Temporary Clerical Officer 2021 in the Civil and Public Service (Please read OP)

November Golf

Temporary Clerical Officer Campaign is now live on Friday, 30 October 2020 and closes at 3PM on 9 November 2020. We will be recruiting nationwide across the Civil Service.

As a Temporary Clerical Officer, the role may involve general clerical duties, working as part of a team in delivering services, working with latest technology to record and advance services, supporting line-managers and colleagues and communicating and providing a quality public service to customers and the general public.

The recruitment process will consist of
two stages.
1. Stage One is an Assessment Questionnaire available for both standard and special needs candidates and
2. Stage Two is a competency based interviews (via Zoom).

This campaign is ran by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and a panel of suitable candidates will be formed from this competition.

The Civil Service and certain public service agencies may, from time to time, require temporary clerical officers (TCOs) to fill full-time temporary vacancies. Requests to fill many of these vacancies are undertaken through the Public Appointments Service (PAS). To facilitate possible demands, PAS will initiate a selection process to fill vacancies should they arise. Candidates should be aware that placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment.

The terms and conditions, including the duration and period of temporary contracts offered will vary from post to post. Assignments will be to a temporary position. There is no entitlement to a permanent position. Please note that the minimum contract duration is for an eight-week period.

Helpdesk Email Address: TCO2021@publicjobs.ie

View: [URL=" https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/index.php?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&Itemid=263&cid=124978&campaignId=20210604 "]TCO Campaign on publicjobs.ie[/URL]
View: Competency Framework for Clerical Officers
View: [URL=" https://www.publicjobs.ie/restapi/campaignAdverts/124978/booklet "]Information Booklet[/URL]

November Golf

General Information / FAQs


Why won’t the application form won’t open for me?

You will need to download and save the form to your computer first, it should open for you then.

Can I pick more than one preferred location?

Unfortunately, not for TCO campaigns. You can only pick one location.

Are these jobs Permanent or Temporary? If I get a job could I be made permanent?

This campaign is for Temporary Clerical Officers and the duration of contracts are usually for between 8-26 weeks. For permanent clerical officer roles, you need to apply for the Clerical Officer campaign which is ran separately.

What is meant by availability?

There are two availability option:

• All Year - If you are available to take up a position at any time
• April to September (aka Summer Only) - If you are only available during the summer months.

A candidates who indicates that they are available from "April to September" or "All Year" should be available for the entirety of that period. If you are unavailable to take up a position when contacted by PAS you may be removed from the panel.

I applied for a previous temporary clerical officer campaign and I didn’t get appointed, can I apply again?

Yes, it’s a new competition and you will have to complete all stages again. Your scores from previous campaigns do not carry over so you do have the opportunities to improve your performance at each stage

I applied for a previous temporary clerical officer campaign and I did get appointed, can I apply again? – New this year

Yes, Candidates who have successfully completed a TCO contract/s within the 3 years prior to 9th November 2020 may not be required to undergo a Stage 2 - Interview. Such candidates will, if advanced to Stage 2, instead be required to provide satisfactory references, for the period of the TCO contract/s in question, confirming suitable performance in the role. These references will be verified with the relevant Department. Other additional references may also be required for other recent employment. Please note that details of all prior TCO contracts, including those within the last 3 years, must be provided on the Standard Application Form.

What is involve in the recruitment process?

1. An standard (online) and detailed (word doc) application form (Deadline: 3pm on November 9th.)
2. Stage 1: An Online Assessment Questionnaire received by the 13th November (Deadline: 1pm on November 17th)
3. Stage 2: A Competency Based Interview via Zoom - Batch 1 to be called in December 2020, with further batches to be called throughout 2021.
4. Clearance Stage: If you come under consideration, this stage involves checking eligibility, health and character, references and may include Garda Vetting.

If I pass Interview am I guaranteed a job?

No, Candidates that are successful in completing all stages including interview are placed on a panel of suitably qualified persons. The number of TCO positions will vary depending on the needs of the department in a particular location. The positions are filled by order of merit as they arise.

What is an order of merit?

Candidates are placed in an order of merit (OOM) based on their scores achieved at each stage and it is used to determine the order in which candidates progress to the next stage of the competition. The candidate highest in the order of merit after the interview stage are assigned to the next available role until all positions are filled.

What is the salary of a Temporary Clerical Officer?

Starting salary is €471.20 per week in line with Clerical Officer (PPC) payscale. All TCO’s start on point one of the scales, however incremental credit may be available for previous service in the public and civil services.

Clerical officer (PPC)
24,586 (471.20) – 26,195 (502.02) – 26,604 (509.85) – 27,401 (525.13) – 28,577 (547.67) – 29,751 (570.17) – 30,925 (592.67) – 31,781 (609.05) – 32,747 (627.60) – 33,873 (649.16) – 34,665 (664.35) – 35,779 (685.68) – 36,885 (706.90) – 38,612 (739.99) – LSI 1 39,970 (766.01) – LSI 2 40,592 (777.93)

(Under Construction)


Public Jobs / Intreo Video for TCO 2021 (available until Nov 9th)

https://vimeo.com/473384474/a24ee0f21a?fbclid=IwAR0PsRxgEJWpwyTbIm3JtSWzjxJcDXsd23OlNCuSbyU7ZjM_dZ4d4draCDE

DarkJ

Is anybody having trouble with the 'detailed application form'? It's downloaded and saved to my machine but it's locked. Won't allow me to type in any information.

November Golf

DarkJ wrote: »

Is anybody having trouble with the 'detailed application form'? It's downloaded and saved to my machine but it's locked. Won't allow me to type in any information.

I didn't have any issues with the application form, did you get any banner along the top asking to allow editing?

I get that sometime with a new word document, I have to allow editing.

pjcpolly

Best of luck to everyone.

Sweetiesloth

Also see online Questionnaire is out 13th November.
Zoom interview for Batch 1 in December 2020.
Candidates who completed TCO contracts within 3yrs prior to 9th November 2020 may not be required to undergo Stage 2 interview just references instead.

Form this year slightly different but easier as Word document instead of the PDF format.

furrybones

DarkJ wrote: »

Is anybody having trouble with the 'detailed application form'? It's downloaded and saved to my machine but it's locked. Won't allow me to type in any information.

Is there an option at the top to 'allow editing'?

Banana Republic 1

Sweetiesloth wrote: »

Also see online Questionnaire is out 13th November.
Zoom interview for Batch 1 in December 2020.
Candidates who completed TCO contracts within 3yrs prior to 9th November 2020 may not be required to undergo Stage 2 interview just references instead.

Form this year slightly different but easier as Word document instead of the PDF format.

Finally someone in PAS has had a rush of fecal matter to the brain.

November Golf

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

Finally someone in PAS has had a rush of fecal matter to the brain.

Its really good they are letting people with previous TCO experience skip the interview. It seems pointless going to interview after interview for a temporary role.

Banana Republic 1

Mike Foxtrot wrote: »

I didn't have any issues with the application form, did you get any banner along the top asking to allow editing?

I get that sometime with a new word document, I have to allow editing.

How did you do that. Mine is has read write access but I can't extend the table without a big Morris McCabe copy and paste saga? Bit stupid that the original won't automatically expand. PAS three steps forward 1/2 step back :rolleyes:
I wonder in the section were they ask about employment gaps could one type that the form wouldn't allow me to add any more jobs.;)

November Golf

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

How did you do that. Mine is has read write access but I can't extend the table without a big Morris McCabe copy and paste saga? Bit stupid that the original won't automatically expand. PAS three steps forward 1/2 step back :rolleyes:
I wonder in the section were they ask about employment gaps could one type that the form wouldn't allow me to add any more jobs.;)

Well I meant I no issues editing, I did have to copy/paste for education and jobs sections. Maybe they are using it to test of MS Word skills 😂😂

jules5417

Quick question do I need to download the basic application form or is it just the detailed one.

Aleece2020

jules5417 wrote: »

Quick question do I need to download the basic application form or is it just the detailed one.

The basic one was online. Didn’t need to download it.

Banana Republic 1

Mike Foxtrot wrote: »

Well I meant I no issues editing, I did have to copy/paste for education and jobs sections. Maybe they are using it to test of MS Word skills 😂😂

I doubt it. For the 2020 one Iwas notified on a Monday that my interview would be in the following Monday. On Friday 4 days later I got an email from pas on my gmail saying we never got your detailed application pdf, I did wonder how I got the invite in the first place if that was the case but after I resent the completed form again I rang pas to make sure they had it and the impression I got from the tone of the person was why are you ringing me shur we don’t even read them.

Banana Republic 1

Aleece2020 wrote: »

The basic one was online. Didn’t need to download it.

The basic form is online you are asked to attach the detailed one after pressing continue on the basic.

DarkJ

Mike Foxtrot wrote: »

I didn't have any issues with the application form, did you get any banner along the top asking to allow editing?

I get that sometime with a new word document, I have to allow editing.

Yes, Thank you.

DarkJ

furrybones wrote: »

Is there an option at the top to 'allow editing'?

Yes, Thank you.

Banana Republic 1

DarkJ wrote: »

Yes, Thank you.

Does this appear automatically or do have to do something. I didn’t notice anything.

Green farmer

Started filling in the form yesterday. In fairness to PAS , I think it's a good decision to move away from the pdf document to ms word. Last time around I had a load of issues trying to download the correct version of acrobat reader. Using word simplifies things imo.

Puguchung

Does anyone know why there are the two time periods to choose between - all year or April to September? Is there a specific thing going on April to September that needs the staff, or is it just a way of giving a 6 month option?

November Golf

Puguchung wrote: »

Does anyone know why there are the two time periods to choose between - all year or April to September? Is there a specific thing going on April to September that needs the staff, or is it just a way of giving a 6 month option?

The April to September stream is primarily to give opportunity to students etc looking for summer work and focus on increased pressures due to staff taking annual leave. These contracts would normally be for 8-12 week.

The All Year stream is broader including: increases in demand for services, new projects, annual leave, short-term working arrangement, maternity leave cover etc and the contracts can vary between 8-26 weeks (with some being extended for up to 18 months or so).

channing90

Do you need to make a new account for this competition? Can I not use the same one as I used for another Comp ?

furrybones

channing90 wrote: »

Do you need to make a new account for this competition? Can I not use the same one as I used for another Comp ?

You don't need a make a new Public Jobs account. Just sign into your old one as that's where your candidate ID is.

DarkJ

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

Does this appear automatically or do have to do something. I didn’t notice anything.

It did show up automatically at the top, like a banner. Click here to allow editing.

Banana Republic 1

DarkJ wrote: »

It did show up automatically at the top, like a banner. Click here to allow editing.

Ok perhaps I’ll reopen a fresh one.

jules5417

I don't have word installed on my laptop any suggestions on downloading detailed application form.

November Golf

jules5417 wrote: »

I don't have word installed on my laptop any suggestions on downloading detailed application form.

Do you have a gmail account?

If so, you could try downloading google docs

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://docs.google.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiSjauHkeLsAhUAUBUIHW4FCxoQFjABegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw3jmyQoQebIiWAhkJ0S1T-o

jules5417

Mike Foxtrot wrote: »

Do you have a gmail account?

If so, you could try downloading google docs

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://docs.google.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiSjauHkeLsAhUAUBUIHW4FCxoQFjABegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw3jmyQoQebIiWAhkJ0S1T-o

Thank you. Tried one drive but when I went to browse and tried to open uploaded file it wouldn't open so had to delete it. Hopefully get it on Google.

BobCobb

Another option is to use a free word processor like Libre Office.
This allows you to work with documents which use the Word format no problem.

Banana Republic 1

jules5417 wrote: »

I don't have word installed on my laptop any suggestions on downloading detailed application form.

If all fails book time in a library computer, it may take time to complete the form with all the editing foolishness but you have till 9th I think.

jules5417

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

If all fails book time in a library computer, it may take time to complete the form with all the editing foolishness but you have till 9th I think.

Thanks another question is when I browse and check file before sending its not opening to show I have the correct file. Any ideas sorry for all the questions.

Fbjm

I applied for this just today, I really want a permanent role but I am very eager to get into the public service, the pay scale transparency and the job security are so appealing for me. Would it be advisable to leave my current private sector role if I'm offered a temporary CO role if I'm looking at eventually moving into the public sector full-time?

Red Honeysuckle

How many people have uploaded empty documents or the wrong thing that they need to send out a message double checking people uploaded the correct one?

Fbjm

I know!! Reading that had me worried I'd uploaded the wrong thing!

Banana Republic 1

Fbjm wrote: »

I applied for this just today, I really want a permanent role but I am very eager to get into the public service, the pay scale transparency and the job security are so appealing for me. Would it be advisable to leave my current private sector role if I'm offered a temporary CO role if I'm looking at eventually moving into the public sector full-time?

No the public sector don’t work like the private, you could do loads of tcos but the process public jobs uses to hire full time people is designed primarily to justify its own quango does not take into account any of that experience.

jules5417

Red Honeysuckle wrote: »

How many people have uploaded empty documents or the wrong thing that they need to send out a message double checking people uploaded the correct one?

I'm having same problem. When I upload doc to check it, it won't open.

Fbjm

Okay, thanks for the answer.

November Golf

Fbjm wrote: »

I applied for this just today, I really want a permanent role but I am very eager to get into the public service, the pay scale transparency and the job security are so appealing for me. Would it be advisable to leave my current private sector role if I'm offered a temporary CO role if I'm looking at eventually moving into the public sector full-time?

If you have a permanent job, it wouldn't be worth giving up for a temporary contract. But its really up to you to decide what is best in your personal circumstances.

A TCO contract could be for 8-26 weeks, and although it is possible get extended up to 18 month, its not probable that would happen as some department simple don't allow extensions.

If the decision is made to extend a TCO contract, it would most like be about 4 week out from the end date and based on the business need at the time rather than the quality of the candidate.

You might be extremely lucky and get offered an 26 week contract, get extended up to 18 months and, If you apply/progress through the CO campaign, get offer of permanent job before you finish as a TCO. **Alternative, you might get offered a 13 week contract and nice "sorry to see you go" card at the end.

Banana Republic 1

Mike Foxtrot wrote: »

If you have a permanent job, it wouldn't be worth giving up for a temporary contract. But its really up to you to decide what is best in your personal circumstances.

A TCO contract could be for 8-26 weeks, and although it is possible get extended up to 18 month, its not probable that would happen as some department simple don't allow extensions.

If the decision is made to extend a TCO contract, it would most like be about 4 week out from the end date and based on the business need at the time rather than the quality of the candidate.

You might be extremely lucky and get offered an 26 week contract, get extended up to 18 months and, If you apply/progress through the CO campaign, get offer of permanent job before you finish as a TCO. **Alternative, you might get offered a 13 week contract and nice "sorry to see you go" card at the end.

The last point there is what happens 99.9% of the time

Green farmer

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

The last point there is what happens 99.9% of the time

Just say you get a contract, do your 12 weeks, got on well, get the card saying good luck, What happens after that ? Are you off the panel for the rest of the year ? Or could you get another contract elsewhere, assuming your on the year around panel ?

November Golf

Green farmer wrote: »

Just say you get a contract, do your 12 weeks, got on well, get the card saying good luck, What happens after that ? Are you off the panel for the rest of the year ? Or could you get another contract elsewhere, assuming your on the year around panel ?

Unfortunately not, some people may get 8/10/13/26 week contract but once your assigned, your off the panel. Unless you get an extension, you would need to reapply the following year to get another contract.

If your on the all year round panel, you do have a better chance of getting a longer contract but thats no gaurantee they wouldn't offer you 8 weeks.

newbie18892

jules5417 wrote: »

I'm having same problem. When I upload doc to check it, it won't open.

You can check the document after you've submitted your application and update it if needed, as they said in today's message.

jules5417

newbie18892 wrote: »

You can check the document after you've submitted your application and update it if needed, as they said in today's message.

Thank you. I was worried about submitting it in case PAS couldn't open it.

jules5417

newbie18892 wrote: »

You can check the document after you've submitted your application and update it if needed, as they said in today's message.

What message I only got one regarding closing tco 2020.

Banana Republic 1

Green farmer wrote: »

Just say you get a contract, do your 12 weeks, got on well, get the card saying good luck, What happens after that ? Are you off the panel for the rest of the year ? Or could you get another contract elsewhere, assuming your on the year around panel ?

Your out, extensions do not happen because that would require some forward thinking and the use of logic.

Red Honeysuckle

jules5417 wrote: »

I'm having same problem. When I upload doc to check it, it won't open.

Log into your account. Go to my applications. It will have the online form and then below application form. Click on that and it will show you of its the correct one. I always save it as its original name and add . completed after it so I know its the correct one

jules5417

Red Honeysuckle wrote: »

Log into your account. Go to my applications. It will have the online form and then below application form. Click on that and it will show you of its the correct one. I always save it as its original name and add . completed after it so I know its the correct one

Just checked it and I had sent blank one so updated and sent new one. Thank you

furrybones

Fbjm wrote: »

I know!! Reading that had me worried I'd uploaded the wrong thing!

It's freaked me right out. I've gone in TWICE and downloaded it from the application to make sure it's not blank. It's not, but I'm still freaked out, lol. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

jules5417

furrybones wrote: »

It's freaked me right out. I've gone in TWICE and downloaded it from the application to make sure it's not blank. It's not, but I'm still freaked out, lol. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

The problem for me is if I upload the form from their job spec it is word pad so corrupted file so I have sent a odt file from Libre office fingers crossed its OK.

Mrs OBumble

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

Your out, extensions do not happen because that would require some forward thinking and the use of logic.

Extensions can and do happen.

Some departments have a policy of no extensions. But even there, exceptions can be made and sometimes are.

November Golf

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Extensions can and do happen.

Some departments have a policy of no extensions. But even there, exceptions can be made and sometimes are.

I think more broadly it seems extensions are not common practise. Quite a few recently appointed TCO's have reportedly been given so called "open contract" (which I take to mean Specific Purpose rather than the usual Fixed-Term) which could make it easier to extend, and perhaps that may change the situation also.