Senior Staff Officer Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference to your community and county, South Dublin County Council is a great place to work and for many people already provides an attractive career and working environment. Working for South Dublin County Council will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. We recognise the value of our employees, can offer a diverse range of job and career options, can provide plenty of scope for career progression and can provide structured training and personal development We also offer flexible working arrangements including blended working arrangements, a positive work environment, training and development opportunities, a defined career path and the opportunity to make a difference. Everything you need to know about South Dublin County Council Therole The Senior Staff Officeris a frontline management position in the Council and is assigned responsibility for managingtheperformanceofasectionwithinaDepartmenthandlinganareaoftheCouncilsactivities.Theyare responsible for ensuring that goals set out in Departmental and Team business plans become operational actions. The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary €56,754 - €58,108 - €59,758 - €62,862 - €64,716 - €67,020 (LSI 1) - €69,337 (LSI 2) Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days. Only applications received electronically through the Councils e-Recruitment system will be accepted and must be received no later than midnight on Thursday, 17th July 2025 Qualifications Character Candidates will 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. Essential Education, training, experience Each candidate must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: 1. (a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and / or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics, and (b)haveobtainedatleastGradeC(orHonours)inhigherlevel(orHonours)papersin three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and / or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics), or Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, or Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard Will have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and supervision and management of staff. Confinedcompetition (a) Be a serving employee in a local authority, or a regional assembly and have not less than two years satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post, and (b) Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff. A panel may be formed from which future positions may be filled. Recruitment to the post of Senior Staff Officer (Grade Six) will be on the following basis: Panel A(Confined to local authority sector) will comprise of successful applicants in order of merit from within the Local Authority Sector only, that is, candidates serving in a local authority or Regional Assembly (where applicable). Panel B(Open) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may include candidates serving in a local authority, regional assembly and external applicants. Panel C(Confined to the recruiting local authority or applicable regional assembly) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may include candidates serving in the recruiting local authority or regional assembly (where applicable). Desirable Education, training, experience Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government, of current local government issues, priorities, concerns and future direction. Demonstrate relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level. Have a career record that demonstrates an ability to manage and supervise staff. Demonstrate effective financial and resource management skills. Have knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems. Be able to lead and manage a team effectively to achieve a common goal, ensuring strong governance standards and ethics standards are adhered to and maintained. Have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under their control to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). Understand the changing environment and be capable of implementing change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens. Understand the representational role of the elected members and be capable of working closely with them to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions. Be self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative. Have strong interpersonal and communications skills and be capable of representing the Council in a professional and credible manner. Have an awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace. Have an understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace. Key competencies / skills Managementandchange Deliveringresults PerformancethroughPeople Personaleffectiveness Local government knowledge and understanding Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. Duties The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and tosuchotherlocalauthoritiesorbodiesforwhichtheChiefExecutive,forthepurposesofthe Local Government Act, 2001, is Chief Executive and 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 officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate management, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary services as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentionedintheexerciseandperformanceofanyofitspowers,functionsandduties,includingtheduty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level The duties will include but are not limited to: ResponsibleforthemanagementandadministrationofasectionorsectionswithintheCouncil. Supervisionandmanagementofstaffwithinasectionorsections,includingassigningandscheduling duties and workload, providing on-going support and handling day to day issues. Planning,allocationandprioritisationofwork. Takingresponsibilityforstaffperformanceandreportingontheprogressofworkatstaffmanagement meetings. Supporting line manager to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Councils corporate and operational plans, including planning and prioritising work and allocating resources. Todevelopandmaintainproductiveworkingrelationships,includingprovidinginformationand assistance when required. Toactasakey pointofcontactandliaisoninrelationtoalloperationalmattersfor thesection/sections for which they are responsible. Toresearch,analyseandcommunicateinformationonspecificissuesandpoliciesasappropriate, including compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations and correspondence. RepresentingtheCounciloncommitteesandatmeetingsandreportingonprogressintheirsectionor department as required. Providingsupportandadministrativeassistanceinthedeliveryofprojectsasrequired. To be involved in the day-to-day financial management of capital and operational expenditure in the section or department. Toidentifyopportunitiesforimprovements,implementandmanagechangemanagementinitiatives within the relevant area of responsibility. Compliance with all organisational policies and procedures within area of responsibility and provide assistanceintheunderstandingandinterpretationofpoliciesandprocedurestoemployees,customers and other stakeholders as appropriate. CompliancewithHealthandSafetylegislativerequirements,policiesandproceduresandsafesystems of work. To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time. These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary /Wages Entry point to a salary / wages scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. InaccordancewithDepartmentalCircularletterEL02/2011,apersonwhoisnotaserving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. The salary / wage 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 their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of the post or in respect of any services, which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. Duties The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and (a)to such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 2001, 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 officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate management, technical, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary services as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level. Citizenship CriticalSkillsOccupations Candidates must, by the date of submission of application form, have a Critical Skills Employment Permit (stamp 1G). Candidates should ensure that the post they are applying for is included in the Critical Skills Occupations List Non-Critical Skills Occupations Candidatesmust,bythedateofsubmissionofapplicationform,be: 1.A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the MemberStatesoftheEuropeanUnion,Iceland,LiechtensteinandNorway; or AcitizenoftheUnitedKingdom(UK); or 3.AcitizenofSwitzerlandpursuanttotheagreementbetweentheEUand Switzerlandon the free movement of persons; or 4.Anon-EEAcitizenwhoisaspouseorchildofanEEAorUKorSwisscitizen and has a stamp 4 visa: or 5. 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 6. 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. In the case of relief positionsadvertised by the Council, a person awarded a stamp 2 Visa (student visa) is allowed to work to a maximum of 20 hours work per week. Probation Where a person is appointed to South Dublin County Council, the following provisions will apply - (a) there will be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person will hold the position on probation. (b)suchperiodwillbeoneyear,buttheChiefExecutivemay,athisdiscretion,extend such period. (c)suchapersonwillceasetoholdthepositionattheendoftheperiodofprobation unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory. theperiodat(a)abovemaybeterminatedongivingoneweeksnoticeasperthe Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts. there will be assessment(s) during the probationary period. Officers who have already completed a probationary period with another Local Authority will not be obliged to serve probation with South Dublin County Council. Blended Working TheCounciliscommittedtosupportingaflexibleandbalancedworkingenvironment.Inline with this commitment, we operate a Blended Working Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 Under this policy, successful candidates may apply to work remotely up to two days per week, provided that the role is deemed suitable for blended working. Applications for blended working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements and the needs of the service. Please note that blended working arrangements cannot commence until six months of continuous employment have been completed. This ensures adequate time for onboarding, training, and integration into the team and organisational culture. Residence Holdersoftheofficewillresideinthedistrictinwhichtheirdutiesaretobeperformedor within a reasonable distance thereof, as determined by South Dublin County Council. Outside Employment Employees may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties. Superannuation The provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 may apply. Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority as follows: 1.5%oftheirpensionableremuneration plus 3.5%ofnetpensionableremuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children). Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. The provisions of the Spouses and Childrens / Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply. New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority. 2025 Rates and Thresholds LocalGovernmentSuperannuationSchememembers €0.00to€34,5000% €34,500 to €60,000 10% Over €60,000 10.5% SinglePublicSectorPensionSchememembers €0.00to€34,5000% €34,500 to €60,000 3.33% Over €60,000 3.5% Retirement Age There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy. The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness for carrying out the duties to which they have been assigned. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position. Recruitment Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the Council. Interview may be face to face or conducted through Microsoft Teams and will be at the discretion of the Council. South Dublin County Council reserves its right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate which may include desktop shortlisting and / or preliminary interviews. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form, and to fully complete the competency questions where applicable. Candidates may be requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in a particular competencyandwhichdemonstratestheirsuitabilitytomeetthechallengesofthisrole. Candidatesshouldensuretheexampleusedclearlydemonstratestheirabilityinthis area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. A panel may be formed on the basis of such interviews. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Council that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. The life of the panel will be for a period of one year from the date of its formation. The Council will not be responsible for any expenses a candidate may incur in attending for interview. For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Council. Appointment will also not proceed without the Council obtaining two satisfactory references from responsible persons know to but not related to the candidate. A responsible person should be a person under whom the candidate has serviced in employment, or in the case of relevant voluntary work a person who has held a supervisory position. At least one of references must be from a current employer. South Dublin County Council will require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a reasonable period as determined by the Council. If they fail to take up appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council will not appoint them. Garda Vetting will be sought prior to appointment in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau Act 2012 - 2016. A candidate who is found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered. Provision of inaccurate, untrue, or misleading information will lead to disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment or dismissal. A candidate who does not attend for interview when and where required by the Council will have no further claim to consideration. Applicants should hold themselves in readiness for interview any time after the closing date. Interview results will be available on our website. SouthDublinCountyCouncilisanequalopportunitiesemployer. Canvassingwillautomaticallydisqualify