Jobs in Leitrim
Sort by: relevance | dateDecision-Making Representative
The Role of a Decision-Making Representative A decision-making representative is a person appointed by the court to make specific decision(s) on behalf of a person (‘relevant person’) in relation to their personal welfare or property and affairs or both. When a person does not have a suitable person who can act as their decision-making representative, the court may ask the DSS to nominate two or more panel members from the Panel to be appointed as decision- making representative. The court may appoint from the nominees put forward, one or more than one panel member to be decision-making representative for the relevant person. Following appointment to the Panel, a panel member will be required to provide a resume of their skills, expertise and experience in a prescribed form. The DSS provide this resume to the court for consideration for the appointment of a decision-making representative. The DSS will contact the panel member before submitting this information to the court, to confirm the panel member’s availability for that specific case and ensure no conflicts of interest exist. Panel Member Nominee Attendance in Court ● The court may request the panel members (two or more) nominated by the DSS from the Panel to attend court in-person or on-line for selection for appointment as decision-making representative. ● The nominee selected for appointment by the court will be required to attend court in-person or on-line. ● The nominee selected for appointment must attend court to sign a statement to confirm that they understand and will undertake the powers and duties conferred in the court order and will comply with the guiding principles. ● Panel members are not entitled to reimbursement of any costs incurred as a result of attending court in the above scenarios. Statutory Functions of a Decision-Making Representative A panel member is appointed as a decision-making representative by way of a court order called a decision-making representation order (‘the court order’). The court order sets out the specific role and responsibilities of the panel member and any conditions that may apply. For each appointment, a decision-making representative must sign a statement in accordance with section 38(11) to confirm they understand and will undertake the powers and duties conferred in the court order and will comply with the guiding principles. The court order is the legal basis for all actions taken by a decision-making representative. The court order will outline the decision(s) the decision-making representative will have responsibility for and make provision for other matters as the court considers appropriate. The decision(s) that a decision-making representative will be required to undertake may involve property and affairs or personal welfare decisions or both. Personal Welfare Decisions Decisions about a person’s interests, health, and wellbeing. These types of decisions can include: (a) Accommodation. (b) Employment, education, or training. (c) Social activities. (d) Social services. (e) Healthcare. (f) Other matters about a person’s wellbeing. Property and Affairs Decisions Decisions about property, business, and money matters. These types of decision can include: (a) Custody, control, and management of property. (b) Sale, exchange, mortgaging, charging or gift of property. (c) Acquisition of property. (d) Carrying of a profession, trade, or business. (e) Dissolution of a partnership. (f) Carrying out of any contract. (g) Discharge of debts, tax, and duty liabilities. (h) Execution or exercise of the powers of a tenant for life. (i) Providing for the needs of other people. (j) Conduct of court or tribunal proceedings. (k) Applying for housing, social welfare or other benefits. Reporting Requirement A panel member appointed as decision-making representative must prepare and submit annual reports to the DSS for each appointment on the performance of their functions which are within scope of the court order. Reporting requirements include details of all costs, expenses and remuneration claimed by or paid to the decision-making representative during the relevant period. Additionally, a panel member appointed as a decision- making representative to make decisions about the relevant person’s property and affairs must prepare and submit a report detailing the relevant person’s assets and liabilities, projected income and expenditure within three months of the date of their appointment by the court as decision-making representative. Eligibility RequirementsMandatory Applicants for the Panel must have the following: 1. A qualification to at least level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (or equivalent), which is to the satisfaction of the DSS appropriately aligned to the statutory role and functions of a decision-making representative and the range of property and affairs and/or personal welfare decisions that may be included in a decision-making representation order. AND 2. Must be registered in Ireland with a professional regulatory body required by law. Proof of same shall be required prior to appointment to the Panel. AND 3. Applicants must hold professional indemnity insurance (PII) to cover acting as a decision making representative, minimum PII requirement of €1 million. Proof of same shall be required prior to appointment to the Panel. AND 4. Possess and demonstrate the competencies set out in Appendix 1. Desirable ● Relevant professional experience working with people who have decision-making capacity difficulties. ● Knowledge of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 or similar legislation. Training All applicants must complete training prior to being appointed to the Panel. The expected duration for the training is approximately 8 hours. Training will be delivered by a mix of online modules and self directed learning. Remuneration or the reimbursement of expenses will not be paid for undertaking this mandatory training. Assignment to Area(s) The Panel will operate nationally, divided into eight (8) geographical areas aligned to the Circuit Court areas, detailed below. A panel member must be available to travel in the course of carrying out their function as a decision-making representative. Panel members will be assigned to an area based on the address provided for assignment purposes in their application form. The eight (8) DSS areas are as follows: DSS 1 Dublin DSS 2 Cork DSS 3 Kildare, Meath, Louth, Wicklow DSS 4 Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath DSS 5 Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan DSS 6 Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford DSS 7 Clare, Kerry, Limerick DSS 8 Galway, Mayo The DSS will endeavour to select panel members for nomination to the court for their assigned area. However, the DSS reserves the right to nominate a panel member to the court for a different area, where necessary and the panel member is available. The DSS will act reasonably in relation to the selection of panel members for nomination to the court, should such a requirement arise. 1. Duration of Appointment If a panel member is appointed by the court as a decision-making representative, the time commitment required will depend on what is set out in the court order. While an appointment by the court may be for a limited purpose or duration, an appointment may also extend to a broad range of decisions and may potentially last for the lifetime of the relevant person/former ward. If a decision-making representative appointed from the panel needs to be discharged from their appointment due to unforeseen circumstances, they must make an application to court to be removed. Only the court can discharge a decision-making representative from their appointment. 2. Remuneration Remuneration and certain expenses shall be paid to a decision-making representative in accordance with the 2015 Act, and as set out in the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Payment of Certain Expenses and Remuneration to Decision-Making Representatives) Regulation 2023 (the Regulations). The court order will set out the panel member’s entitlement to reasonable remuneration. A panel member may be paid out of the assets of the relevant person, or where the court so directs, by the DSS. The panel member must seek pre-approval for remuneration from the DSS at the beginning of each appointment. Annual limits apply based on the scope of the appointment. These are set out in detail in Appendix 2. In exceptional circumstances, subject to defined criteria, a decision-making representative may apply to be remunerated in excess of the applicable annual maximum. 3. Specific Requirements Panel members will be required to comply with the following: a) Panel members will be required to confirm compliance with various matters on an annual basis for continued membership of the Panel and these matters may change over the lifetime of the Panel. b) Panel members will be required to sign a declaration as a condition of their selection for the Panel prior to appointment to the Panel and such declaration may be subject to change over the lifetime of the Panel. c) Panel members will be required to report in writing all actual/potential conflicts of interest to include any involvement with any organisation, individual or other panel member (decision-making representative, special visitor, general visitor, and court friend) which could reasonably be perceived as constituting a potential conflict of interest in any case they are appointed. Panel members shall refrain from accepting nomination for appointment where there is a conflict-of-interest present. If a conflict-of-interest issue should arise at any point throughout the duration of an appointment as decision-making representative, the panel member must immediately notify in writing the court and the DSS. d) Panel members will be required to adhere to a code of confidentiality and will be required to sign a declaration of confidentiality prior to appointment to the Panel or as required by the DSS. e) Panel members will be required to adhere to data protection legislation and related policies and/or guidelines provided by the DSS. f) Panel members must comply with tax clearance/ payment procedures as specified by the Revenue Commissioners. g) Panel members must abide by the DSS Code of Conduct for decision-making representative panel members while fulfilling their appointed role. h) Panel members must abide by the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the Guiding Principles in the 2015 Act, the Code of Practice for Decision-Making Representatives (to be published under section 103 of the Act), the Code of Practice on Supporting Decision-Making and Assessing Capacity (to be published under section 103 of the Act) and any set of standards and related guidance issued by the DSS. i) Panel members must abide by any applicable policies and procedures issued by the DSS and/or by the relevant Minister with regard remuneration/ reimbursement. j) Panel members must maintain their professional registration in Ireland with the relevant professional regulatory body required by law. Panel members will be required to provide evidence of their registration prior to appointment to the Panel or as required by the DSS for continued membership of the Panel. k) Panel members must hold professional indemnity insurance cover for continued membership of the Panel, and inform the DSS of any change in circumstances. Panel members will be required to provide evidence of professional indemnity insurance on an annual basis or as required by the DSS. l) Please note panel members are required to set-up a designated mailbox for use only in your role as a decision-making representative. The email address you provide for this purpose cannot be used for any private decision-making arrangements with the DSS. It will be used only as part of your role as a decision- making representative. 4. Persons Ineligible to be on the Panel Having regard to the provisions of Section 39 and 40 of the 2015 Act and the requirements of the DSS in relation to eligibility and disqualification of a decision-making representative, a person shall not be deemed suitable to be on the Panel if that person: (a) is an undischarged bankrupt or is currently in a debt settlement arrangement or personal insolvency arrangement or has been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty, (b) is a person in respect of whom a declaration under section 819 of the Companies Act 2014 has been made or is deemed to be subject to such a declaration by virtue of Chapter 5 of Part 14 of that Act, (c) is a person who is subject or is deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 14 of the Companies Act 2014, by virtue of that Chapter or any other provisions of that Act, (d) has been convicted of an offence under section 34, 80, 90 or 145 of the 2015 Act, (e) is a member of the Mental Health Commission, (f) does not hold the required qualifications, registrations, and professional indemnity, (g) is not lawfully entitled to work in the State, (h) does not receive Garda/security clearance, (i) is convicted of an offence carrying a term of imprisonment. Application InformationHow to Apply To apply, candidates must complete the application form available on the website https://osborne.ie/public-sector/dss-employment- opportunities/ Only applications fully submitted via the online application https://osborne.ie/public-sector/dss- employment-opportunities/ will be accepted into the campaign. Applications will not be accepted after the closing deadline Monday 12th January 2026 at 12 noon. If you have a disability and this precludes you from completing the application form and/or submitting it by the closing date, please contact Osborne Recruitment at dss@osborne.ie or phone 041-9865058 for alternative arrangements and/or reasonable adjustments. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 24 hours of applying, please contact dss@osborne.ie. Campaign updates will be issued to your registered email address as entered on the online application portal. The onus is on each applicant to ensure that they are in receipt of all communication from Osborne Recruitment. You are advised to check your emails on a regular basis throughout the duration of the competition; in addition, being sure to check junk/spam folders should any emails be mistakenly filtered. Osborne Recruitment accepts no responsibility for communication not accessed or received by an applicant. Applicants should make themselves available on the date(s) specified by Osborne Recruitment and should make sure that the contact details specified on their application form are correct. The personal contact details provided in applications will be used to communicate updates throughout the recruitment campaign. The onus is on the candidate to ensure that they are permitted to use the contact details provided for this communication. The candidate is responsible for ensuring voicemails and email spam is checked to confirm communications are received. Selection Process The Selection Process may include the following: ● Submission of Application. ● Shortlisting of candidates based on the information contained in their application. ● Initial/preliminary interview. ● Presentation or other exercises. ● A final competitive interview. ● Any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate. Candidates’ Obligations Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process. Candidates must not: ● Knowingly or recklessly provide false information. ● Canvass any person with or without inducements. ● Interfere with or compromise the process in any way. ● A third party must not personate a candidate at any stage of the process. ● Any person who contravenes the above provisions or who assists another person in contravening the above provisions is guilty of an offence. A person who is found guilty of an offence is liable to a fine/or imprisonment. In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process, then: ● Where he/she has not been appointed to a post, he/she will be disqualified as a candidate; and ● Where he/she has been appointed subsequently to the recruitment process in question, he/she shall forfeit that appointment. Specific Candidate CriteriaCandidates must: ● Have the knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the post concerned. ● Be suitable on the grounds of character. ● Be suitable in all other relevant respects for appointment to the post concerned. and if successful, they 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 and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to the position. Deeming of Candidature to be Withdrawn Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required by Osborne Recruitment, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as Osborne Recruitment require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration. Citizenship Requirement Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), or to non-EEA nationals who fulfil the relevant criteria. In order to work in Ireland, all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit unless exempt under permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. Quality Service We aim to provide an excellent quality service to all our candidates. If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with any aspect of the service you receive from us, we urge you to bring this to the attention of the unit or staff member concerned. This is important as it ensures that we are aware of the problem and can take the appropriate steps to resolve it. Feedback will be provided on written request. Data Protection Act 2018 When your application is received, we create a record in your name, which contains much of the personal information you have supplied. This personal record is used solely in processing your candidature and as part of the recruitment process, certain information you provide will be forwarded to the employing organisation. Such information held by Osborne Recruitment and the employing organisation is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information on how we retain and use your personal data, please review our Privacy Statement, which includes instructions on their right to withdraw consent at any point. To make a subject access request under the Data Protection Act 2018, please submit your request in writing to: Data Protection Officer – Osborne Recruitment. Ensure that you describe the records you seek in the greatest possible detail to enable us to identify the relevant record. Certain items of information, not specific to any individual, are extracted from records for general statistical purposes.
Housing Welfare Officer
General Information: County Leitrim, located in the North West of Ireland, has a growing economy, picturesque landscape, vibrant communities and a strong arts and cultural sector. Leitrim County Council’s vision is to build an economically strong, creative, inclusive county, making Leitrim the best place to live, work, invest and visit. Key to the achievement of our priorities and objectives is a skilled and committed workforce, supported by enabling technologies, efficient work processes and learning and development opportunities. We are committed to the training, support and encouragement of our staff and we offer benefits across family friendly initiatives, personal development and wellbeing of staff. The Role The Housing Welfare Officer role is based within the Housing Section of Leitrim County Council and will provide additional support to assist the Social Housing Team in the management of social housing and homelessness. The holder of the post will be working directly with people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. Tackling homelessness is a key priority and focus for Leitrim County Council. The Housing Welfare Officer will proactively work to address homelessness by providing support, prevention and sustainable housing solutions. The Council has made progress in relation to both preventative measures to prevent individuals and families entering homelessness, and to support those individuals and families experiencing homelessness to exit from emergency accommodation into secure and sustained tenancies in a timely manner. The Housing Welfare Officer will work with a focus on prevention, place finding and generally moving clients and families on from emergency facilities to more suitable accommodation. The role will involve intensive and direct interaction with families and clients, and the provision of clear advice and support to enable them to exit homelessness. The Qualifications: Character Candidates shall 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. Citizenship: Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: i. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or ii. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or iii. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or iv. 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 v. 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 vi. 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. Education, Training, Experience, etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: (a) hold a recognised professional Social Work and or Social Care qualification, the National Qualification in Social Work or Certificate of Qualification in Social Work or a recognised qualification in Social Care (Level 8); and (b) have satisfactory experience in social work or social care that will, in the opinion of the local authority, enable him or her to discharge the duties of the office. Notes: • Candidates must submit a copy of educational qualifications meeting the requirements of 4(a) above with their application. • Applications received without the necessary documentation will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. • 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. Foreign language qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document. Candidates must also hold a current valid and unendorsed driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving Licence and must advise if this is not the case. A copy of the licence must be submitted with your application. The Ideal Candidate Shall Have: • An understanding of the role of a Housing Welfare Officer. • Excellent professional and technical knowledge and skills. • At least two years’ experience working in the area of homeless service provision or similar type service. • A good working knowledge of the background to and policies which govern the provision of social housing in Ireland, including social and welfare rights and entitlements. • An understanding of homelessness and how to respond effectively. • An understanding of the representational role of elected members and of local government structures, as well as the important roles of government and non government agencies and organisations, charities and voluntary groups involved in the area of homelessness and tenancy sustainment, and the need to work with them to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions. • Ability to conduct assessments of need in a sensitive and professional manner. • Capacity to support people experiencing homelessness to make informed decisions. • Ability to work in direct contact with a diverse range of external agencies and organisations. • Strong interpersonal, communication, organisational and negotiating skills and ability to represent the Council in a professional and credible manner. • A strong knowledge and competency regarding social housing options and an understanding of how to prevent, divert or progress from homelessness. • The ability to identify and liaise with other service providers to prevent homelessness, or minimise time spent in emergency accommodation. • Ability to ensure policies, procedures and quality standards are adhered to and maintained, in particular those that support safe services. • Ability to develop and deliver programmes and projects and to work to strict deadlines. • Self motivation with the ability to work on their own initiative as well as an integral part of a team. • Experience of working with vulnerable adults. • Experience in relation to child protection. • Experience of managing challenging circumstances and behaviours. • Solutions focused approach. • Effective financial and resource management skills. • Flexibility and availability to work outside normal office hours as required. • Strong information and communications technology and presentation skills. • A good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health and Safety legislation and regulations. Competencies for the Post: Key competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates. Delivering Results and Communicating Effectively • Translates the business or team plan into clear priorities and actions for their area of responsibility. • Plans work and allocation of resources effectively. • Implements high quality service and customer care standards. • Demonstrates the ability to act decisively and make timely, informed and effective decisions. • Develops and maintains positive, productive and beneficial working relationships with relevant interests. • Demonstrates the ability to recognize the value of and requirement to communicate effectively. • Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Performance Management • Leads and works with the stakeholders, internal and external, to achieve department and corporate objectives. • Effectively manages performance. • Motivation and positivity as part of a team. • Ability to develop and deliver programmes and projects and to work to strict deadlines. • Ability to work on own initiative as well as an integral part of a team. • Has strong organisational skills including meeting facilitation and administration. • Demonstrates the ability to sustain a positive image and profile of the local authority. Personal Effectiveness • Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility. • Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles. • Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges or responsibilities. • Manages time and workload effectively. • Demonstrates appropriate and positive self confidence. • Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace. • Understands and implements change and demonstrates flexibility and openness to change. • Is a self starter, strong on research and maintains resilience in securing buy in and commitment to overall concepts or projects. Knowledge, Experience and Skills • Demonstrates understanding of the role of Housing Welfare Officer. • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the background to and policies which govern the provision of social housing in Ireland. • Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues, priorities, concerns and future direction. • Has relevant experience in engaging and working effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. • Has relevant experience of engaging with and supporting individuals in crisis and identifying and delivering appropriate responses. • Has experience of working as part of a multi disciplinary team. • Has experience of preparing and presenting reports and correspondence. The Principal Terms and Conditions: The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed from which Housing Welfare Officer vacancies arising during the lifetime of the panel, twelve months, may be filled. Duties The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and: (a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts, is Chief Executive; and (b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub paragraph (a) of this paragraph, under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officers as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an administrative, supervisory and advisory nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers, duties and functions as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time and shall include the duty of deputising for other officers of the local authority. Reporting to the Administrative Officer or other appropriate supervisor or line manager in the Housing Department, the main duties and responsibilities of the post of Housing Welfare Officer may include but are not limited to the following: • Assessment of persons presenting as homeless, including maintaining links with other local authorities, An Garda Síochána, Health Services Executive, Tusla, any other relevant bodies, and with internal staff within the Housing Department. • Placement of persons deemed as homeless, taking account of housing legislation, financial constraints, child protection issues, sex offenders legislation and other relevant legislation. • Organising and arranging temporary emergency accommodation within the existing services available, should it be required. • Liaising with other relevant statutory and voluntary bodies in relation to the provision of homeless services. • Operation of the Pathway Accommodation and Support System, Homeless Information Technology system. • Case managing families and individuals in emergency accommodation, or those in certain other types of emergency accommodation that require support, to identify their individual support needs and care plans and supporting them to engage with appropriate community and health services and developing and implementing an exit strategy from homelessness in each case. • Working with service providers in identifying suitable alternative temporary private emergency accommodation, bed and breakfast, hotel, self catering apartments etc. • Managing Housing First, Housing Led and other homeless initiatives for families and individuals who require emergency accommodation. • Working with Approved Housing Bodies in the homeless area and organising additional services required in County Leitrim. • Assisting persons in settling into accommodation and ensuring that clients are fully briefed on services available to them from external agencies. • Working with Social Housing Tenants in respect of issues identified that are putting their social housing tenancy at risk. • Assisting the Tenant Liaison Officer with Pre Tenancy Training and other issues that may affect a social housing tenancy. • Providing support to the Assessments, Allocations and Tenant Liaison Teams within the Housing Department. • Developing and maintaining positive and productive working relationships across a range of internal and external stakeholders. • Working on an inter agency basis and with external bodies and groups as appropriate in relation to the development and delivery of initiatives, programmes and projects. • Identifying and developing collaborative partnerships and programmes in response to identified needs. • Advising and making recommendations to the Council on policy formulation in relation to homeless services, tenant welfare services and social housing supports. • Representing the Housing Department and or the Council on relevant committees and or at a range of meetings and events as and when required. • Attending meetings, participating on relevant Working Groups, Committees etc as appropriate and as requested. • Compiling, preparing and presenting reports, claims and returns, including site visits, record checking, presentations and correspondence as necessary. • Keeping necessary records and compiling relevant statistics for reporting to management, elected members, government departments etc. • Engaging with housing applicants and tenants where required. • Provision of a tenant welfare service where appropriate and liaison with other appropriate persons and agencies as required, including the Tenant Liaison Officer. • Provision of advice and assistance to individual tenants with difficulties such as financial, family and personal problems. • Attendance at Case Conferences, Child Protection Conferences and other meetings as required including Strategic Policy Committees, Council and Municipal District meetings, Community Safety Partnership and Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee etc. • Referring child safeguarding concerns to the Designated Child Protection Liaison Officer and, where required, engaging with Tusla and An Garda Síochána. • Assisting in the implementation of new and existing initiatives on all housing related matters. • Attending Court proceedings as witness on behalf of Leitrim County Council as appropriate. • Undergoing training as required, including continuing professional development training as appropriate. • Identifying opportunities for improvements in service delivery within their work area and wider Housing Department. • Supporting and implementing change management initiatives within their work area and wider Housing Department. • Participating in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade. • Working in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work. • Deputising for the line manager or equivalent as required. • Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned from time to time. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by the Local Authority. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours. Salary: The salary scale for the position of Housing Welfare Officer, effective first August two thousand and twenty five, will be within the range: €44,255, €47,166, €48,547, €50,671, €52,928, €55,237, €57,580, €59,965, €62,366, €64,156, €65,971, €67,244 long service increment one. Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with relevant Departmental Circulars. Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies, other than his or her inclusive salary, payable to or received by him or her by virtue of the post or in respect of any services, which he or she is required by or under any enactment to perform. Residence: The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority’s offices, or wherever assigned by the Local Authority. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re assign an employee to any Department or premises now or in the future. Probation: All contracts will be subject to a probationary period, during which the performance of the successful applicant will be regularly evaluated. Where a person is permanently appointed to Leitrim 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 one year but the Chief Executive may, at his or her 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) There will be ongoing assessments during the probationary period. Employment may be terminated by either party during probation or at the end of the probationary period on one week’s notice. Health: For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he or she is appointed to a permanent position, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. Annual Leave: The annual leave entitlement for this post will be thirty days per annum, on a pro rata basis depending on duration of any temporary contract.
Courts Service Judicial Assistant 2026
1. THE ROLE The role of judicial assistant is to provide assistance to a judge in the carrying out of their judicial function. This includes providing assistance with court going activities, administrative and general support. Judicial assistants support judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Circuit Court. Duties may vary depending on the jurisdiction to which successful candidates are appointed. You may be required to assist other jurisdictions, if and when required. The courtroom is a formal setting. Court rooms may consist of loud noises, bright lighting and large crowds of people. Strong concentration is key, and the judicial assistant must be comfortable working in this setting. All judicial assistants will be given the opportunity to do the following: · Work with members of the judiciary; · Contribute to the efficient running of court and administration of justice; · Deepen their knowledge and understanding of how the Irish legal system works; · Develop know-how of court procedures, court rules and the running of various court lists; · Strengthen legal research and legal writing skills; · Learn new skills throughout the duration of their contract; · Build a network with legal professionals, academics, Courts Service and civil service staff; · Participate in competitive opportunities for career advancement both within the public and private sector; and · Work and travel within the various jurisdictions in the Irish Courts. 2. Key Responsibilities Court Responsibilities · Research matters of law which arise in the conduct of proceedings before the court and furnish a written or oral report to the judge. · Summarise facts, legal submissions, case law and relevant material as directed by the judge for inclusion in draft judgments. · Assist in research for draft judgments and/or legal queries on behalf of the judge. · Assist the judge with document proof reading. · Accompany the judge to court and remain in court during hearings to note evidence and submissions as directed. · Set up the bench according to the requirements of the judge. · Assist with the management of the judge’s official documentation (books and papers) required for court. · Advise the judge in advance of lists for the following week and ensure arrangements are in place for same. · Ensure the judge has the information required in relation to cases to include names of parties, type of case, duration of case, legal representatives and so forth. · Cooperate with the Court Registrar and/or other relevant Courts Service staff to support the efficient running of the court. · Act as liaison between the judge and the parties to litigation (if required) and ensure parties to a case and their representatives are aware of when their case will be heard and are in the right location at the right time. · Assist the court in compliance with the in camera rule in relevant cases and as directed by the judge. Administration · Manage the chambers of the judge as required. · Keep the judge’s diary of court and other appointments. · General administrative support duties. · Other duties as required by the judge. General · Assist the judge in the course of official duties. · Accompany the judge as required. This may involve travelling to any location in Ireland from time to time and require staying in the location for the period of that assignment. · Be available to the judge at all times during office hours Monday to Friday to perform whatever duties directed by the judge. · Be available for official duties, if required, during the evening or at weekends. This role may require overnight stays. · Where a judicial assistant is not required to perform duties for the judge to whom they are assigned, the Courts Service will assign other duties as appropriate. · Judicial Assistants are entitled to 22 days leave per year which must be taken in Court vacation and not during term. Note, the above is intended as a guide and is neither definitive nor restrictive. 3. Essential Requirements: · Hold (or expect to hold) at least a 2.1 in a law degree at a minimum of level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in their final year exams or the Diploma in Law from the Honorable Society of King’s Inns . See list at the end of the booklet. Only courses on this list will be accepted; · A good understanding of the work of the Irish courts system; and · A knowledge of modern legal research methods and materials; and · Proven experience conducting legal research (this can include academic research or research in the course of court case preparation). The following qualifications are desirable; · A 1:1 in a law degree at a minimum of level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in their final year exams or the Diploma in Law from the Honorable Society of King’s Inns · A professional legal qualification or post graduate qualification in law. · Fluency in Irish and in particular an ability to read and understand legal materials in the Irish language. 4. APPLICATION PROCESS Your application can be made by logging in through link on advertisement. No hard copy forms or forms by email will be accepted. The closing date is 12 noon on Friday 23 January 2026. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying the Courts Service is satisfied such a person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for candidates to note that the onus is on them to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If a candidate does not meet these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attends for interview, that candidate will be putting him or herself to unnecessary expense. The Courts Service accepts no responsibility for communication not accessed or received by an applicant. 5. Assessment of applications The selection process involves three stages as follows: · Determination of the candidate’s eligibility to compete based on academic achievement and eligibility to work in Ireland. · A handwritten selection exercise undertaken in person. · A competitive interview. If candidates are deemed ineligible to compete, they are eliminated from the competition. If candidates are deemed eligible, their application form is assessed to determine suitability to progress to undertake the selection exercise. Those who achieve a mark of 50% or above in the selection exercise will be invited to interview. Candidates must provide sufficiently detailed information that relates to their own specific experience and achievements. Responses that are generic or vague may result in candidates not being shortlisted for the selection exercise. Any information you include may be discussed should you be invited to interview. Your communication skills will be assessed on the answers you provide on your application form. Capabilities Candidates should demonstrate that they have the ability to carry out successfully the duties of the role, as well as the skills and capabilities namely: Building Future Readiness Digital Focus Candidates with Disabilities The Courts Service seeks to attract candidates from all sectors of society, ensuring career opportunities are accessible to all who are interested. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all candidates. If you have a disability or need reasonable accommodation made during the selection process, you should share this with us so you get the support you need. Reasonable accommodation in our selection process refers to adjustments and practical changes which would enable a disabled candidate to have an equal opportunity for this competition. Examples of adjustments we provide include the use of assistive technology, extra time, scribes and/or readers or a range of other accommodations. Please be assured that having a disability or requiring adjustments will not impact on your progress in the selection process; you will not be at a disadvantage if you disclose your disability or requirements to us. Your disability and/or adjustments will be kept entirely confidential. 6. Selection Exercise & Interview Selection Exercise: Following the assessment process successful candidates will be invited to an in-person written selection exercise be held on the week of the 16 February 2026 in Dublin (Venue to be confirmed). The selection exercise is designed by the Courts Service and Kings Inns and marked by tutors from Kings Inns. Topics assessed include proof reading, legal analysis, drafting and legal writing. The pass mark is 50%. Achieving 50% or more in the selection exercise does not guarantee an interview as there may be more candidates eligible for interview than is required. If you receive a mark less than 50% in the selection exercise you will be eliminated. Interview: Interviews will be in person only from March to May 2026 in Dublin. Interviews will be held in batches per Jurisdiction with the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal first, followed by the High Court and then the Circuit Court. Interview boards comprise a judge and one or two members of the Courts Service. If you are interviewed for a jurisdiction, there is no guarantee of appointment to that at jurisdiction. Interviews will be structured in format, with candidates asked to provide examples of the capabilities for the role as outlined in Section 5of this document. You may be asked about the experience described on the application form or they may ask for other examples. It is anticipated the interview will last 45 minutes. You may be invited to a follow up meeting with a member of the Judiciary after your interview. To be considered for a position you must receive 50% or more in each capability. Commencement date The start date for appointments is Monday 14 September 2026. There will be a two week orientation programme. If you are unable to start on 14 September 2026, in exceptional circumstances only you may defer your start date to September 2027. Confidentiality Candidates can expect that all enquiries, applications and all aspects of the proceedings to the extent that they are managed by the Courts Service are treated as strictly confidential subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. However, candidates should note that all application material may be made available to the interview board. Certain items of information, not specific to any individual, are extracted from computer records for general statistical purposes. Garda Vetting Garda vetting will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. The applicant will be required to complete and return a Garda Vetting form should they come under consideration for appointment. This form will be forwarded to An Garda Siochána for security checks on all Irish and Northern Irish addresses at which they resided. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again. Other important information The Courts Service will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the Courts Service will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made. Salary The salary scale for the position with effect from 1st August 2025 is €37,817 per annum . The salary will increase to €40,843 in the third and final year of the contract. New entrants to the Civil Service will be appointed to the first point of the (PPC) salary scale. The PPC pay rate applies when the individual is required to pay a Personal Pension Contribution (otherwise known as a main scheme contribution) in accordance with the rules of their main/personal superannuation scheme. This is different to a contribution in respect of membership of a Spouses’ and Children’s scheme, or the Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC). A different rate will apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution. Salary is payable weekly in arrears by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of the appointees’ choice. Statutory deductions will be made from salary as appropriate by the Courts Service. Candidates should note the salary is not open to negotiation . The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Duties Appointees will be expected to perform all acts, duties and obligations as appropriate to this position (which may be revised from time to time). Probation Appointees will be required to serve a 12-month probationary period. During the period of the probation, an officer's performance will be subject to review by the appropriate supervisor(s) to determine whether the officer: (i) has performed in a satisfactory manner, (ii) has been satisfactory in general conduct, and (iii) is suitable from the point of view of health with particular regard to sick leave. Prior to completion of the probationary period, a decision will be made as to whether or not an appointee will be retained pursuant to Section 5A(2) of the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956-2005. This decision will be based on an appointee’s performance assessed against the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. The details of the probationary process will be explained to each appointee by the Courts Services as the employer and a copy of guidelines on probation issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will be provided. In the event that an appointee is not considered as suitable to the position of Judicial Assistant having been assessed against stated criteria, the appointee will be notified in writing of the action to be taken. Hours of Attendance This is a fulltime post, and hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week . Appointees will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of his or her duties subject to the limits set down under working time regulations. Annual Leave The annual leave entitlement for this post is 22 working days per year. This leave is on the basis of a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays. Annual leave, other than in exceptional circumstances, will not be granted during the legal term. Headquarters The appointee’s headquarters will be such as may be designated from time to time by the Courts Service. Generally, appointees will be based in the Four Courts or in the Criminal Courts of Justice and in other court locations throughout the country. There may be a requirement for some travel associated with this post. When absent from home and headquarters on official duty, an officer will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances subject to normal Civil Service regulations.
