Clerical Officer 2020

ricksanchez · 15-01-2021 12:14PM

Anyone know if there's been much movement in Dublin?

sineadglam · 15-01-2021 12:16PM

ricksanchez wrote: »

Anyone know if there's been much movement in Dublin?

Batch 16 oom in the 50's

Confirmed with PAS this morning

Yogibear 1 · 15-01-2021 03:54PM

Hi I was wondering if anyone can help, I was assigned to the Department if Justice in a certain county in early December after Garda vetting was complete I got an email from justice HR just confirm addresses, as they were doing a security check, this was also early December. I was told location of the dept of justice so it is not an AGS assignment, does it normally take so long for a security check, I understand with level 5 restrictions may be delayed but I also emailed justice HR last week got automated reply and that is it ? Anyone assignment delayed in the Department of Justice ?

I am me123 · 15-01-2021 05:03PM

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

Nigel Fairservice · 15-01-2021 05:09PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

No, there is no favouritism if you've been a TCO previously. Everyone is treated the same.

Bicyclette · 15-01-2021 06:06PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

The CO campaigns are run separately from the TCO campaign. Everyone does the competency tests and their merit is allocated on that basis. The only time you might have an advantage is during the interview process because you know what the work entails and you have an idea how the CS works. But everyone is treated fairly. They are looking for the best people for the job. And there are some very talented people, who have not done TCO work, who apply for the CO positions.

I know some long-serving TCOs who didn't do well in the competency tests in the CO campaign.

sineadglam · 15-01-2021 06:38PM

Yogibear 1 wrote: »

Hi I was wondering if anyone can help, I was assigned to the Department if Justice in a certain county in early December after Garda vetting was complete I got an email from justice HR just confirm addresses, as they were doing a security check, this was also early December. I was told location of the dept of justice so it is not an AGS assignment, does it normally take so long for a security check, I understand with level 5 restrictions may be delayed but I also emailed justice HR last week got automated reply and that is it ? Anyone assignment delayed in the Department of Justice ?

Yes unfortunately AGS and DoJ both have extensive in depth vetting. 12 weeks plus is what most people are waiting.

I am me123 · 15-01-2021 06:56PM

Bicyclette wrote: »

The CO campaigns are run separately from the TCO campaign. Everyone does the competency tests and their merit is allocated on that basis. The only time you might have an advantage is during the interview process because you know what the work entails and you have an idea how the CS works. But everyone is treated fairly. They are looking for the best people for the job. And there are some very talented people, who have not done TCO work, who apply for the CO positions.

I know some long-serving TCOs who didn't do well in the competency tests in the CO campaign.

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

November Golf · 15-01-2021 07:10PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

In the TCO 2021 campaign, a person that completed a TCO contract in the past 3 years were exempt from the Interview stage. however this is the first year that has occurred.

The permanent CO campaign is completely separate from the TCO. If you apply for the CO role, you will need to go through the Interview Stage.

The interview for the TCO and CO are similar in format except for time. The TCO interview is usually 15-20 mins, While the permanent CO is about 40 mins.

Bicyclette · 15-01-2021 09:25PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

In the past there have only been CO competitions every two years. E.g. 2016, 2018, 2020.

I applied for the 2016 CO competition, did the aptitude tests in late 2016. In 2017, I was offered a 6 month TCO contract. I was still working as a TCO when I was called for interview for a permanent CO position.

The interview was about competencies, previous work and life experience and other things. My interview was similar to that of others who didn't have previous experience as a TCO. The PAS needs to be seen as fair and impartial. Questions need to be standardised.

My HEO was asked for a reference. But any other current employer would have been asked for a reference, regardless of where the person was employed.

Reading through some of your previous posts, I'm not sure you fully understand how the PAS works. If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

Temporary Clerical Officer Jobs do not lead to Permanent Clerical Officer Jobs. Very occasionally things dovetail really well for people - as in my case (I was incredibly lucky) - but this is very much the exception and coincidental, rather than engineered.

The situation this year is very strange. Some locations who would usually had one or more TCOs have had none. In certain cases, staff who leave are not being replaced. Flexi-time and over-time are no-longer available for most people and those working from home are working harder, smarter and sometimes longer (its common enough for people to work more than their core hours). People have had to be flexible, adaptive and creative in their work.

In a nutshell, you were exceptionally lucky to have got eight weeks temporary work. Don't rock the boat. Don't let people think you have a sense of entitlement. You may need those references going forward.

telebingo94 · 15-01-2021 10:36PM

Bicyclette wrote: »

In the past there have only been CO competitions every two years. E.g. 2016, 2018, 2020.

I applied for the 2016 CO competition, did the aptitude tests in late 2016. In 2017, I was offered a 6 month TCO contract. I was still working as a TCO when I was called for interview for a permanent CO position.

The interview was about competencies, previous work and life experience and other things. My interview was similar to that of others who didn't have previous experience as a TCO. The PAS needs to be seen as fair and impartial. Questions need to be standardised.

My HEO was asked for a reference. But any other current employer would have been asked for a reference, regardless of where the person was employed.

Reading through some of your previous posts, I'm not sure you fully understand how the PAS works. If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

Temporary Clerical Officer Jobs do not lead to Permanent Clerical Officer Jobs. Very occasionally things dovetail really well for people - as in my case (I was incredibly lucky) - but this is very much the exception and coincidental, rather than engineered.

The situation this year is very strange. Some locations who would usually had one or more TCOs have had none. In certain cases, staff who leave are not being replaced. Flexi-time and over-time are no-longer available for most people and those working from home are working harder, smarter and sometimes longer (its common enough for people to work more than their core hours). People have had to be flexible, adaptive and creative in their work.

In a nutshell, you were exceptionally lucky to have got eight weeks temporary work. Don't rock the boat. Don't let people think you have a sense of entitlement. You may need those references going forward.

Thank you for all this info. Is flexi-time not available due to the Covid situation ?

Bicyclette · 15-01-2021 11:00PM

telebingo94 wrote: »

Thank you for all this info. Is flexi-time not available due to the Covid situation ?

A significant proportion of people are working from home. We have a different type of flexibility, so flexi-time has been suspended. Some people who are working in the office do have flexi-time but there aren't a lot of people.

Our working week is now spread over seven days, which allows people the ability to fit their work around childcare, in many cases. Generally people do a Monday to Friday. But you can start earlier and work later and if you don't get the work done and your hours worked up between Monday and Friday, you can catch up on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Clearly there can be deadlines at certain times, and screen meetings where you need to be present. But my personal experience is that senior management understand that lots of people are trying to juggle lots of things at lots of different times. Yes, there are times when you'd love to work up some time and spend a full day in bed or out in the garden reading a book. But then you think of times you've had to take a child or a parent to a medical appointment or a dental appointment or even do a click and collect at a specific time and how much easier it is to do now.

Mrs OBumble · 16-01-2021 12:27AM

Bicyclette wrote: »

If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

An absolutely spot-on post.

One thing to add: I am aware of one agency which has sometimes offered contracts of unspecified duration. They promise 8 weeks minimum, but some people are kept on for longer if the volume of work is there. (Hint: think which agency has had some huge changes in volume of work this year. as hundreds of thousands of people have applied for things at short notice).

I suspect they have a statement like "and a maximum of 12 months" or similar - but haven't seen one to confirm: there's likely some verbal gymnastics to be 100% clear that this is NOT a contract of indefinite duration (the legal jargon for permanent), so they are probably confusing to red.

I am me123 · 16-01-2021 02:48PM

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

An absolutely spot-on post.

One thing to add: I am aware of one agency which has sometimes offered contracts of unspecified duration. They promise 8 weeks minimum, but some people are kept on for longer if the volume of work is there. (Hint: think which agency has had some huge changes in volume of work this year. as hundreds of thousands of people have applied for things at short notice).

I suspect they have a statement like "and a maximum of 12 months" or similar - but haven't seen one to confirm: there's likely some verbal gymnastics to be 100% clear that this is NOT a contract of indefinite duration (the legal jargon for permanent), so they are probably confusing to red.

Thank you. My job offer stated that it was 'an open contract for a minimum of 8 weeks'. TBF I did my 8 week stint, with the 8 weeks finishing just before Christmas, with me being let go just after Christmas. Also it mentioned that my appointment 'could not result in a contract of indefinite duration' so I guess that indicates that I'd be finishing up there sooner than later.

ari101 · 16-01-2021 04:35PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Also it mentioned that my appointment 'could not result in a contract of indefinite duration' so I guess that indicates that I'd be finishing up there sooner than later.

This is included for legal reasons. Contracts of indefinite duration have legal rights similar to permanent contracts. If someone is on a temp contract with no specified end date, this language prevents them from claiming it is a contract of indefinite duration and should continue. (This is separate to the time length after which, regardless of specified end date, I believe all temp/fixed contracts automatically become CIDs. I don't remember the specifics of the amount of time but it is a couple of years.).

16-01-2021 05:23PM

Family member in Dublin was sent an eoi for customs, I see they have sent them out a couple of times since last year but they are wondering if anyone went for the role if they had feedback on it on now they are finding things, are you given any option of where to work eg airport/port/mail centre ect?

I am me123 · 16-01-2021 06:30PM

ari101 wrote: »

This is included for legal reasons. Contracts of indefinite duration have legal rights similar to permanent contracts. If someone is on a temp contract with no specified end date, this language prevents them from claiming it is a contract of indefinite duration and should continue. (This is separate to the time length after which, regardless of specified end date, I believe all temp/fixed contracts automatically become CIDs. I don't remember the specifics of the amount of time but it is a couple of years.).

An end date to my contract wasn't specifed. It was clearly stated that the post was temporary in my job offer & that it 'could not result in a contract of indefinite duration'.
From other posters, I gather I got work as promised for the 8 weeks as I was originally guaranteed, unfortunately my contract wasnt renewed.

Sadie_cakes · 16-01-2021 06:30PM

I placed oom 40’s batch 16 and was contacted about clearance/vetting on wed and they asked for permission to contact reference the next day. Just wondering how long it usually takes to find out the dept I’m being considered for?

katiem111 · 16-01-2021 10:55PM

Hi, got perm CO in Nov. Turn up and find out have been assigned to Facilities Management. Long story short, I'm doing Service Officers work covering hols and sick leave, non clerical shift work, and my duties include checking hand sanitisers, fire extinguishers and making sure all the windows are closed at lock up. I can't afford to rock the boat but this seems like gross misrepresentation to me. Everyone is WFH, so have no-one to talk to, am disheartened at the prospect of doing this for at least the next 22 months. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Mrs OBumble · 17-01-2021 05:15PM

katiem111 wrote: »

Hi, got perm CO in Nov. Turn up and find out have been assigned to Facilities Management. Long story short, I'm doing Service Officers work covering hols and sick leave, non clerical shift work, and my duties include checking hand sanitisers, fire extinguishers and making sure all the windows are closed at lock up. I can't afford to rock the boat but this seems like gross misrepresentation to me. Everyone is WFH, so have no-one to talk to, am disheartened at the prospect of doing this for at least the next 22 months. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Mis-representation? The job may be called "clerical officer" but there's no promise of clerical work, you may be assigned to a wide range of duties. May people would be delighted to have a job like yours, rather than being glued to a desk reviewing social welfare claims, or stuck in a filing room for the whole week.

Use the time to learn everything you can about what happens from your office, and to build as many relationships as possible with people in teams you'd like to be assigned to. (WFH won't last forever.)

Green farmer · 17-01-2021 07:52PM

katiem111 wrote: »

Everyone is WFH, so have no-one to talk to, am disheartened at the prospect of doing this for at least the next 22 months. Any advice would be much appreciated.

could be worse, I'm still sitting on a panel thats barely moved in last 12 months, unable to get anywhere near a start. On the bright side, At least your in the door and can apply to all the internal competitions in a year or so.

doc22 · 17-01-2021 08:02PM

Service officer work on clerical scale is a win

Dublinfan2020 · 17-01-2021 09:13PM

Does anyone know the OOM for Dublin for interview stage

newbie18892 · 17-01-2021 10:55PM

Dublinfan2020 wrote: »

Does anyone know the OOM for Dublin for interview stage

They told me last week that they had interviewed up to OOM 1173.

ricksanchez · 17-01-2021 11:18PM

newbie18892 wrote: »

They told me last week that they had interviewed up to OOM 1173.

I'm curious why they're still interviewing. Like, they have at least 19 batches that I know of and they're currently on batch 16. Supposedly the campaign ends in May.

Do they really need to keep interviewing when there's so many per batch waiting to be placed? Either way, I hope it's a good sign they're still adding to them, but maybe it's just the done thing?

katiem111 · 18-01-2021 10:18AM

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Mis-representation? The job may be called "clerical officer" but there's no promise of clerical work, you may be assigned to a wide range of duties. May people would be delighted to have a job like yours, rather than being glued to a desk reviewing social welfare claims, or stuck in a filing room for the whole week.

Use the time to learn everything you can about what happens from your office, and to build as many relationships as possible with people in teams you'd like to be assigned to. (WFH won't last forever.)

The role of a Clerical Officer includes providing comprehensive general administrative and clerical support to a section or department. Clerical Officers works as part of a team to meet work goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internal and external customers.

Perhaps I misunderstood the role.

The building has been empty since I started. I have met no-one, and am unlikely to do so for many months, unfortunately.

katiem111 · 18-01-2021 10:23AM

Green farmer wrote: »

could be worse, I'm still sitting on a panel thats barely moved in last 12 months, unable to get anywhere near a start. On the bright side, At least your in the door and can apply to all the internal competitions in a year or so.

Hi, yes, I do appreciate I'm lucky to have a job. I applied in 2018 but didn't make it, so was delighted to get through this time. Have been looking forward to this since March, just a disappointment that its not at all what I expected. Will just have to suck it up!

tinofapples · 18-01-2021 10:30AM

katiem111 wrote: »

Hi, yes, I do appreciate I'm lucky to have a job. I applied in 2018 but didn't make it, so was delighted to get through this time. Have been looking forward to this since March, just a disappointment that its not at all what I expected. Will just have to suck it up!

Try not to overthink it, it won't be like that forever. To be fair to you it's not easy starting ANY job under the circumstances, where you don't have someone with experience to bounce off or just company. Most people apply thinking of a 9-5 role so the shift-work must have come as a great surprise too.

People be kind

katiem111 · 18-01-2021 10:35AM

doc22 wrote: »

Service officer work on clerical scale is a win

You may be right but I didn't apply for a Service Officer position. I don't want to get up at 5am, or get home at 8pm. I could have got those hours working in my local service station.

katiem111 · 18-01-2021 10:39AM

tinofapples wrote: »

Try not to overthink it, it won't be like that forever. To be fair to you it's not easy starting ANY job under the circumstances, where you don't have someone with experience to bounce off or just company. Most people apply thinking of a 9-5 role so the shift-work must have come as a great surprise too.

People be kind

Thanks, feeling a bit sorry for myself. Distinct lack of sympathy for my tale of woe

Clerical Officer 2020

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