Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)
Longford County Council is one of Local Authorities in the Republic of Ireland. The
Council has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services which are necessary to
the physical, economic, social and cultural life of County Longford, with a focus on making
Longford 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 Resources
* Housing
This is an opportunity to gain employment in the role of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific
Purpose 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, employment
legislation and relevant circulars from the Department of Housing, Local
Government & Heritage.
This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide information on the
post of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) and the selection
process, and candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the detailed
information in advance of submitting their application.
Candidates should satisfy themselves that they are eligible under the
Qualifications to apply for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer.
Where a candidate provides false or misleading information or has deliberately
omitted relevant information on their application form this may result in their
disqualification 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 Position
The Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) post is the entry-level administrative grade in Local
Authorities (LA's) in Ireland. To become a Temporary Clerical Officer, one must demonstrate a good
general educational standard and be efficient and customer focused.
The Candidate
The Candidate Should Demonstrate:
* Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authority
* Understanding of the role of a Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract)
* Relevant administrative experience and Clerical skills
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills
* Conscientious & Resilience
* Strong customer service ethos
* Ability to work effectively under pressure
* Excellent Organisation & Task Management Skills
* Experience of working as part of a team
* High level of attention to detail and accuracy
* Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.
Role & Duties of the Post
As this is a Specific Purpose Contract the following tasks will form part of the overall role of each
contracted staff member:
➢ Undertake and complete townland and address standardisation work required for National
System.
➢ 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 includes
identification of correspondence with potential duplicate electors and appropriate amendments
to 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 local
authority to - This will require repeated correspondence and follow up with electors to
complete their record.
➢ Certain sectors such as nursing homes will require additional work in relation to possible
duplications 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, Electoral
Divisions 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)
COMPETENCIES
Key competencies for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) are given in
the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their
application form of their competence under each of these headings.
Take particular note of the competencies below listed as any shortlisting or interview processes will be
based on the information provided by the candidate in their completed application form.
* Delivers a high standard of service
* Manage time and work effectively
PLANNING & ORGANISING
WORK
• Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges or
responsibilities
* Communicate clearly and actively listen
* Effective written and verbal skills
COMMUNICATING
* Demonstrate positive customer service attitude
EFFECTIVELY INCLUDING
CUSTOMER FOCUS
• Represents the organisation positively and professionally when
dealing with members of the public and other stakeholders.
* Develop and maintain good working relationships within teams
* Works as part of a team to ensure delivery of plans and
TEAM-WORK schedules
* Demonstrate dignity and respect for colleagues.
* Commitment to self-development and improving skills and
knowledge base
* Personal motivation
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
* Enthusiastic and energetic about the role
* Resilience
AT INTERVIEW STAGE CANDIDATE WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE ADDITIONAL COMPETENCY OF
* Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of
local government
* Knowledge and understanding of current local government
KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE & issue
SKILLS
* Understanding the role of a Temporary Clerical Officer in this
context.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/
Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)
Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III)
(Specific Purpose Contract)
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:
(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of
the 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 the
free 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 stamp
visa: or
(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act or
any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has
a 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 subjects
from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving
Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.
or
* have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard.
or
* have 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 Clerical
Duties) or Clerk/Typist under a local authority, or health board in the State.
or
* have satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills.
and
* have 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 by
the 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
and at their own expense.
. Commencement
Longford County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such
appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointment
within 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 to
work additional hours from time to time.
All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of
Working Time Act,, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations,. Longford County
Council 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 other
employee of Longford County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may
designate for this purpose.
A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions
between 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 on
probation. The period of probation will be prescribed by the Chief Executive. Employment may be
terminated during the probationary period should service be deemed by the Chief Executive to be
unsatisfactory. Employment may be terminated at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief
Executive has certified that the employee had satisfactory service. Tenure of employment following
probation will be subject to satisfactory service.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/
Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)
. Remuneration
The current salary scale for the post of Temporary Clerical Officer is €, - €, LSI gross per
annum (Circular EL /), the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with
Government 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. The
current 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.
. Superannuation & Retirement
A person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required in respect of
their Superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.
The terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme as amended or the
Public 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 due
consideration 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 Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, retirement is compulsory on reaching years of
age.
* The minimum retirement age for "new entrants" to the public service as defined in the Public
Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is. There is no mandatory
retirement age.
* Effective from st January,, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new
entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service
after a break of more than weeks:
* Retirement age is set, initially, at years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in
the 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) is
days per annum, increasing to days per annum after five years' service, in accordance with the
Council'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's
annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees
each 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 adequate
means of transport.
It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance cover for business use
and to indemnify Longford County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance certificate
under the heading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Documentation to confirm the
appropriate 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 practice
including 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.
. Training
Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by
the 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 the
Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at
Work Act, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and
preventative 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 with
management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place
themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place
of work.
Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety
and Health Training.
. Outside Employment
The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with
any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.
Important Notice
The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the
comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the
employment 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 format
to – do not attach or include your CV
NOTE: 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, and
accurate 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
being true. False/misleading information or deliberate omissions may result in termination of
employment.
. 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 accepted
* Applications forms must be submitted by email in pdf format
* Applications submitted by hand, post or fax will not be accepted
* Claims 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
infer that you fulfil all the requirements for appointment.
Applications submitted by email will be acknowledged automatically. Please keep this
acknowledgement as proof of delivery and receipt of your application.
If you do not receive an acknowledgement within hours, please contact the Human Resources
Department immediately at / or by email:
It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure the proper application format, delivery, and
receipt of their applications.
Longford County Council may need to contact you during the competition's selection process. It is
important 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 received
by you.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/
Candidate Information Booklet – Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III) (Specific Purpose Contract)
. Selection Process
The Selection Process may include the following:
* Short-listing of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application;
* Preliminary interview
* Competitive interview
Stage – Submission of Application Form via email
Candidates interested in applying for the position of Temporary Clerical Officer should submit their
completed application with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format to
Completed 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 the
application form.
Failure to submit a completed application form, with all required supporting documentation, by the
specified deadline will result in the application being deemed invalid and it will not be permitted to
proceed 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
that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position of Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific
Purpose 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 will
progress to the Step of the selection process.
Candidates who fail to demonstrate that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria required, their
application 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.
Shortlisting may take the form of:
. desktop-shortlisting process, where a board will be assigned to examine the information
provided by the candidate and assess it against criteria required for the position, and/or
. online preliminary interview on Microsoft Teams
Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and
future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the
competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to
interview 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 the
requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or
incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their
application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your
own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on
the application form.
. Preliminary Interview:
Longford County Council may at their discretion require candidates to attend a preliminary interview in
which case admission to the competitive interview would be conditional on candidates reaching such a
standard 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. Based
on 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 selection
process. However, Longford County Council may require bringing forward additional candidates from
this competition in the future and as such you may be contacted at a later stage.
Stage –Interview
On completion of the Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidates may be
invited in batches, to attend for interview.
An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Executive of Longford County
Council. The board will comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who will have expert
knowledge in the relevant field. The objective of the board is to establish the applicant's suitability for
the 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 required
competencies, knowledge, skills, and experience. The objective of the board is to assess the
candidate's responses 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 the
responsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for interview on the date and time
notified and to ensure that they can attend their interview or successfully connect to the online
interview.
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 be deemed to have
withdrawn their application from the competition and their application will receive no further
consideration. Expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview will be the responsibility of
the 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 of
merit and placed on a panel. This panel may be used to fill temporary Clerical Officer (Specific
Purpose 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 selection
process 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 out
to the satisfaction of the Council.
Candidates on the Temporary Clerical Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) panel who satisfy all the
requirements 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 employment
relinquish it prior to commencing in the post, they will be deemed to have withdrawn their
application from the competition.
. 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
the panel. Details of marks attained in the interview process will be provided upon receipt of written
request.
. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required by the Longford County
Council or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as required by Longford County
Council within the specified timeframe, regarding any matter relevant to their candidature, 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
but not related.
In advance of any offer of employment, Longford County Council reserves the right to seek both
written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any
other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. Longford County Council reserves
the 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 job
description, 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 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 Human Resources department in order to verify their qualifications.
* Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and
Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National
Framework of Qualifications, 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
a medical 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 the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable
Persons) 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 or employee 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.
. Confidentiality
Longford County Council, in its recruitment and selection procedures, has appropriate measures in
place to protect the confidentiality of all applicants. All enquiries, applications and other aspects that
form 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 Freedom
of Information Acts, -.
Records created, maintained and stored by Longford County Council as part of the recruitment and
selection process are subject to a range of legislation, including Freedom of Information and Data
Protection. Longford County Council shall comply with the National Records Retention Policy () and
any 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 Clerical
Officer?
The Candidate Information Booklet provides comprehensive information relating to the selection process for
this recruitment campaign. However, if after reading this information booklet you require any additional/further
information - 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 the
minimum eligibility criteria for the post as set out by the Department of Housing, Local Government and
Heritage. If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, based on the information given
in 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 hold
a shortlisting process. The shortlisting process may take the form of either a desktop exercise (based on the
information 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 to
attend 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 arise
during 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
Temporary 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 business
section as required in accordance with the business needs of the organisation.
. How will Longford County Council communicate with me throughout the Recruitment and
Selection Campaign?
Longford County Council may contact you by phone, email or post at various stages throughout the selection
process. Any change to the contact details provided that occur during this recruitment campaign should be
notified by email to
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL TCO/