Senior Clerical Officer in Portadown

PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

Clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should demonstrate this for both essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. Demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined below. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Have either (A) or (B)

• (A) 5 GCSE’s (Grades A*–C) including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent or higher level qualifications. PLUS 1 year’s experience in an administrative/clerical role in a busy office environment.
• (B) A minimum of 3 years’ experience in an administrative/clerical role in a busy office environment. PLUS Have a minimum of 6 months experience in the management and supervision of staff.

SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Additional essential criteria are measured during the interview/selection stage.
• Evidence of knowledge of the requirements of a Senior Clerical Officer.
• General office administrative processes and records.
• Proven effective planning and organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Evidence of a customer focused approach to work.
• Demonstrable people management and team skills to successfully motivate and manage others.
• Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills.
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s/the School’s values/ethos.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Desirable criteria may be applied in the order listed.
• Previous experience of working in an administrative role within a school environment.
• Experience of operating schools-based computer applications/systems within a school setting (e.g. C2K SIMS).

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide administrative, clerical and secretarial support to the Principal, school staff and Board of Governors and assist with the organisation and management of the school office.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision

• Allocate, control and monitor work of appropriate staff.
• Identify and provide on‑the‑job training to appropriate staff.

• Provide administrative, clerical and secretarial support for Principal, school staff and Board of Governors.
• Develop, maintain and operate manual and/or computerised information systems in connection with pupils, staff, budgets, meals, maintenance, examinations, care, medical services, recruitment, transport, etc.
• Complete and submit all returns/records as required.
• Contact relevant personnel to receive and provide information.

• Operate/oversee requisitioning procedures, including the ordering, purchasing, receiving, checking, storage and distribution of resources.
• Stock control of resources.
• Arrange for the maintenance of equipment in association with other school and board staff.

• Receive, receipt and account for all cash.
• Bank monies and maintain banking records.
• Communicate with relevant personnel and provide assistance in relation to financial procedures.

• Operate the telephone/switchboard, receive visitors and provide hospitality as required.
• Provide word processing/typing, filing, duplication and photocopying word processing in support of administrative processes, including the use of e‑mail, intranet and internet facilities, where appropriate.
• Sort, screen and distribute all mail.
• Ensure the secure storage of valuable items and confidential documentation.
• Draft correspondence, obtain and update lists of guests, issue invitations, prepare tickets and programmes as required for school functions.
• Maintain diaries, arrange appointments, meetings and provide secretarial service for all staff within the school.
• Communicate on a regular basis with professional staff from outside agencies to receive and provide information (e.g. medical personnel, social services agency personnel).
• Keep staff, pupils and parents informed of matters relating to school activities.
• Service meetings and draft minutes as required.

• Assist work placement students with practical tasks and assignments within the school officer (where appropriate).
• Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the job.

FLEXIBLE WORKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

• OPTION 1: You are required to be on duty during school term plus two additional weeks. The timing of the two additional weeks is at the discretion of the Principal of the school.
• OPTION 2: You are required to be on duty for the contracted weekly hours, working during periods of school closure except when on annual leave or other authorised absence. Duties will normally be provided by the school. Alternative work and/or training may be provided by the Authority at a reasonable place of employment.
• OPTION 3: To work as for option 2 with the further option to request periods of unpaid leave during extended school holidays or closures.

Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.