HSE Covid Swabbing roles

Furious-Red · 30-09-2020 9:15pm

Yea i emailed them on Monday evening just to follow up since I hadn't heard back since sending the gardai vetting over 2 weeks ago but nothing.

Ioma · 30-09-2020 10:21pm

Hey All
Just watching the Tonight Show on TV3 Paul Reid of HSE on & Ciara grilling him about the Swabbers etc , he said 280 have been cleared for Garda Vetting & will be starting in their roles next week

Ioma · 01-10-2020 5:15pm

Just got this email
Dear Applicant,

I can confirm we have received your application. The team are currently shortlisting staff.

We have received a significant number of applications which will need to go through, we will get back to all applicants in due course.

Kindest Regards,
HBS Recruitment Services

beenhad · 01-10-2020 5:58pm

Have my rescheduled interview tomorrow at 9.40 so I'll keep you posted. Hopefully the Microsoft team works this time.

fionnr01 · 02-10-2020 8:18pm

beenhad wrote: »

Have my rescheduled interview tomorrow at 9.40 so I'll keep you posted. Hopefully the Microsoft team works this time.

How did it go? Um scheduled for next Friday.

starburst87 · 02-10-2020 8:42pm

beenhad wrote: »

Have my rescheduled interview tomorrow at 9.40 so I'll keep you posted. Hopefully the Microsoft team works this time.

Hope it went well, I have an interview on Tuesday

beenhad · 02-10-2020 9:04pm

Well it went ahead! Microsoft teams worked! Asked for general employment background. There were 2 people. Then asked about a time you improved a work practice, role you played etc. Also asked about team work and an example of what you contributed to ensuring good team work. Questions about infection control measures, also would you see any difficulties wearing PPE gear. How would you deal with people presenting for tests, usual scenario based questions, what would you do if such and such happened. Lasted approx 30 mins. One asking questions and the other taking notes. Very nice interview.
So hope that helps anyone going for interview. Said an aftercare team will be in touch with result of interview shortly. Good luck to anyone going for interview.

starburst87 · 02-10-2020 9:29pm

beenhad wrote: »

Well it went ahead! Microsoft teams worked! Asked for general employment background. There were 2 people. Then asked about a time you improved a work practice, role you played etc. Also asked about team work and an example of what you contributed to ensuring good team work. Questions about infection control measures, also would you see any difficulties wearing PPE gear. How would you deal with people presenting for tests, usual scenario based questions, what would you do if such and such happened. Lasted approx 30 mins. One asking questions and the other taking notes. Very nice interview.
So hope that helps anyone going for interview. Said an aftercare team will be in touch with result of interview shortly. Good luck to anyone going for interview.

Thanks for the info, glad to hear it went well, I will go over the interview prep booklet tomorrow and Sunday, fingers crossed for you

Tilytally · 02-10-2020 10:23pm

beenhad wrote: »

Well it went ahead! Microsoft teams worked! Asked for general employment background. There were 2 people. Then asked about a time you improved a work practice, role you played etc. Also asked about team work and an example of what you contributed to ensuring good team work. Questions about infection control measures, also would you see any difficulties wearing PPE gear. How would you deal with people presenting for tests, usual scenario based questions, what would you do if such and such happened. Lasted approx 30 mins. One asking questions and the other taking notes. Very nice interview.
So hope that helps anyone going for interview. Said an aftercare team will be in touch with result of interview shortly. Good luck to anyone going for interview.

Thank you for the info, great to hear it seems straightforward. Best of luck to you and all with interviews!

beenhad · 04-10-2020 4:00pm

Had an email off HBS yesterday asking for permission to contact my referees. I'm hoping this means pending references I'll be offered a job? What do you think?

starburst87 · 04-10-2020 5:18pm

beenhad wrote: »

Had an email off HBS yesterday asking for permission to contact my referees. I'm hoping this means pending references I'll be offered a job? What do you think?

I would imagine so beenhad, that's brilliant and very quick, thanks for the update, it all sounds good ðŸ‘ Well done

Tilytally · 05-10-2020 5:02pm

beenhad wrote: »

Had an email off HBS yesterday asking for permission to contact my referees. I'm hoping this means pending references I'll be offered a job? What do you think?

All sounds very promising, well done to you! Please let us know how you get on, you have been so helpful with providing updates throughout your process, thank you.

starburst87 · 05-10-2020 7:42pm

Interview tomorrow, I'm bricking it, I have just about brushed up on everything, I will update tomorrow

beenhad · 05-10-2020 8:05pm

Best of luck! Don't worry, they are really nice. Ye keep us posted

Shark7 · 05-10-2020 9:46pm

Ioma wrote: »

Just got this email
Dear Applicant,

I can confirm we have received your application. The team are currently shortlisting staff.

We have received a significant number of applications which will need to go through, we will get back to all applicants in due course.

Kindest Regards,
HBS Recruitment Services

My friend just got this same email there now, have you heard anything since?

fionnr01 · 06-10-2020 10:20am

beenhad wrote: »

Had an email off HBS yesterday asking for permission to contact my referees. I'm hoping this means pending references I'll be offered a job? What do you think?

That sounds like u got it well done.. Did they give u any further info re hours of work etc?

starburst87 · 06-10-2020 7:13pm

So it's done and dusted, they asked about team work and a real life example, also looked for examples of communication, what would you do if this happened, what would you do in this situation, asked about ppe and infection control, one lady interviewing and another taking notes, they were both lovely.

Fingers crossed for us all

Tilytally · 06-10-2020 7:53pm

starburst87 wrote: »

So it's done and dusted, they asked about team work and a real life example, also looked for examples of communication, what would you do if this happened, what would you do in this situation, asked about ppe and infection control, one lady interviewing and another taking notes, they were both lovely.

Fingers crossed for us all

Well done, I'm sure that's a relief to have it completed. Best of luck!

pegdrums · 06-10-2020 9:09pm

Hi all, just reading up on this thread here. Its somewhat of a relief that everything seems to be moving so slowly.
Glad to hear some of you received work, congratulations. Hope its going well.

I applied for this role on the 11th September and received the 'Garda vetting invitation.'
I completed the one page form I received and its been radio silence since.

My question is about the Garda vetting.
I work in a language school and recently completed a Garda vetting form where I had to write down every single address I've lived at and the dates. A huge P.IT.A but got it sorted.

With this invitation it was just a one page form with my personal details and current adress.

Am I missing something here? Did I miss all the pages where I have to write down all my addresses? I completed the form electronically signed it and submitted it.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Here is the email I received.
Hi *%!@%*

Please find below a link to the National Garda Vetting Invitation form which must be completed and signed before we can continue with your application.

The role you are being vetted for is Community Swabber conducting tests for COVID19 on Children and Vulnerable Adults

Please use the link below to start the vetting process

Ioma · 06-10-2020 9:49pm

Shark7 wrote: »

My friend just got this same email there now, have you heard anything since?

No silence since, nothing at all

Ioma · 06-10-2020 9:51pm

Kildare test center now looking for Volunteers
https://www.i-vol.ie/volunteer-opportunity/?ID=a004G00000llPmL&fbclid=IwAR1v1wAEQ3qz6hc6MspTldsN8Bx6BFP7PsexW90GMT8mlmx92-1Of-AX

pegdrums · 06-10-2020 9:58pm

Ioma wrote: »

Kildare test center now looking for Volunteers
https://www.i-vol.ie/volunteer-opportunity/?ID=a004G00000llPmL&fbclid=IwAR1v1wAEQ3qz6hc6MspTldsN8Bx6BFP7PsexW90GMT8mlmx92-1Of-AX

So some centres looking for volunteers while others employing swabbers?

pegdrums · 06-10-2020 9:58pm

What was the Garda vetting situation for you?

kjpf · 07-10-2020 2:18pm

Has anyone applied for or started the contact tracing positions? I applied a couple weeks ago, since then I have filled out the Garda vetting, pre-placement health assessment and had a phone interview but have heard nothing back in the last week.

alzo93 · 07-10-2020 4:12pm

kjpf wrote: »

Has anyone applied for or started the contact tracing positions? I applied a couple weeks ago, since then I have filled out the Garda vetting, pre-placement health assessment and had a phone interview but have heard nothing back in the last week.

I applied a few weeks back and got an email early last week for the Garda vetting and a phone call last Thursday with the phone interview but nothing after that.

What was the health assessment you had to do? I haven't received anything like that!

I'm not too worried that I haven't heard anything yet as I know the Garda vetting office is a little backed up with the extra safety protocols in place and the high number of applications they need to go through. Just before I got of the phone with the recruiter, they just said to keep an eye on my email in case they need additional information and to be as fast as as possible getting it back to them as they're trying to fill the roles quickly because they need to get people from other government agencies back to their proper job so they're filling the jobs as people complete the background check process.

Hopefully we'll hear something soon though! Good luck!

kjpf · 07-10-2020 4:22pm

alzo93 wrote: »

I applied a few weeks back and got an email early last week for the Garda vetting and a phone call last Thursday with the phone interview but nothing after that.

What was the health assessment you had to do? I haven't received anything like that!

I'm not too worried that I haven't heard anything yet as I know the Garda vetting office is a little backed up with the extra safety protocols in place and the high number of applications they need to go through. Just before I got of the phone with the recruiter, they just said to keep an eye on my email in case they need additional information and to be as fast as as possible getting it back to them as they're trying to fill the roles quickly because they need to get people from other government agencies back to their proper job so they're filling the jobs as people complete the background check process.

Hopefully we'll hear something soon though! Good luck!

The pre placement heath assessment was just a form where i had to put in my GP details, previous employment (strange) and if I had taken any sick leave in the last two years and if I have any health conditions.

Did you get any confirmation from the Garda vetting that they had submitted your information? In my previous jobs I have always got confirmation from the Garda vetting dept saying your employer has submitted your information for vetting.

alzo93 · 07-10-2020 4:53pm

kjpf wrote: »

The pre placement heath assessment was just a form where i had to put in my GP details, previous employment (strange) and if I had taken any sick leave in the last two years and if I have any health conditions.

Did you get any confirmation from the Garda vetting that they had submitted your information? In my previous jobs I have always got confirmation from the Garda vetting dept saying your employer has submitted your information for vetting.

No, I just got an email with a copy of what I had submitted.

When I was on the phone with the recruiter they said that they'd be happy to send me forward to be vetted so my thinking is that they don't actually submit your information for vetting until after you've spoken to someone on the phone and that they send out the email about it in advance just to be a little more prepared.

Given that you've done a medical assessment form I'd say you're a little further ahead in the process then I am but it's still frustrating that they can't even send a quick email to be like hey, we're still working on your application and we'll get back to you soon just so we actually know what's going on with it!

Tilytally · 07-10-2020 6:50pm

pegdrums wrote: »

Hi all, just reading up on this thread here. Its somewhat of a relief that everything seems to be moving so slowly.
Glad to hear some of you received work, congratulations. Hope its going well.

I applied for this role on the 11th September and received the 'Garda vetting invitation.'
I completed the one page form I received and its been radio silence since.

My question is about the Garda vetting.
I work in a language school and recently completed a Garda vetting form where I had to write down every single address I've lived at and the dates. A huge P.IT.A but got it sorted.

With this invitation it was just a one page form with my personal details and current adress.

Am I missing something here? Did I miss all the pages where I have to write down all my addresses? I completed the form electronically signed it and submitted it.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Here is the email I received.
Hi *%!@%*

Please find below a link to the National Garda Vetting Invitation form which must be completed and signed before we can continue with your application.

The role you are being vetted for is Community Swabber conducting tests for COVID19 on Children and Vulnerable Adults

Please use the link below to start the vetting process

Hi pegdrums,

Exactly the same for me, just one page however I also had previously filled out a garda vetting form with every address which I needed to do for an overseas visa several years ago. Still waiting for an update, it's quite frustrating but I am impatient at the best of times lol.

pegdrums · 07-10-2020 10:38pm

Cheers Tilly.

Seems patience is key here. I sent HBS an enquiry but haven't heard back.

beenhad · 08-10-2020 12:19am

Hi
You will get an email from the gardaí requesting to click on link which takes you to the form to fill out all previous addresses. The initial form was to give permission to receive email from gardaí to then proceed and complete evetting form. I got mine today. Hope this helps.

pegdrums · 08-10-2020 12:41am

beenhad wrote: »

Hi
You will get an email from the gardaí requesting to click on link which takes you to the form to fill out all previous addresses. The initial form was to give permission to receive email from gardaí to then proceed and complete evetting form. I got mine today. Hope this helps.

That makes sense, cheers. How long were you waiting from invitation to today?

starburst87 · 08-10-2020 9:55am

I had my interview on Tuesday, I just received an email asking me to complete a Pre-Placement Health Assessment Form.

Beenhad can I ask did you receive this?

I didn't receive anything for garda vetting so it's making me wonder.

Surely if I didn't pass the interview they would not ask for me to complete this form.

alzo93 · 08-10-2020 2:24pm

I've just seen on twitter that, at the HSE weekly operational briefing, Paul Reed has said that;

100 swabbers starting between this week and next

65 Tracers starting this week with another 75 due to start next week

He didn't give any indication as to how many positions they're looking to fill for each role unfortunately. Hopefully we'll all hear something soon though!

fionnr01 · 08-10-2020 4:37pm

alzo93 wrote: »

I've just seen on twitter that, at the HSE weekly operational briefing, Paul Reed has said that;

100 swabbers starting between this week and next

65 Tracers starting this week with another 75 due to start next week

He didn't give any indication as to how many positions they're looking to fill for each role unfortunately. Hopefully we'll all hear something soon though!

They said 700 swabbers at the beginning

Rickwellwood · 08-10-2020 8:36pm

I did interview for swabber job and thanks to beenhad and others for guidance so far. Very much appreciated. Got the pre-med assessment form/pdf today. Was asked for references and as I lived abroad for several years have to get police clearance from there too.

Has anyone started the swabber job as yet?

Im currently working in a factory, permanent contract am wondering as swabber job is temp contract but "with a possibility of being put on a panel for further temp and contract roles within HSE" am i mad to be thinking of chucking in my factory job for something I'd much prefer to do and better money on the short term? Ive gone as far as I can in the factory......

Any opinions welcome thanks all and best of luck to everyone on this. I'm planning on staying the course on this until an offer might or might not materialise and then I've a decision to make.

Thanks all and will keep ye posted as things happen

pegdrums · 09-10-2020 9:40am

Rickwellwood wrote: »

I did interview for swabber job and thanks to beenhad and others for guidance so far. Very much appreciated. Got the pre-med assessment form/pdf today. Was asked for references and as I lived abroad for several years have to get police clearance from there too.

Has anyone started the swabber job as yet?

Im currently working in a factory, permanent contract am wondering as swabber job is temp contract but "with a possibility of being put on a panel for further temp and contract roles within HSE" am i mad to be thinking of chucking in my factory job for something I'd much prefer to do and better money on the short term? Ive gone as far as I can in the factory......

Any opinions welcome thanks all and best of luck to everyone on this. I'm planning on staying the course on this until an offer might or might not materialise and then I've a decision to make.

Thanks all and will keep ye posted as things happen

I feel Im in a similar situation to you. I'm teaching English as a foreign language and also feel I've gone as far as I can and have ben looking to get into something with more steps to its ladder so to speak. Also, it's an unreliable industry.

Safe option is stay on the merry go round. Scary option is jump off and take a new direction.

My 2 cents would be to take the opportunity if it arises. It will give you a taste of a new area, and experience in a health role/ environment. You could do a part time course in an area you are interested while doing this job and when the contract ends be in a good position to move to the next opportunity this time with a more refined view of what ya want to do and where ya want to be. Also you'll have experience within the HSE so if other roles come up you'll have internal reference which can't be a bad thing.

Best of luck with it whichever decision ya make.

fionnr01 · 09-10-2020 11:04am

I had my interview this am, same questions as others stated prev, eg of teamwork, conflict within a team, infection control measures.... Lovely interviewers so fingers crossed

Rickwellwood · 10-10-2020 11:57am

Received emails yesterday and today requesting further details on my pre assessment health form and also my vaccinations history. Not sure if others are getting the same emails but probably are. The momentum is continuing on this definitely which is a good sign and I suppose if they're still asking questions and emails and all that I'm in with a decent shout.
... @pegdrums many thanks for your 2 cents as you say I'm staying the course on this process and its something new and would be great experience too also if you're already in their system it should be easier to access other roles further down the line.
Best of luck to everyone involved in this.

beenhad · 11-10-2020 9:06pm

Hi there
Yes have filled out health assessment and also received immunisation form re TB, Hep B etc. I would email them if you still have not received evetting link from gardaí. Sounds like they're moving you forward in the process. Good luck

fionnr01 · 11-10-2020 10:22pm

beenhad wrote: »

Hi there
Yes have filled out health assessment and also received immunisation form re TB, Hep B etc. I would email them if you still have not received evetting link from gardaí. Sounds like they're moving you forward in the process. Good luck

They have requested to contact my referees also so im hopeful of an offer.... Have you received an official offer yet? Just wondering about the timeline aprox, think u did ur interview a wk before me?

beenhad · 12-10-2020 2:32pm

No offer of job as of yet! Occ Health rang to verify immunisation record on Friday. Have heard nothing since. So we shall wait......

alzo93 · 12-10-2020 4:14pm

Has anyone that applied for the contact tracing heard anything back yet?

It'll be 2 weeks tomorrow since I sent in the initial email to begin vetting and 2 weeks on Thursday since I spoke to the recruiter. Just wondering if I should expect to hear something this week or if a longer wait should be expected?

I'm impatient at the best of times so I'm getting a little anxious!

Awwwwfook · 13-10-2020 4:41pm

I'm starting on Thursday after completing all the nonsense they looked for.

fionnr01 · 13-10-2020 4:47pm

Awwwwfook wrote: »

I'm starting on Thursday after completing all the nonsense they looked for.

Oh interesting.... What kind of roster do you know? are you doung training first.... oh ive so many questions!!!

alzo93 · 13-10-2020 4:58pm

Awwwwfook wrote: »

I'm starting on Thursday after completing all the nonsense they looked for.

First off, congrats on getting in, I hope you enjoy the experience!

Second, can you elaborate a little on what the recruitment process was like? I just received and sent back the medical questionnaire and am curious to know how far along I am. Also, do they assign you to a location or can you pick it?

Good luck on Thursday, I'm sure you'll do great!

Awwwwfook · 13-10-2020 5:25pm

fionnr01 wrote: »

Oh interesting.... What kind of roster do you know? are you doung training first.... oh ive so many questions!!!

I'll try answer what I can.
Firstly I've worked as a Swabber through an agency since the end of July so I don't need training. I'm staying in the center I'm currently in.
The roster is dependant on location of test centre and they all vary. I'm doing 9 to 6 - 5 days a week currently but that changes every few weeks.

Awwwwfook · 13-10-2020 5:30pm

alzo93 wrote: »

First off, congrats on getting in, I hope you enjoy the experience!

Second, can you elaborate a little on what the recruitment process was like? I just received and sent back the medical questionnaire and am curious to know how far along I am. Also, do they assign you to a location or can you pick it?

Good luck on Thursday, I'm sure you'll do great!

Thanks! So I had interview on Sept 22nd.
Since then I filled in all necessary forms.
You should get a call from Occ Health next.

Once they clear you and your vetting and references are cleared you might get a document with a job offer and asking do you wish to do full time or part time. I got that a week ago.

I got contract today to start on Thursday!

I was assigned my second preference but as I'm currently working through an agency in my first preference the regional manager is keeping me where I am.

fionnr01 · 13-10-2020 6:12pm

Awwwwfook wrote: »

Thanks! So I had interview on Sept 22nd.
Since then I filled in all necessary forms.
You should get a call from Occ Health next.

Once they clear you and your vetting and references are cleared you might get a document with a job offer and asking do you wish to do full time or part time. I got that a week ago.

I got contract today to start on Thursday!

I was assigned my second preference but as I'm currently working through an agency in my first preference the regional manager is keeping me where I am.

Great info thank you... Do you mind me asking what county you in? No prob if u dont want to share that info. Congratulations on getting the job.

Awwwwfook · 13-10-2020 7:32pm

fionnr01 wrote: »

Great info thank you... Do you mind me asking what county you in? No prob if u dont want to share that info. Congratulations on getting the job.

I'll PM you there. Anymore questions just ask. It seems to be all over the place. I was put in band 1 so was interviewed fairly fast. Good luck. It's a great job but exhausting.

fionnr01 · 13-10-2020 7:41pm

Awwwwfook wrote: »

I'll PM you there. Anymore questions just ask. It seems to be all over the place. I was put in band 1 so was interviewed fairly fast. Good luck. It's a great job but exhausting.

Thanks so much.... Those hours are long 9 -6... esp if alot of standing around in the cold....

HSE Covid Swabbing roles

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