working in dept social welfare

pheonix1234

I am hoping to move from one dept in civil service to social welfare. I know, I must be mad, but its for domestic reasons because of the location. I am a bit apprehensive about it though, because of the current economic situation its probably a hellhole to work in. I'd be interested to hear the views of people who work there.

Nolanger

Well it depends on whether you're going to a dole office or somewhere else in that department? Put it this way - that department had over a decade to prepare for the recession and did nothing. Now they're swamped with people signing on. Heard of one guy who worked in a dole office awarding claims. The stupid c*nts working there used to actually change his claims so that he would get into trouble!

Milk & Honey

It has the worst sick leave record in the Civil Service. A definite sign of bad management.

uoluol

Having worked in a local office, I won't lie, it is horrible. The pressure and stress is unreal. You are dealing with very vulnerable people at face level. The majority are lovely, but they all (in fairness) just want their problem dealt with. They are not concerned with the fact that you are snowed under with your workload, and it is very difficult to prioritise cases.I had worked in what I had considered to be a stressful job in a head office, and honestly there is no comparison.

Staff in local offices are very much bottom of the pile. Those who work in cushy head offices have no understanding of the workload. (I didn't). For instance, the recent memo that was circulated asking staff not to contact their colleagues in HRC section by phone, as they are busy - er hello - what about the local office staff?!! They have to deal with customers in person and on the phone! Very demoralising to see memos like that circulating.

A lot also depends on your grade, and what section you will be working in, as well as the office you are being assigned to. Some of the older offices are a disgrace, little storage available, and facilties terrible.

That said, if you can cut your commuting times and can be strict with your flexi , you can make it work for you. But you will never ever work as hard in any department in your life.

Good luck with your decision;)

Nolanger

If you move to a dole office you'll never get promoted, ever! Even when the embargo is lifted you won't get promoted because you will have worked with the dumbest people in the CS and will have picked up lots of bad habits . There are some people there doing the same job since the '80s! Any natural work ability will have been knocked out of you. Also, that department is very much based on the lower grades. Out of almost 5,000 staff there's only about 45 Principal Officers.

pheonix1234

oh, god, these are the replies I expected! I was just hoping someone would have something positive to say! I think I can put up with most things for the convenience of working near home as I am a single parent thats the most important thing.

Its a fairly newish dole office but a busy one.

uoluol

I have to strongly disagree with Nolanger about the promotion - not true at all. You go for competitions and if you succeed at the exam and interview you will be promoted - well that's my story anyway.

I will re-iterate what I said - it's hard work, but the day will fly. You may be lucky in a newer office, I worked in one of the busiest offices in the country and the building was a disgrace. A newer office should have more space and better organisation. What made the job bearable was my colleagues - despite our conditions we all got on well.

If you feel more comfortable, you can pm me - I'll be honest!

pheonix1234

I tried to pm you Uoluol but because I'm new I can't!
I was looking for a head to head transfer and had someone to swap with but now my AP has told me that the dept of social welfare have their own internal dublin transfer list. Seems strange to me, but it seems to be a brick wall, unless the union can do anything about it. But after hearing the horror stories , maybe its for the best!
Thanks for your advice

Nolanger

Phone personnel in Welfare and ask them directly.

pheonix1234

Yes, I will do that tomorrow thanks

mikemac

I'm not up to date on how the internal transfer system works but I'm sure if you want to relocate to your local office it may be possible.

SW get skilled staff and a person gets to move to their desired location
Win-win

Report back on how you get on

pheonix1234

okey dokey

robinwing

whats it like working in Cork street Dublin office ?

wonski

robinwing wrote: »

whats it like working in Cork street Dublin office ?

Like in 2009???

gctest50

wonski wrote: »

Like in 2009???

This Celtic Tiger is great

wonski

gctest50 wrote: »

This Celtic Tiger is great

Only the best get a hint

Public Service workers at their best

robinwing

wonski wrote: »

Like in 2009???

Whats it like working in Cork Street office in Dublin NOW in 2019 !!! FFS !!
use your noggin I have a nephew starting there in about a fortnight

Twenty Grand

robinwing wrote: »

Whats it like working in Cork Street office in Dublin NOW in 2019 !!! FFS !!
use your noggin I have a nephew starting there in about a fortnight

This thread is 10 years old

Start a new one there.

Hoboo

robinwing wrote: »

Whats it like working in Cork Street office in Dublin NOW in 2019 !!! FFS !!
use your noggin I have a nephew starting there in about a fortnight

That'll get you about zero replies

gerbear69

What's it's like working in an intreo centre in 2020? I've just got offered an EO position and after reading this thread I am quite apprehensive , even if it is 11 years old :0

westhamlady

I worked in Intreo as a TCO and enjoyed my time there , very nice people , a busy office but good crack and I was sorry to leave it

Gaybar

Hello, wondering about the pre-employment medical checks. How comprehensive are they?

artanevilla

gctest50 wrote: »

This Celtic Tiger is great

Tiger had long been put down in 2009.