The Position
The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the position of Staff Officer be drawn.
The Staff Officer is a frontline supervisory position in the Council with responsibility for managing the performance of a section or function within a Department. The Staff Officer will work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Council, assisting with the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards set out in Departmental and Team development plans. A Staff Officer is expected to use initiative, work to a high standard and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
The Staff Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence. The role requires excellent administrative, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with the ability to demonstrate strong professional competence within the assigned area.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Staff Officer is a support or supervisory position within the Council and the candidate can be assigned responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a work area, section, or team. The Staff Officer works as part of a team, supporting managers and colleagues to meet work goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internal and external customers
The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to a Staff Officer:
- To be responsible for the supervision of a work area of section/department within the Council, including supervision of a team;
- Responsibility for the day to day operations of the section/department;
- Management and supervision of staff within the section/team to include training and development of such staff;
- Assign and monitor the work programme for the section/department;
- Provide administrative support based on a thorough understanding of the overall workings and policies of a section;
- Motivate, empower and encourage staff to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS);
- Analyse and report on the workings of the section/department;
- Prepare budgets and ensure that work programmes are implemented within allocated budgets;
- Represent the section/department at interdepartmental and external meetings to include giving progress reports or making of presentations;
- Support senior line managers in ensuring section or department work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s operational and service delivery plans;
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships both internally and externally to organisation;
- Provide support and assistance in the delivery of projects as required;
- Identify opportunities for improvements in service delivery within their section or team;
- Support and implement change management initiatives within their section or team;
- Support to team members and employees, handling day to day issues, ensuring compliance with all council policies and procedures and legislative requirements;
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work;
- Use all technology including IT and financial systems and any equipment assigned;
- Complete all essential training successfully;
- Carry out duties in a politically neutral and impartial manner that enhances public trust and confidence in the local authority decision making process;
- To act or deputise for more senior personnel when required;
- Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.
The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such duties as designated from time to time.
Westmeath County Council
