Roscommon County Council - LongfordCoCo€¦ · Web viewThis is an opportunity to gain employment...

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE AN LONGFOIRTLongford County Council

Candidate Information BookletPLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Retained FirefighterEdgeworthstown

Competition Reference: RFF/EN/0719

Closing Date: 4:00pm Wednesday 24 th July 2019

Longford County Council is committed to apolicy of equal opportunity.

Candidate Information Booklet

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE AN LONGFOIRTLongford County Council

Longford County Council is one of 31 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 Local Enterprise Planning Cultural & Recreational Services Infrastructure Water Services Housing

Fire & Emergency Services Environment Finance Information Services Corporate Services Human Resources

Local Government is currently undergoing a very significant reform process in line with the proposals in “Putting People First”. This programme sets out a wide range of actions to deliver reform in order to address weaknesses, enhance effectiveness and accountability and to improve performance across the entire system. The Local Government Act 2014 provides the necessary legislative basis to give effect to many of the reform measures set out in the Action Programme.

This is an opportunity to gain employment in with Longford County Council in the role of Retained Firefighter.

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, Planning, Community & Local

Government.

This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide information on the post of Retained Firefighter 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 Retained Firefighter.

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 Page 1


RETAINED FIREFIGHTERRef: RFF/EN/0719

THE POSITION

The role of the retained firefighter is primarily to:

Save life and preserve endangered life Protect property from damage by fire Inform and educate awareness of safety

Retained firefighters are on call to respond to emergencies. As well as responding to emergency calls firefighters may also be involved in community fire safety initiatives. Although retained firefighters are part-time, they are fully trained and capable of saving life and property to provide a comprehensive service to the community.

When a call is received firefighters are required to respond immediately. Retained firefighters must be ready to drop whatever they are doing, to become part of a team ready to respond safely and effectively to the emergency, regardless of the time of day/night or the weather conditions.

The Fire Service responds to emergency calls from the public, primarily to prevent injury and protect life, but also to prevent and restrict damage to property. Many emergency calls are not to fires but to road-traffic accidents where casualties may be trapped in vehicles. The Fire Service may also be called to deal with chemical spillages and toxic emissions, etc. Firefighters need to be able to use problem solving skills and initiative to resolve issues quickly and calmly. Firefighters also need to be able to deal sensitively and appropriately with members of the public when they are distressed, confused or obstructive.

Firefighters are required to carry out routine checks, as well as cleaning and maintaining, all equipment and fire appliance to ensure they work properly when required during an emergency.

All new recruits undergo extensive initial training, which includes a two-week Recruit Induction course and a two-week Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course. Thereafter all firefighters are required to undergo a continuous development programme by attending lectures, exercises, practical courses and other forms of training to maintain competency levels. Firefighters are expected to take responsibility for developing their own skills and for ensuring that their fitness levels are maintained as the work of a firefighter can be demanding, both physically and psychologically.

Longford County Council Page 2



QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for the post of Retained Firefighter must be 18 years old on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms.

1. Character

Applicants must be of good character and must not at any time bring the Fire Brigade into disrepute. The Council may make whatever enquiries it considers necessary to satisfy this condition.

2. Health

Candidates must be physically fit and agile with good stamina.

Candidates must be free from any ailment or medical condition which would render him/her unsuitable to carry out the duties of a firefighter and must be in a state of health that would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Before being accepted for appointment a candidate will be required to pass a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by Longford County Council

3. Education

On the latest date for receipt of completed application forms candidates must:

have a good standard of education and be able to successfully undergo the training required for the post of retained firefighter.

hold an unendorsed Class B Driving Licence. On appointment and after an interval decided by the Chief Fire Officer, firefighters will be required to obtain a Class C Licence.

Candidates must be:

able to work in hazardous conditions for long periods of time, including heights and confined spaces

mechanically adept with good dexterity and coordination able to follow instruction able to work well under pressure self-reliant and self-assured with a keen sense of discipline able to contribute to and work with a team able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing able to understand and memorise technical information

LCC Candidate Information Booklet –Retained Firefighter Page 3 of 12



PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment in the post of Retained Firefighter is part-time/retained

The residence and place of work and day to day activities of each Retained Firefighter must be within a distance of 2 miles/3.2km from the Fire Station. The location of the residence and place of work must be acceptable to the Chief Fire Officer.

A change of residence or place of work that puts the Retained Firefighter at a distance of more than 2 miles/3.2 km from the fire station or to a location unacceptable to the Chief Fire Officer will result in termination of employment.

Changes of residence or workplace must be notified in writing to the Chief Fire Officer and approved by the Chief Fire Officer in advance of this change of circumstances.

A Firefighter must carry the appropriate fire service alerter at all times when on duty.

A Retained Firefighter will be required to report for duty to the Fire Station in its present location or in the event of a change of location, to such new location as may be decided by the Fire Authority. Changes in the location of a Fire Station will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation.

Each Retained Firefighter including the self employed, and the unemployed if they take up employment must submit a Letter of Release from their employer stating that their employer will release them to attend fire brigade incidents and training. When a firefighter changes employment a new letter of release must be submitted to the Chief Fire Officer in advance of the change in circumstances.

Each employee must comply with all National or Local agreements as may be in force from time to time.

Each employee must use and co-operate with the use of any new technology that may be introduced by the Fire Authority or by the Chief Fire Officer.

Each Retained Firefighter must obtain a Class C Driving Licence Theory Test, at their own expense, within 3 months of the date of signing their Conditions of Employment; and must obtain a full Class C Driving Licence, at their own expense, within six months of the date of signing their Conditions of Employment. In exceptional circumstances the Chief Fire Officer may extend this period of time for an additional period of time of up to one calendar year on a once off basis. An application for an extension of time must be made in writing within the first six months. Permission for an extension of time must be given in writing by the Chief Fire Officer. Failure to obtain a Class C Driving Licence within the first six months or within the extension period if the period of time has been extended will result in termination of employment.

It will be a requirement to obtain a valid full driving licence for vehicles of class EB within 1 year of his/her commencement of employment.



Any instances where a firefighter has his/her licence suspended or removed, shall be dealt with through the Council’s Fire Service Disciplinary Procedures and may result in the termination of employment at the absolute discretion of Longford County Council.

All Retained Fire Personnel must hold a full Drivers Licence and any loss or suspension of same and/or the accumulation of six penalty points or more must be notified in writing to the Fire Authority within two weeks of the occurrence.

Any Retained Firefighter found guilty of a criminal offence must inform the Chief Fire Officer in writing of the offence and within two weeks of conviction. The Chief Fire Officer will carry out an investigation into this matter under the Fire Service Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure.

Firefighters must drive Fire Service vehicles if instructed to do so.

Probationary Period of Employment

There shall be a period after appointment during which the successful candidate shall hold the post of Retained Firefighter on probation. The probation period shall be not less than 24 months during which time suitability for continued employment in the Fire Service will be assessed.

If service is deemed unsatisfactory within the probationary period the appointee will cease to hold the position as tenure of employment is subject to satisfactory service on an ongoing basis.

Remuneration

Remuneration will consist of an inclusive annual allowance together with hourly rates for attendance at fires and drills. The Retainer and other fixed allowances will be paid from the date he/she takes up duty as a Retained Firefighter.

Failure to attend 85% of the drills or 75% of the incidents that he/she is eligible to attend in a quarter will result in 50% of the Retainer being withheld.

Failure to meet the standard in a second quarter in any twelve months will result in 100% of the Retainer being withheld. Any further failure to meet the standard will be dealt with through the Disciplinary Procedure. This is in compliance with National standards/agreement currently in force.

Remuneration is paid quarterly by PayPath directly to the employee’s 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. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

The current Retained Firefighter allowance, and Drill / Incident Fees shall be paid in accordance with Government Circular EL 04/2018, as outlined. On appointment the



candidate will be placed on the appropriate point of the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Circular.

Clothing Allowance: €186.59 per annum

Retaining Firefighter Allowance: 0-2 years €7,895 per annum.2-5 years €8,773 per annum.5-10 years €9,838 per annum.10 years + €10,812 per annum.

Drill Fees Incident FeesDay Night/Weekend

Rate per hour 1st hour subsequent hour 1st hour subsequent hour€20.83 €41.66 €20.83 €83.32 €41.66

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.

From the 1st January 2013, new public servants will be members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (‘Single Scheme’) as provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The Provisions of the Single Scheme apply in the case of Retained Firefighters, with the exception of the minimum pension age, as an earlier pension age is applicable to those employed in the retained fire service. The Retained Firefighters Non Pensionable Gratuities Scheme no longer applies to new entrants after 1st January 2013.

The retirement age for Retained Firefighters is 55 years or earlier if found medically unfit to continue in the post. The retirement age may be extended to 58 years subject to the following:

making an annual application for an extension. being certified medically fit by the Fire Service Medical Advisor in accordance with

the Retained Firefighters Review of Retirement Age Report of Expert Group, 2003.

Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future policies applicable during their period of employment period with Longford County Council.

Training

Retained Firefighters are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as required and to apply their learning in the course of their 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 2005, 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.

Firefighters must co-operate with the terms of Longford County Council’s Fire Service Safety Statement. They will familarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. They must report to the appropriate supervisor any defect they notice in the place of work or system of work which might be dangerous to safety, health or welfare. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in disciplinary action.

Important NoticeThe 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.




THE SELECTION PROCESS

How to Apply

Only fully completed application forms will be accepted.

Please ensure that:

1. your application is made on the official application form only – CV’s should not be included NOTE: your CV will not be accepted as an application or as part of your application.

2. you have fully completed all sections of the application form and included all relevant, detailed and accurate informationNOTE: 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.

3. you attach a copy of your educational certificates

4. you submit your application on or before 4pm on Wednesday 24 th July 2019

Four copies of your completed application form should be forwarded to:

Human Resources Department(Competition Ref: RFF/EN/0719)Longford County CouncilÁras an ChontaeGreat Water StreetLongford

NOTE: Applications submitted/received after the stated closing date will not be acceptedApplication forms must be submitted in hard copyApplications submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Claims in relation to the late receipt of application forms will not be entertained unless supported by a certificate of evidence of postage from the appropriate postal authority.

The admission of a person to this competition, or an invitation to take tests or attend for interview is not to be taken as implying that Longford County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements.

If you do not receive an “acknowledgement-of-receipt” of your application within seven working days of applying, you should contact the Human Resources department by phone: (043) 334 3304, or by email: [email protected] Longford County Council may need to contact you during the selection process. It is important that your contact details (phone number, postal and email address) as given on your application form are accessible by you at all times.

Longford County Council accepts no responsibility for communication not accessed or received by an applicant.


mailto:[email protected]


Selection Process

Longford County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications as required.

This is not to suggest that any candidate may be unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the duties of the post advertised, but rather that there may be candidates who have demonstrated that they are better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.

Step 1 - Initial ScreeningIn the first instance, all applications received by the latest date/time for receipt of completed applications are screened for eligibility in accordance with the declared Qualifications for the post. Applicants who possess the required eligibility criteria will progress to the Step 2 of the selection process.

Step 2 - ShortlistingEach candidate’s application will be assessed against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the post of Retained Firefighter. It is very important that the applicant provides a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications and experience on the application form.

Step 3 – Pre selection testsShortlisted candidates will be required to attend for pre-selection tests. These tests are designed to evaluate the candidate’s potential ability to take on the role of firefighter and will assess basic literacy, numeracy, comprehension and physical fitness. They will include basic reading, writing, mathematical calculations and fitness. Candidates must successfully complete all tests to be invited for interview.

Step 4 - InterviewCandidates who successfully complete the pre-selection tests will be invited to attend for interview(s).

An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Executive of Longford County Council, and will generally comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who will have expert knowledge in the field. The objective of the interview board is to identify candidates who best meet the objective criteria and competencies required for the position and to place them in order of merit.

Longford County Council will give notice of interview dates/times to shortlisted candidates. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure their availability on the date(s) and on time advised for interview(s). Expenses incurred in attending for interview(s) will be at the candidates own expense.

Candidates who are successful in the interview will be qualified for appointment to the post of Retained Firefighter and placed on a panel in order of merit from which both permanent and temporary vacancies may be filled during the life of the panel at the sole discretion of the Council. The life of the panel will be one year from the date of completion of the interview process.

It should be noted that placement on a panel does not necessarily lead to a job offer.

The selection process is not concluded until such time as references have been sought and clearance checks, i.e. Garda vetting, occupational health, verification of birth certificate and education qualifications, etc, have been carried out to the satisfaction of the 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 at the earliest possible date.

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 or other test 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 with regard to 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.

Pre-Recruitment 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.

Given the strenuous nature of firefighting duties the medical examination will be of a very thorough nature and as part of this medical examination, the candidate will be required to successfully complete the Chester Step Test.The Chester Step Test measures aerobic capacity & fitness and entails a moderately vigorous level of physical activity.



The level of fitness needed to pass The Chester Step Test requires regular exercise and the test pass level is difficult to achieve if the candidate does not have a good level of physical fitness prior to the test.

Throughout their employment, retained firefighters are required to undergo regular and ad-hoc medical examinations at any time in a manner and form determined by the Fire Authority on a uniform basis. Firefighters must maintain a level of fitness and a state of good health appropriate for their position for the duration of their employment.

Garda Clearance

Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and the applicant will be required to fully cooperate with this process.

The Fire Service is in a position of trust with the public and has a duty to protect them. If you fail to disclose information when required to do so this will render your application void and where employment has commenced this may result in termination of employment.

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, 1997-2014.

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 (2001) and any other relevant records retention policies.


Roscommon County Council - LongfordCoCo€¦ · Web viewThis is an opportunity to gain employment...

Documents

Transcript of Roscommon County Council - LongfordCoCo€¦ · Web viewThis is an opportunity to gain employment...