Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerLongford County Council is one of Local Authorities in the Republic of Ireland. TheCouncil has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services which arenecessary to the physical, economic, social and cultural life of County Longford, with afocus on making Longford an attractive place to live, work and invest.The following comprise the areas of service delivery in Longford County Council:• Economic & Community Development • Fire & Emergency Services• Local Enterprise • Environment• Planning • Finance• Cultural & Recreational Services • Information Services• Infrastructure • Corporate Services• Water Services • Human ResourcesHousingThis is an opportunity to gain employment in the role of Graduate Planner with Longford CountyCouncil.Longford County Council is committed to a policy of open and fair recruitment, in linewith good practice, recruitment & selection standards, employment legislation andrelevant circulars from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide information on the post ofGraduate Planner and the selection process and candidates are advised to familiarisethemselves with the detailed information in advance of submitting their application.Candidates should satisfy themselves that they are eligible under the Qualificationsto apply for the post of Graduate Planner.Where a candidate provides false or misleading information or has deliberatelyomitted relevant information on their application form this may result in theirdisqualification from the competition.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerGRADUATE PLANNERTHE ROLEGraduate Planners work within the planning section. The section works broadly under four headings asfollows: Forward Planning, Development Management, Enforcement and Public Realm. Local Authoritiesalso pay a key role in supporting economic development and enterprise promotion at a local level.The Graduate Planner will work under the direction and management of a Senior Planner or otheremployee designated by the Director of Services as appropriate.The Graduate Planner will be required at times to work on their own initiative as circumstancesdemand on a broad range of projects. They will be required to work as part of a multi-disciplinaryproject team in the Councils busy Planning Department.The role requires good administrative, interpersonal, communication and other particular skillsdepending on assignment.The successful candidate will be expected to carry out the duties in a manner that enhances publictrust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making. DUTIESThe duties of the office are to give the local authority and;(a) Such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Graduate Officer, for the purposes acts isManager, and;(b) To any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authorityor by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or this paragraph under thedirection and supervision of the appropriate officer, such planning or ancillary services of anadvisory, supervisory or Graduate nature as may be required by any local authority or bodyhereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and dutiesincluding the duty of assisting the Senior Planner, or other appropriate professional officer, in thesupervision of the planning or ancillary services of any of the forgoing local authorities or bodies,and when required to do so, to perform the duty of acting for the appropriate professional officerof higher rank during the absence of such officer of higher rank.Responsibilities of the Graduate Planner will include:To write reports and make recommendations on planning matters as assigned;To complete site inspections as part of his or her case load;Preparing responses to preplanning requests and holding preplanning discussions with prospectiveapplicants;Preparing responses to appeals of Planning Decisions;Preparing recommendations on compliance with Planning Conditions;Carrying out survey work, research and analysis, drafting policies and proposals, preparing writtenstatements and maps and other work as required on the agreed Forward Planning workprogramme;LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerTo answer phone and email queries, dealing with members of the public in a courteous, promptand efficient manner;To participate in continued professional development and training provided by the County Council;To provide assistance to other work colleagues; and liaise with other departments as required;To maintain such records and produce such reports as may be required.Providing a high level of service to elected representatives, including attendance at andpresentations to the relevant Strategic Policy Committee and meetings of the Council, including atMunicipal District Level;To respond to reasonable requests for assistance by other bodies/members of the public;Incorporating the use of IT and efficiencies into work practices;To ensure that the provisions of the Health and Safety legislation are complied with;Participate & take part in the duties as required as part of the Organisational response to ClimateAction and Just Transition to promote & ensure capacity building, empowering change anddelivering action These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance.The ideal candidate should have an ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas; -Knowledge of planning legislation and the principles, practices and techniques of planning;An ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;Good knowledge of local government functions, services and activities particularly in relation toplanning and development;Communication/presentation and interpersonal skills;Report writing skills and IT skills;Time Management and organisational skills - an ability to achieve delivery of competing demandswithin prescribed timelines and deadlines;Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions;Awareness of and management of Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplace;Operating ICT systems, in particular word processing, presentation and GIS systems;Prioritising of work effectively;Acting on own initiative;An ability to work under pressure and maintain a solution-oriented mindset.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerCOMPETENCIESKey competencies for the post of Graduate Planner are given in the table below. Candidates will beexpected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of their competence under eachof these headings. Please take particular note of the competencies listed as any shortlisting or interviewprocesses will be based on the information provided by the candidate in their completed application form.Plans work and uses resources effectively.DELIVERING RESULTS & COMMUNICATING • Implements high quality service and customer care standards.EFFECTIVELYDemonstrates effective verbal and written communicationskills.Assists the team or work area to achieve corporate objectives.Works as part of a team to ensure delivery of plans andschedules.PERFORMANCE THROUGH PEOPLE• Has a strong team ethic of co-operation and mutual support.Show visible commitment to the purpose, mission and vision ofthe OrganisationTakes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges orresponsibilities.Manages time and workload effectively.PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS• Maintains a positive and constructive and enthusiastic attitudeto their role.Understands and implements change and demonstratesflexibility and openness to change.Satisfactory technical knowledge of Irish Planning legislationand key relevant European Directives, including associatedprocedures.Appreciation & understanding of Health & Safety issues.KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE & SKILLS • Knowledge & understanding of the role of Graduate Planner inLocal GovernmentKnowledge & understanding of the role of Local GovernmentKnowledge of current local and national issues & awareness oflikely effects of these issues on Local Government policyLONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerGraduate PlannerQUALIFICATIONS. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of abilityto render regular and efficient service.. CitizenshipCandidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of theEuropean Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the freemovement of persons; or(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stampvisa: or(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act or anyfamily member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stampvisa or(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, anEEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp visa. Education, Training and Experience etc.Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:hold an honours degree (level in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Planning.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerPARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT. The PostThe post is wholetime (i.e., hours per week) year Fixed-Term Contract.. LocationLongford County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to any premises in use bythe 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 andat their own expense.. CommencementLongford County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up suchappointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointmentwithin such period, or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine,Longford County Council shall not appoint them.. Working HoursThe current working hours are hours per week, Monday to Friday. Longford County Council reserves theright to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government Circulars.All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation ofWorking Time Act,, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations,. Longford CountyCouncil requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking system.. Reporting ArrangementsGraduate Planners report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee ofLongford County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for thispurpose.A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions betweenthe employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.. Probationary Period of EmploymentThere shall be a period after appointment during which the appointee will hold the position on probation.The period of probation will be prescribed by the Chief Executive. Employment may be terminated duringthe probationary period should service be deemed by the Chief Graduate to be unsatisfactory.Employment may be terminated at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Graduate hascertified that the employee had satisfactory service. Tenure of employment following probation will besubject to satisfactory service.. RemunerationThe current salary scale for the post of Graduate Planner is €, - €, gross per annum (Circular EL/), the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Circulars.On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the point of the salary scale.Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates employed elsewhere in thepublic service, subject to verification of service history.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerRemuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employees nominated bank account. Thecurrent wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annuallysubject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may bewithheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.. Superannuation & RetirementA person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate ofPRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at therate of .% of pensionable remuneration plus .% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionableremuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at themaximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate ofPRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authorityat the rate of % of pensionable remuneration.A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will berequired in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme tocontribute to the local authority at the rate of .% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with theterms of the scheme.A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will berequired in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme tocontribute to the local authority at the rate of .% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionableremuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at themaximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the LocalGovernment Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions)Act, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension,retirement and death gratuities.In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a minimum oftwo years employment in a local authority.For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from st January ,superannuation contributions are as follows: .% of net pensionable remuneration and % of pensionableremuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension ContributoryThe retirement age applicable to an employee is determined in accordance with the rules governing therelevant Superannuation Scheme to which they belong.. Annual LeaveThe current annual leave entitlement for Graduate Planner is days per annum, in accordance with theCouncil's Annual Leave Policy.The Chief Graduate of Longford County Council retains autonomy with regard to office closures, (e.g.,Christmas Office Closure), any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee's annualleave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate Planner. Driver's Licence & InsuranceLongford County Council employees may on occasion be required to use their car on official business. Insuch situations the employee must hold a current clean driver's licence and have available adequatemeans of transport.It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance cover for business use andto indemnify Longford County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance certificate under theheading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Documentation to confirm the appropriateinsurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis.. Code of Conduct/Organisation PoliciesEmployees are required to adhere to all current and future Longford County Council codes of practiceincluding Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, butnot limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, AttendanceManagement and Use of Electronic Equipment.. TrainingEmployees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by theCouncil from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.. Health and Safety RegulationsLongford County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at WorkAct, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective andpreventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate withmanagement and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would placethemselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place ofwork.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety andHealth Training. Important NoticeThe above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive listof all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to beagreed with the successful candidate.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerSELECTION PROCESS. How to Apply Only fully completed application forms will be accepted.Please ensure that:. your application is made on the official application form only and sent via email in pdf format to – do not attach or include your CVNOTE: your CV will not be accepted as an application or as part of your application.. you fully complete all sections of the application form and include all relevant, detailed, andaccurate information. Ensure that your application form is completed in typed format.NOTE: any offer of employment is subject to the information given on your application form beingtrue. False/misleading information or deliberate omissions may result in termination ofemployment.. you include a copy of your educational certificates as part of one pdf application.Forward your completed application form via email to :Applications submitted after the closing date will not be acceptedApplication forms must be submitted by email in pdf formatApplications submitted by hand, post or fax will not be acceptedClaims in relation to the late receipt of application forms will not be entertained.Admission to this competition, or an invitation to take tests or to attend for interview does not inferthat you fulfil all the requirements for appointment.If you do not receive an "acknowledgement-of-receipt" of your application within seven working daysof application - please contact Longford County Council's HR department by phone: () /or by email: Longford County Council may need to contact you during the competition's selection process. It isimportant that the contact details (i.e. your postal address, email address and phone number) given onyour application form are correct and accessible by you.Longford County Council will not accept responsibility for communication not accessed or received byyou. It is the responsibility of each applicant to provide accurate contact details on their ApplicationForm. Correspondance in relation to all aspects of this competition will be primarily via email.Changes to your contact details that occur during this recruitment campaign should be notified by emailto LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate Planner. Selection Process Stage – Submission of Application Form via email Candidates interested in applying for the position of Graduate Plannershould submit their completedapplication with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format toEach completed application must include a copy of all educational qualifications declared in the applicationform.Failure to submit a completed application form, with all required supporting documentation, by thespecified deadline will result in the application being deemed invalid and it will not be permitted toproceed any further in the selection process.Stage – Initial Screening All completed application forms received by the stated closing date & time will be screened to ensure thatthey meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position of Graduate Planner in accordance with thedeclared Qualifications (as given on page of this booklet).Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the required eligibility criteria, their application will progressto Step of the selection process.Candidates who fail to demonstrate that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria required, theirapplication will be deemed invalid and will not progress any further in the selection process.Stage – Shortlisting Longford County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications, it is very important therefore, thatcandidates provide accurate, clear, and comprehensive information in their completed application forms.Shortlisting may take the form of:. a desktop-shortlisting process, where a board will be assigned to examine the information providedby the candidate and assess it against criteria required for the position, and/or. an online shortlisting interview.Candidates who are shortlisted may have their application scored and ranked in order of merit. Based onthe score awarded their application may progress to Step of the selection process.For candidates who are not shortlisted, their application will not progress any further in the selectionprocess.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate PlannerStage – Interview On completion of Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidates may be invited inbatches, to attend for interview.An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Graduate of Longford County Council.The board will comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who will have expert knowledge in therelevant field. The objective of the board is to establish the applicant's suitability for the post and to rankthe successful candidates in order of merit for appointment.The interview will be the candidate's opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the requiredcompetencies, knowledge, skills, and experience. The objective of the board is to assess the candidate'sresponses against agreed criteria and to identify the candidates who best meet the competencies required.Longford County Council will issue advance notice of the date and time of the interview. It is theresponsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for interview on the date and time notifiedand to ensure that they are able to successfully connect to the online interview if required.Requests to reschedule notified interview dates or times cannot be accommodated.Candidates who do not attend/connect for their interview at the time and on the date advised will bedeemed to have withdrawn their application from the competition and their application will receive nofurther consideration. Expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview will be the responsibilityof the candidate.Candidates who are successful in the online interview process will be qualified for appointment in order ofmerit and placed on a panel. This panel may be used to fill both permanent and temporary GraduatePlanner vacancies that may arise during the life of the panel.It should be noted that placement on a panel may not necessarily lead to a job offer. The selectionprocess is not concluded until sought references are received and all other clearance checks, e.g. GardaVetting, occupational health, verification of education qualifications, etc, have been carried out to thesatisfaction of the Council.Candidates on the Graduate Planner panel who satisfy all the requirements for the post may be offeredemployment subject to:. Their place, in order of merit, on the panel. The requirements of Longford County Council.Should a candidate decline an offer of employment or having accepted an offer of employment relinquishit prior to commencing in the post, they will be deemed to have withdrawn their application from thecompetition.. Feedback Candidates shall be notified of the outcome of each stage of the selection process as soon as possible. If,following the interview, a candidate is placed on a panel they shall be informed of their position on thepanel. Details of marks attained in the interview process will be provided upon receipt of written request.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate Planner. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn Candidates who do not attend for testing and/or interview when and where required by Longford CountyCouncil and/or the Testing Company, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as requiredby Longford County Council within the specified timeframe, regarding any matter relevant to theircandidature, will be deemed to have withdrawn their application from the competition.. References Applicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they are well known butnot related.In advance of any offer of employment, Longford County Council reserves the right to seek both writtenand verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions, or any otherorganisations with which the candidate has been associated. Longford County Council reserves the rightto determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees. Informationsought from referees shall be structured around the requirements of the job and the job description,person specification and/or competency profile provided.. Verification of Education Qualifications Prior to appointment, the candidate will be required to present the original parchment of their certificate,diploma and/or degree and any other supporting documentation required by the Council*, to the HumanResources department in order to verify their qualifications.Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and QualificationsIreland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework ofQualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.. Pre-Employment Medical Prior to appointment the candidate will be required to complete a Health Declaration and to undergo amedical examination, at their own expense, by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the Council.On taking up employment the expense of this medical examination will be refunded.. Garda Clearance Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and VulnerablePersons) Acts to and the applicant will be required to fully cooperate with this process.. Canvassing Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation, directly or indirectly,by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate's favour, any member oremployee of the Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants,will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate Planner. Confidentiality Longford County Council, in its recruitment and selection procedures, has appropriate measures in place toprotect the confidentiality of all applicants. All enquiries, applications and other aspects that form part ofthe recruitment formalities are treated as confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside of thosedirectly involved in the recruitment process - subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts,-.Records created, maintained, and stored by Longford County Council as part of the recruitment andselection process are subject to a range of legislation, including Freedom of Information and DataProtection. Longford County Council shall comply with the National Records Retention Policy () andany other relevant records retention policies.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/Candidate Information Booklet - Graduate Planner. Who can I contact if I have a query in relation the Recruitment Campaign for Graduate Planner?The Candidate Information Booklet provides comprehensive information relating to the selection process for thisrecruitment campaign. However, if after reading this information booklet you require any additional/furtherinformation - please forward your query by email to:. I have submitted my application form. What happens next?Longford County Council will carry out an eligibility check on all application forms to ensure that they meet theminimum eligibility criteria for the post as set out by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Ifyou do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, based on the information given in yourapplication form, you will not be invited to interview.Depending on the number of candidates remaining at this stage of the competition it may be necessary to hold ashortlisting process. The shortlisting process may take the form of either a desktop exercise (based on theinformation contained in the application forms) or a shortlisting interview.. What happens on completion of the shortlisting process?Longford County Council will contact all applicants advising them of the results of the shortlisting process.Candidates who are shortlisted at this stage will be invited to attend for interview. It is your responsibility to attendfor interview on the date and time notified. An alternative dates and times cannot be facilitated.. What happens after undertaking the final interview?Candidates who are successful in the interview process will be placed on a panel and ranked in order of merit. Thispanel may be used to fill both permanent and temporary vacancies for the post of Graduate Planner, that may ariseduring the life of the panel.Please note that being placed on a panel is not a guarantee that you will be appointed to the position of GraduatePlanner.. If I am offered employment where will I be based?The management of Longford County Council reserve the right to assign employees to any premises or businesssection as required in accordance with the business needs of the organisation.. How will Longford County Council communicate with me throughout the Recruitment and SelectionCampaign?Longford County Council may contact you by phone, email or post at various stages throughout the selectionprocess. Any change to the contact details provided that occur during this recruitment campaign should be notifiedby email to LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GP/