Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)Longford 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 are necessary tothe physical, economic, social and cultural life of County Longford, with a focus on makingLongford an attractive place to live, work and invest.The following comprises 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 Temporary Clerical Officer (SpecificPurpose Contract) with Longford County Council.Longford County Council is committed to a policy of open and fair recruitment,in line with good practice, recruitment & selection standards, employmentlegislation and relevant circulars from the Department of Housing, LocalGovernment & Heritage.This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide information on thepost of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) and the selectionprocess, and candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the detailedinformation in advance of submitting their application.Candidates should satisfy themselves that they are eligible under theQualifications to apply for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer.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 TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III)(Specific Purpose Contract)The PositionThe Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) post is the entry-level administrative grade in LocalAuthorities (LA's) in Ireland. To become a Temporary Clerical Officer, one must demonstrate a goodgeneral educational standard and be efficient and customer focused.The CandidateThe Candidate Should Demonstrate:Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authorityUnderstanding of the role of a Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract)Relevant administrative experience and Clerical skillsStrong interpersonal and communication skillsConscientious & ResilienceStrong customer service ethosAbility to work effectively under pressureExcellent Organisation & Task Management SkillsExperience of working as part of a teamHigh level of attention to detail and accuracyKnowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.Role & Duties of the PostAs this is a Specific Purpose Contract the following tasks will form part of the overall role of eachcontracted staff member:➢ Undertake and complete townland and address standardisation work required for NationalSystem.➢ Assist with the completion of Data Cleansing (Phase ) work of local authority data.➢ Assist with the completion of cross local authority Data Cleansing (Phase ) works which includesidentification of correspondence with potential duplicate electors and appropriate amendmentsto registers.➢ Removal of electors matched with DSP death lists.➢ Assist with the collection of Date of Birth, PPSN and Eircode data after migration of each localauthority to - This will require repeated correspondence and follow up with electors tocomplete their record.➢ Certain sectors such as nursing homes will require additional work in relation to possibleduplications as may be still registered at their home address or another nursing home.➢ Work with GIS Teams to capture the geographic address.➢ Ensure compliance with the Irish translation of Townlands, Local Electoral Areas, ElectoralDivisions and Polling Stations.➢ Follow up on returned polling cards from the electoral events in .➢ And any other such duty as may be assigned from time to time.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)COMPETENCIESKey competencies for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) are given inthe table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within theirapplication form of their competence under each of these headings.Take particular note of the competencies below listed as any shortlisting or interview processes will bebased on the information provided by the candidate in their completed application form.Delivers a high standard of serviceManage time and work effectivelyPLANNING & ORGANISINGWORK • Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges orresponsibilitiesCommunicate clearly and actively listenEffective written and verbal skillsCOMMUNICATINGDemonstrate positive customer service attitudeEFFECTIVELY INCLUDINGCUSTOMER FOCUS • Represents the organisation positively and professionally whendealing with members of the public and other stakeholders.Develop and maintain good working relationships within teamsWorks as part of a team to ensure delivery of plans andTEAM-WORK schedulesDemonstrate dignity and respect for colleagues.Commitment to self-development and improving skills andknowledge basePersonal motivationPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESSEnthusiastic and energetic about the roleResilienceAT INTERVIEW STAGE CANDIDATE WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE ADDITIONAL COMPETENCY OFKnowledge and understanding of the structure and functions oflocal governmentKnowledge and understanding of current local governmentKNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE & issueSKILLSUnderstanding the role of a Temporary Clerical Officer in thiscontext. LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III)(Specific Purpose Contract)QUALIFICATIONS. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect ofability to 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 ofthe European 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 thefree movement 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 orany family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and hasa stamp visa or(f) 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 visa. Education, Training and Experience etc.Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjectsfrom the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established LeavingCertificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.orhave passed an examination of at least equivalent standard.orhave had at least two year's previous service in an office of Temporary Clerical Officer,Clerk/Typist (Temporary Clerical Duties), Clerk Typist (Typing and Temporary ClericalDuties) or Clerk/Typist under a local authority, or health board in the State.orhave satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills.andhave a proficiency or aptitude with computers.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT. The Post This is a wholetime specific purpose contract post and appointment is temporary.. Location Longford County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate 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 transportand at 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 Hours You will be required to work variable hours over the working week, from Monday to Saturday,including late evening. This will be at the discretion of the Director of Services. You may be required towork additional hours from time to time.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 Arrangements Temporary Clerical Officers report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any otheremployee of Longford County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee maydesignate for this purpose.A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussionsbetween the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.. Probationary Period of Employment There shall be a period after appointment during which the appointee will hold the position onprobation. The period of probation will be prescribed by the Chief Executive. Employment may beterminated during the probationary period should service be deemed by the Chief Executive to beunsatisfactory. Employment may be terminated at the end of the probationary period unless the ChiefExecutive has certified that the employee had satisfactory service. Tenure of employment followingprobation will be subject to satisfactory service.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). RemunerationThe current salary scale for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer is €, - €, LSI gross perannum (Circular EL /), the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line withGovernment Circulars.The salary scale on appointment to this post of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract)will be at mid-scale of €, (Circular EL /).Remuneration is paid fortnightly by Pay-Path directly to the employees nominated bank account. Thecurrent wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment. Remuneration is subject toall statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I.. Superannuation & Retirement A person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required in respect oftheir Superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.The terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme as amended or thePublic Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act or the Public Service Pensions(Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act will apply as appropriate on appointment.Retirement age for employees is dependent on their relevant contract of employment, with dueconsideration being given to the rules of the Superannuation Scheme to which they belong.For appointees who are deemed not to be "new entrants" as defined in the Public ServiceSuperannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, retirement is compulsory on reaching years ofage.The minimum retirement age for "new entrants" to the public service as defined in the PublicService Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is. There is no mandatoryretirement age.Effective from st January,, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time newentrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public serviceafter a break of more than weeks:Retirement age is set, initially, at years; this will rise in step with statutory changes inthe State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to years in and years in .Compulsory retirement age will be .. Annual Leave The current annual leave entitlement for Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) isdays per annum, increasing to days per annum after five years' service, in accordance with theCouncil's Annual Leave Policy.The Chief Executive 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'sannual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employeeseach year. LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). Driver's Licence & Insurance Longford County Council employees may on occasion be required to use their car on official business.In such 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 useand to indemnify Longford County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance certificateunder the heading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Documentation to confirm theappropriate insurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis.. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies Employees 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,but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility,Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment.. TrainingEmployees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided bythe Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.. Health and Safety Regulations Longford 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 atWork Act, 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 placeof work.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safetyand Health Training.. Outside Employment The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected withany outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.Important NoticeThe above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be thecomprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in theemployment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)SELECTION PROCESS. How to Apply Only fully completed applications forms will be accepted.Please ensure that:. your application is made on the official application form only and sent via email in pdf formatto – 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 formbeing true. 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. you submit your application on or before :pm, Friday th February .Forward your completed application form via email to Applications submitted after the closing date will not be acceptedApplications 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 notinfer that you fulfil all the requirements for appointment.Applications submitted by email will be acknowledged automatically. Please keep thisacknowledgement as proof of delivery and receipt of your application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within hours, please contact the Human ResourcesDepartment immediately at / or by email:It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure the proper application format, delivery, andreceipt of their applications. 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 on your application form are correct and accessible by you.Longford County Council will not accept responsibility for communication not accessed or receivedby you.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). Selection ProcessThe Selection Process may include the following:Short-listing of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application;Preliminary interviewCompetitive interviewStage – Submission of Application Form via emailCandidates interested in applying for the position of Temporary Clerical Officer should submit theircompleted application with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format toCompleted Application Forms must be submitted on or before :pm, Friday th February .Each completed application must include a copy of all educational qualifications declared in theapplication form.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 ScreeningAll completed application forms received by the stated closing date & time will be screened to ensurethat they meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position of Temporary Clerical Officer (SpecificPurpose Contract) in accordance with the declared Qualifications (as given on page of this booklet).Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the required eligibility criteria, their application willprogress to the 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 – ShortlistingLongford County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications.Shortlisting may take the form of:. desktop-shortlisting process, where a board will be assigned to examine the informationprovided by the candidate and assess it against criteria required for the position, and/or. online preliminary interview on Microsoft TeamsNormally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing andfuture vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of thecompetition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical tointerview everyone, Longford County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). Desktop-Shortlisting: An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on therequirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable orincapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on theirapplication, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in yourown interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience onthe application form.. Preliminary Interview: Longford County Council may at their discretion require candidates to attend a preliminary interview inwhich case admission to the competitive interview would be conditional on candidates reaching such astandard as Longford County Council considered appropriate in the preliminary interview.Candidates who are shortlisted may have their application scored and ranked in order of merit. Basedon the score awarded their application may progress to Stage of the selection process.For candidates who are not shortlisted, their application will not progress any further in the selectionprocess. However, Longford County Council may require bringing forward additional candidates fromthis competition in the future and as such you may be contacted at a later stage.Stage –InterviewOn completion of the Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidates may beinvited in batches, to attend for interview.An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Executive of Longford CountyCouncil. The board will comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who will have expertknowledge in the relevant field. The objective of the board is to establish the applicant's suitability forthe post and to rank the 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 thecandidate's responses against agreed criteria and to identify the candidates who best meet thecompetencies 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 timenotified and to ensure that they can attend their interview or successfully connect to the onlineinterview.Requests to reschedule notified interview dates or times cannot be accommodated. Candidates whodo not attend/connect for their interview at the time and on the date advised will be deemed to havewithdrawn their application from the competition and their application will receive no furtherconsideration. Expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview will be the responsibility ofthe candidate.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)Candidates who are successful in the interview process will be qualified for appointment in order ofmerit and placed on a panel. This panel may be used to fill temporary Clerical Officer (SpecificPurpose Contract) 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.Garda Vetting, occupational health, verification of education qualifications, etc, have been carried outto the satisfaction of the Council.Candidates on the Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) panel who satisfy all therequirements for the post may be offered employment 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 employmentrelinquish it prior to commencing in the post, they will be deemed to have withdrawn theirapplication from the competition.. FeedbackCandidates 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 onthe panel. Details of marks attained in the interview process will be provided upon receipt of writtenrequest.. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawnCandidates who do not attend for interview when and where required by the Longford CountyCouncil or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as required by Longford CountyCouncil within the specified timeframe, regarding any matter relevant to their candidature, will bedeemed to have withdrawn their application from the competition.. ReferencesApplicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they are well knownbut not related.In advance of any offer of employment, Longford County Council reserves the right to seek bothwritten and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or anyother organisations with which the candidate has been associated. Longford County Council reservesthe right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.Information sought from referees shall be structured around the requirements of the job and the jobdescription, person specification and/or competency profile provided.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). Verification of Education QualificationsPrior to appointment, the candidate will be required to present the original parchment of theircertificate, diploma and/or degree and any other supporting documentation required by the Council*,to the Human Resources department in order to verify their qualifications.Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality andQualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish NationalFramework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by atranslation document.. Pre-Employment MedicalPrior to appointment the candidate will be required to complete a Health Declaration and to undergoa medical examination, at their own expense, by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by theCouncil. On taking up employment the expense of this medical examination will be refunded.. Garda ClearanceGarda Vetting will be sought in accordance the National Vetting Bureau (Children and VulnerablePersons) Acts to and the applicant will be required to fully cooperate with this process.. CanvassingAny attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation, directly orindirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate's favour, anymember or employee of the Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview orexamine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.. ConfidentialityLongford County Council, in its recruitment and selection procedures, has appropriate measures inplace to protect the confidentiality of all applicants. All enquiries, applications and other aspects thatform part of the recruitment formalities are treated as confidential and are not disclosed to anyone,outside of those directly involved in the recruitment process - subject to the provisions of the Freedomof 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 TCO/Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract). Who can I contact if I have a query in relation the Recruitment Campaign for Temporary ClericalOfficer?The Candidate Information Booklet provides comprehensive information relating to the selection process forthis recruitment 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 andHeritage. If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, based on the information givenin your application 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 holda shortlisting 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 applicant's 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 toattend for 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.This panel may be used to fill temporary vacancies for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer, 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 ofTemporary Clerical Officer.. 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 andSelection Campaign?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 benotified by email to LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/