occasions (for example state visits, VIP visits, opening day, budget day). A full uniform is supplied, and Services Officers are required to wear this uniform in performance of their duty. The full performance of certain duties ma qualify for the award of allowances for example key holding and post franking.

While not an exhaustive list, the main responsibilities of the role are outlined below: Security

Security tasks, fulfilled by a Services Officer include but are not limited to: • opening and locking up buildings as tasked • checking and overseeing access to the Leinster House complex • operation of any equipment provided • identification and reporting of issues to management • key holding duties as appropriate • conduct of safety searches of buildings as tasked

Reception Duties Reception tasks, fulfilled by a Services Officer include but are not limited to: • Staffing of reception areas and demonstrating good judgement while responding to requests in a prompt and courteous manner.

• Dealing with deliveries of post and other items.
• Familiarity with the functions and business of the Service.
• Directing queries to the appropriate part of the organisation in a swift and efficient manner.
• Acting professionally when engaging with Members, officials and members of the public.
• Be able to address challenging/difficult situations should they arise.
• Assist visitors and staff who may have additional needs.

Fire Safety • Execution of all duties, checks and reports as set out in the Fire Safety Register protocols, including fire alarm monitoring. • Assisting and managing emergency evacuations in line with existing procedures.

Health and Safety • Understanding of Health and Safety Statement and procedures therein, especially those in relation to the Services Officer duties. • Identifying hazards occurring in access/egress areas and taking action to return situation to a safe standard. • Compiling incident reports after they occur and forwarding to section management.

Building Maintenance Systems • Understanding of each building’s utility services (gas, electricity, water) to be able to carry out lockdowns and opening up of buildings. • Understanding of utility systems to be able to pass critical safety information to emergency services for example in the event of a fire or flood.

Mail Duties • Ensuring the accurate and timely receipt and transmission of internal and external correspondence. • Collect, deliver and sort internal and external post. • Implement any security and confidentiality protocols. • Sorting and sealing of outgoing post. • Dispatching heavy parcels. • Maintenance of appropriate records. • Franking of mail as required. • Delivery of post to other Departments as required.

Other Duties • Operation of office equipment as required. • Outdoor work at some locations. • Work with personnel from other agencies, partner organisations or Departments in relation to parliamentary business as required. • Undergo periods of training as required. • Engage and assist Deputies, Senators and other Oireachtas/departmental staff as required.

A Services Officer needs to be vigilant with regard to security and have a good level of physical fitness. The physical demands range from delivering mail across the complex, climbing stairs, responding in emergency situations, such as in the case of a security breach, fires or other incidents. Therefore, Services Officers need to be physically fit and have a standard of health such that neither their safety, the safety of their team members nor the safety of members of the Parliamentary Community should be compromised.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the type of duties included in the role. Other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role may be assigned by the Service as required. This role is subject to change in line with the business requirements or political reforms of the Service, as is the case with any other civil service position in the organisation.

Reporting Relationship The principal reporting relationship is with the Deputy Head Services Officer and then to the Head Services Officer, Captain of the Guard and Superintendent.

Panel A panel may be formed from this competition from which future permanent, part-time and temporary positions, should they arise, may be filled by candidates who successfully meet the requirements of the role.

Should similar type vacancies arise elsewhere in the Civil Service, candidates may be drawn from this competition.

Entry Requirements Essential Work Experience Candidates must have on or before the closing date for applications: • A minimum of two years’ full-time experience in a similar role that required working with others in a professional environment.

Essential Competencies Candidates must possess and be able to demonstrate the six key competencies identified for effective performance at the role’s level:

Teamwork • Shows respect for colleagues and co-workers • Develops and maintains good working relationships with others, sharing information and knowledge, as appropriate • Offers own ideas and perspectives • Understands own role in the team, making every effort to play his/her part • Approaches and delivers all work in a thorough and organised manner

Information Management / Processing • Follows procedures and protocols, understanding their value and the rationale behind them • Keeps high quality records that are easy for others to understand • Draws appropriate conclusions from information • Suggests new ways of doing things better and more efficiently • Is comfortable working with different types of information, written, numerical, charts, and carries out calculations such as arithmetic, percentages etc.

Delivery of Results • Takes responsibility for work and sees it through to the appropriate next level • Completes work in a timely manner • Adapts quickly to new ways of doing things • Checks all work thoroughly to ensure it is completed to a high standard and learns from mistakes • Writes with correct grammar and spelling and draws reasonable conclusions from written instructions • Identifies and appreciates the urgency and importance of different tasks • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in ensuring work is delivered • Is self-reliant and uses judgement on when to ask manager or colleagues for guidance • Actively listens to others and tries to understand their perspectives/ requirements/ needs

Customer Service and Communication Skills • Understands the steps or processes that customers must go through and can clearly explain these • Is respectful, courteous and professional, remaining composed, even in challenging circumstances • Can be firm when necessary and communicate with confidence and authority • Communicates clearly and fluently when speaking and in writing

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform in the role effectively, e.g. relevant technologies, IT systems, spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, relevant policies etc. • Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit • Is committed to self-development and continuously seeks to improve personal performance

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values • Consistently strives to perform at a high level and deliver a quality service • Serves the Government and people of Ireland • Is thorough and conscientious, even if work is routine • Is enthusiastic and resilient, persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks • Is personally honest and trustworthy • At all times, acts with integrity

Essential Skills and Knowledge Candidates must possess and be able to demonstrate: • A proven track record of working efficiently both independently and as part of a team. • The ability to demonstrate personal responsibility, dependability, and judgement. • The ability to deliver security and safety services effectively. • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a professional and courteous manner. • Strong communications skills both written and verbal. • The ability to respond effectively to a critical incident. • The ability to write incident reports for example, incident reports etc. • A standard of physical fitness which would allow for the collection and delivery of correspondence across the Leinster House campus including external buildings in the city centre. • Strong organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to work to tight deadlines. • The requisite knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the position.

• Strong English language written and verbal skills.
• Be comfortable with the use of standard IT equipment and software.

Desirable Requirements • Strong Irish language skills, or have an interest in developing their Irish language skills.

Eligibility to Compete and Certain Restrictions on Eligibility

Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character A candidate for, and any person holding the office, must be of good character.

Citizenship Requirement Eligible candidates must be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Membe States of the European Union (EU), 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 has a stamp 4 permission* or stamp 5 permission. *Please note that a 50 TEU permission, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

To qualify candidates must meet one of the citizenship criteria above by the date of any job offer.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants The Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the DPENDR and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the Public Service by any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of noneligibility).

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are not eligibl to apply for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Career Breaks Subject to satisfying the eligibility requirements, the competition is open to staff who are on a career break, provided their career break conforms to the provisions of the Department of Finance Circular (4/13), or on secondment arrangements. Staff who are on career break under the Incentivised Career Break Scheme 2009 are not eligible to apply.

Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010) The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010 introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER scheme that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for re-employment in the public health sector or in the wider Public Service or in a body wholly or mainly funded from public moneys. The same prohibition on reemployment applies under the VRS, except that the prohibition is for a period of 7 years.

People who availed of the VER scheme are not eligible to compete in this competition. People who availed of the VRS scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility).

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE BY HITTING THE APPLY NOW BUTTON WHICH WILL BRING YOU TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Detailed information about the scope of this role and the essential entry requirements are outlined in the competition booklet - click the APPLY NOW button to go to the official website for more information and documents.

Only completed applications submitted to recruitment@oireachtas.ie and on the official application forms will be accepted in this competition. The deadline for receipt of applications is 3 p.m. on Thursday, 8 April 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.