Planning Assistant in Belfast

Closing: 27th Aug

Location: Adelaide Street, Belfast

Type: Temporary (Approx 13 weeks)

Salary: £13.45 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per week (3 days in office, 2 days remote after training period)

Main Purpose:

• To assist Planning and Place officers in providing support with matters relating to planning, applications and planning control.
• To provide the unit support through the provision of responses to planning enquiries from members of the public.
• To provide research assistance on planning histories and on other matters as required.

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

• To assist in the processing of planning-related applications and breaches of planning control.
• Assist in the preparation of reports and agree recommendations with the Senior Planning Officer on planning and related applications.
• Liaise with and respond to enquiries relating to planning matters, including those relating to the need for planning permission, from members of the public, in person, writing, phone, email, etc.
• To assist planning officers by undertaking site visits in various locations across Belfast using own transport to record site information and to research planning histories and other matters.
• To provide cover for and advice to the business support officers in respect of validation, consultation and publicity.
• To contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery.
• To assist in studies related to the preparation of the new development plan for Belfast City Council area.
• To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of Belfast City Council.
• To undertake such other relevant duties which may, from time to time, be required.

Essential Criteria:

• Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be studying for a relevant third level qualification, such as Planning and Property Development, or equivalent qualification.
• Have a full driving licence which enables the post holder to drive in Northern Ireland and a car available for official business or access to a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the requirements of the post.

Special Skills and Attributes:

• Customer care skills: The ability to respond appropriately to all customers including members of the public, council officers, elected representatives in a helpful and positive way, even in respect of sensitive or difficult issues.
• Oral communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and internal and external customers conveying information using appropriate methods.
• Written communication skills: The ability to draft clear and accurate documents using a good standard of literacy and comprehension.
• Team working skills: The ability to work effectively and collaboratively with others as a member of a team.
• Work planning and organisational skills: The ability to plan workload and meet team and individual work objectives.
• Information technology skills: The ability to use a range of standard office computer packages including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.
• Political sensitivity: The ability to deal with elected representatives and personal or sensitive information appropriately.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.